L-Theanine - Does It Relieve Anxiety and Stress ?
L-Theanine Helps You Be Calm, Relaxed and Less Stressed.......and More !
Anxiety and stress are energy sapping conditions that can upset our hormone balance and damage our feeling of well-being, and emotional balance. They can also lead to depression, a serious and debilitating condition that effectively kill our joy in living.
Nearly 65% of all people have suffered from some form of anxiety, and even more experience stress. The lives we lead with busy jobs, families, and high demands on our time are causing more and more stress, every day. Because of this, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our levels of stress and to calm ourselves and relax. In 1998 alone, $4.79 billion dollars were spent on anti-deppressant drugs and over 700 million on drugs for anxiety. Even though these drugs have many side effects, people still take them because the alternative is too painful and health endangering to live with.
L-Theanine is found in carmellia sinesis, the tea plant. When taken by adults, it increases dopamine and seratonin, which are chemicals in the brain which when released produce a sense of calm, relaxation and well-being. This is why L-Theanine is such a popular supplement. If you are interested in learning about L-Theanine and how it helps stress and anxiety, as well as a myriad of other benefits, please read on. This lens contains all the information you need to make a decision as to whether it is a supplement you want to take.
~photo courtesy of Flickr.com
How Does L-Theanine Work ?
The method of L-Theanine in helping with stress and anxiety is not exactly clear. It is generally felt that this amino acid increases the levels of GABA. (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin, both naturally occurring brain chemicals that help to calm and relax us. It is also thought to lower norepinephrine levels, which is what helps lower our blood pressure.
For more technical information on how L-Theanine helps mood, stress and anxiety, see: L-Theanine.com
When Should I Take L-Theanine ?
How Much Should I Take ?
L-Theanine can be taken daily or on an as needed basis, whichever works better. If you want to take it as needed, it can be taken at the first sign distress. It should begin to take effect within 30 minutes, and effectively lasts for about 8 hours. Dosage should be between 50 to 200 mg. More can be taken, if needed, but not more than 600 mg in any 6 hour period. The FDA's recommended dosage is not more than 1200 mg a day, though why the limit is recommended is unclear, as taking higher levels has never shown to be unsafe in any way, and there are no side effects.
~photo courtesy of Flickr.com
L-Theanine: The Relaxation Amino Acid - Health Educator Report #16 - $2.50
Written by Drs Sahley and Birkner.
Reports are usually 3 to 5 pages long.
Reports have a protocol at the end.
Has an 800 number you can call with questions.
Available in Digital e book only.
Benefits of L-Theanine
Stress Reduction: Green tea has been used for stress reduction for many years, because it can do so without drowsiness and improving mental alertness. Biological Psychology, January 2007 published a study showing reduced heart rate while doing stressful tasks, compared to a placebo.
Strengthened Immune System: Some animal tests have shown L-Theanine may boost our resistance to cancerous tumors. It may also help the disease-fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells,which will increase immunity against the flu and other infections.
Cosmetic Benefits: Some beauty and cosmetics firms are including L-Theanine in their products, such as their creams and lotions, because it helps mend stressed, dry or unhealthy skin.
L-Theanine supports healthy heart and lung function because of its calming effect, and antioxidants.
L-Theanine can also help in lowering blood pressure, because if its relaxation properties.
L-Theanine helps improve mood and mental alertness.
L-Theanine may help lower triglycerides, weight and body fat
L-theanine effects the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin which results mental alertness, improved memory and the ability to learn new things.
L-Theanine's Relaxing Effects - Pharmacist Sherry Torkos
Source Naturals Theanine Serene - L-Theanine Plus Taurine, GABA and Magnesium
Contains the amino acid L-theanine, helps relax brain activity, taurine to ease tension, GABA which is a calming neurotransmitter and magnesium which relaxes nerves and muscles. A great combination to help you be calm and relaxed.
Possible Drug Interactions - Don't take L-Theanine If You Take These
Stimulant drugs such as diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others. L-Theanine may decrease the effectiveness of stimulants due to its relaxing and calming effects. They should not be taken at the same time.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others. L-Theanine may lower blood pressure, so it it is taken with prescription drugs for doing the same thing, then the blood pressure may dip down dangerously low. They should not be taken together. Do not substitute L-Theanine for your blood pressure medication without your doctors knowledge.
L-Theanine has
no known side effects
L-Theanine Helps Make Cancer Treatments More Effective
Specifically Chemotherapy
L-Theanine has been studied while being taken in conjunction with chemotherapy for cancer. The results were highly encouraging as the L-Theanine appeared to concentrate the treatment drugs around the unhealthy cells and also lower the concentrations around the healthy cells. It also appeared to help with the negative side effects of such cancer treatments, such as nausea, stress and anxiety.
L-Theanine by Now Foods - 60 Vegetarian Capsules, 200 mg
Double Strength
Don't Take L-Theanine If You Have the Following Health Issues
Without Talking to Your Doctor First
~ Kidney or Liver disease
~ Hepatitis
~ Any allergies, especially allergies to food dyes, or preservatives.
~ Any serious or chronic health issue
L-Theanine Relaxation Tea - Liquid - 2 fl oz
A blend of L-Theanine and Chamomile, this tea concentrate is all natural, sugar and caffeine free.
Some drinks are marketed as helping with focus and concentration.
Other drinks for being helpful with relaxation and calming effects.
Both kinds contain L-Theanine.
Stash Premium Green Tea, Tea Bags - Pack of 6, 20-Count Boxes
If you prefer to get L-Theanine the natural way, instead of taking supplements, you can get it from Premium Green Tea. However, you will have to drink many cups per day.
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Disclaimer: The information presented on this page is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own physician