Amino Acids and Iron Level Power
In an article I read in Aternative Medicine by Kristin Bjornsen, she mentions that evidence has been found pointing to the importance of balanced amino acids , the building blocks for dopamine and other neurotransmitters and iron levels. The article goes on to say that:
“One amino acid in particular seemed to play a starring role: L-theanine…….taking 100 mg three times a day has improved (RLS) symptoms tremendously. L-theanine is found in green tea and is available as a supplement at health stores. RLS sufferers should opt for the supplement form, rather than the caffeine-laden tea. According to Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, director of The Annapolis Center for Effective CFS/Fibromyalgia Therapies and author of Pain Free 1-2-3 (McGraw Hill, 2006), “L-theanine is one of the single best nutrients for inducing deep sleep, [which is vital for RLS sufferers], although it doesn’t necessarily target Restless Legs Syndrome specifically.” He suggests trying 1,000 mg of tyrosine (a precursor of dopamine) in the morning as another source of relief. Sufferers can also opt to have a doctor analyze their blood and urine to detect possible amino-acid deficiencies and tailor a specific treatment to restore proper levels. Although L-theanine has worked well …………a primary frontline defense for RLS is iron-and iron levels should be the first thing checked if someone exhibits RLS symptoms. “Low iron is a potent trigger because the part of the brain that makes dopamine is iron dependent,” Jacob Teitelbaum, says, about 25 percent of RLS sufferers have low iron levels, so supplementing with iron is “one of the most effective treatments for eliminating the underlying condition.” According to Teitelbaum, a blood ferritin level below 40 or an iron percent saturation below 22 percent warrants supplementing with 70 mg of iron plus 150 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for three to six months. Take them on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. “
I believe strongly that what we take into our bodies effects our health, and that when we are not eating a healthy diet, we are inviting disease and life long problems. As we age it is also harder to maintain a healthly chemical balance in our bodies and therefore it is important that we get blood tests that can indicate which essential chemicals, minerals, etc., are low. So if you haven’t had your blood tested in a long time may I suggest that you consider getting it done as soon as possible?
More things to think about.
Kris
