Anxiety manifests itself in different ways under different names (eg. PTSD). For me, it was never bad enough that I couldn't function without medication, but it was bad enough to alter my behaviour and actions. I was prescribed bad ideas like SNRIs and benzos; drugs that have an effect on the neurotransmitters for dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine. As it turns out, pharma drugs aren't the only solution for 'chemical imbalances in the brain'.
When I started working out regularly, I also began supplementing with a whey protein powder that contains lots of amino acids. Aside from the BCAAs that are known for their role in muscle-building, there was also stuff like arginine, glutamic acid, lysine, phenylaline, tyrosine, tryptophan, etc. I began to realize that when I took a dose of this stuff in the morning, it would convert the shitty feeling of nervous anxiety into a sort of happy energy that made the day go by a lot easier. All these extras have a role in the neurotransmitter activity that ties into anxiety.
Arginine and lysine -
Glutamic Acid (Glutamate) -
Tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylaline -
How amino acids differ from the typical herbal solutions to anxiety is that they positively affect the action of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA instead of focusing exclusively on GABA. The issue, I've found, with GABA agonists is that they make me tired and that can rebound and wind up anxious feelings even more in situations that call for quick mentals. There's also the fact that many anxiety sufferers refuse to give up coffee despite how severely too much of it can trigger anxiety. All signs point towards the conclusion that being tired sucks the most, but that's the effect that GABA agonists will produce on their own. And so, balance is necessary.
ps. a GABA agonist before bed is helpful as getting good sleep is also key to reducing overall anxiety. I find lemon balm tea to be great for this as it produces restful sleep without the hangover effect of chamomile.
Everything in quote tags was taken verbatim from here, some cross-referencing was done.
When I started working out regularly, I also began supplementing with a whey protein powder that contains lots of amino acids. Aside from the BCAAs that are known for their role in muscle-building, there was also stuff like arginine, glutamic acid, lysine, phenylaline, tyrosine, tryptophan, etc. I began to realize that when I took a dose of this stuff in the morning, it would convert the shitty feeling of nervous anxiety into a sort of happy energy that made the day go by a lot easier. All these extras have a role in the neurotransmitter activity that ties into anxiety.
Arginine and lysine -
An L-lysine deficiency has been shown to increase stress-induced anxiety in humans (Ghosh 2010; Smriga 2004). L-lysine binds to a serotonin receptor, acting as a serotonin antagonist by inhibiting serotonin reuptake in the synapse (Smriga 2003). When presented with a stressful situation, supplementation with L-lysine and L-arginine reduced anxiety in human subjects (Jezova 2005; Lakhan 2008; Smriga 2007).
Glutamic Acid (Glutamate) -
GABA, a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid glutamate, can be taken in the form of a dietary supplement. GABA is the chief inhibiting, or calming neurotransmitter in the brain, functioning as a brake on the neural circuitry during stress. Low GABA levels are associated with restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and a poor mood. (Nemeroff 2003; Kendell 2005; Kugaya 2005).
Tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylaline -
Insufficient intakes of L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, or L-tyrosine are associated with increased symptoms of anxiety (Hood 2010; Toker 2010; Beacher 2010; Roiser 2008). Supplementation with L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) has been shown to elevate brain serotonin levels and enhance both mood and one’s sense of well being (Hood 2010; Toker 2010; Feurte 2001).
How amino acids differ from the typical herbal solutions to anxiety is that they positively affect the action of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA instead of focusing exclusively on GABA. The issue, I've found, with GABA agonists is that they make me tired and that can rebound and wind up anxious feelings even more in situations that call for quick mentals. There's also the fact that many anxiety sufferers refuse to give up coffee despite how severely too much of it can trigger anxiety. All signs point towards the conclusion that being tired sucks the most, but that's the effect that GABA agonists will produce on their own. And so, balance is necessary.
ps. a GABA agonist before bed is helpful as getting good sleep is also key to reducing overall anxiety. I find lemon balm tea to be great for this as it produces restful sleep without the hangover effect of chamomile.
Everything in quote tags was taken verbatim from here, some cross-referencing was done.