L-Tyrosine –Natural Cures for Depression

What is l-tyrosine?  Rose knows that it is an amino acid which is one of the building blocks of protein that play an important part in regulating emotions by producing neurotransmitters.  Our body naturally makes l-tyrosine from another amino acid, phenylalanine.  Many high protein foods contain l-tyrosine such as; soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans (gotta love those lima beans), pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and wheat and oats.  

Another benefit of l-tyrosine is it helps produce adequate amounts of the neurotransmitters L-dopa, dopamine, nor-epinephrine and epinephrine that are needed to regulate emotion.  If these levels are depleted you will feel sad, anxious, irritable, frustrated and depressed.  In addition, dopamine can help suppress your appetite and reduce body fat, so if you lack these neurotransmitters you may find it easy to gain weight and/or struggle to lose it.  If you are chronically stressed you might have depleted levels of l-tyrosine which converts thyroid hormones to adrenaline. 

You can reduce the depletion of l-tyrosine by limiting your caffeine, sugar and alcohol intake.  Some medications can also interfere with l-tyrosine production.  Some people find it beneficial to take an l-tyrosine supplement to replenish l-tyrosine.  A study reports that taking l-tyrosine supplements are useful during conditions of stress, cold, fatigue, loss of a loved one, prolonged work situations and sleep deprivation with reduction of stress hormones and improvements in cognitive and physical performance.  It calms the body, increases energy and enhances libido. It helps those that suffer from Parkinson’s, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s, dementia, ADD, depression, ADHD, narcolepsy, chronic fatigue, alcohol and cocaine withdrawal, heart disease and stroke, ED and schizophrenia.  Some people take it in a cream form as an anti-wrinkle cream.  L-tyrosine also is an appetite suppressant and can convert the skin pigment melanin that protects the skin from harmful UV light rays. 

Although l-tyrosine is not necessary for most people, but for those that have conditions related to the deficiencies the average dosage is 100 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight.  Known side effects include; nausea, headache, fatigue, heartburn and joint pain.  There have been no known side effects for people that use l-tyrosine for a limited time period.  If you take it in large amounts and/or over a long period of time and experience the above side effects contact your physician.  He/she may recommend an alternative method of treatment.  As with any supplement it is advisable to talk to your doctor especially if you are taking any other medications or have medical conditions.

Special Warnings: Those that are pregnant and breast feeding shouldn’t take l-tyrosine as there is not enough data to support the safety of using this supplement.  It is better to be safe and avoid use. If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or Graves disease taking too much l-tyrosine may increase thyroxine levels too much making hyperthyuroidism and Graves disease worsen. 

If you suffer from depression talk to your doctor about taking a test to see you have low levels of l-tyrosine.   This article is for information only and not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.