L-Tyrosine for Energy and Good Health

Suzanne Bennett
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid acts as one of the building blocks of protein. When neurotransmitters are created, l-tyrosine plays a big role. It plays a big part in regulating your emotions. Luckily, l-tyrosine is created in your body by another amino acid that is known as phenylalanine. You can also get l-tyrosine from some of the foods you eat. Meat and fish, wheat and oats, and dairy products are rich in l-tyrosine. Fish is called "brain food" because it is rich in l-tyrosine. The neurotransmitters in your brain that help with emotion control (L-dopa, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine) are produced with the help of l-tyrosine.

If you are feeling sad, anxious, irritable, or frustrated, you may have too few neurotransmitters in your system. This is also true if you are have gained weight for no apparent reason. If you eat, yet still feel hungry, you may be lacking dopamine, which works to suppress the appetite. Dopamine also helps keep fat under control by helping maintain your rate of metabolism.

Of course, we all know that the thyroid gland must be functioning properly for effective weight management. The thyroid gland converts the hormone, adrenaline, when you are under stress. If you have lots of stress, you may be using up your l-tyrosine. In addition to stress, a number of factors can deplete your neurotransmitters. For example, if you drink alcohol or partake of caffeine and sugar, you may be having trouble keeping your neurotransmitters on an even keel. Prescription medications can also have this effect. In short, stress, prescription medications, and poor diet can deplete your neurotransmitters and your immune system.

When your immune system is depleted, you will find yourself experiencing more illnesses. You will also have effects that may not be immediately apparent. For example, the ravages of the sun may be greater over time if your immune system is depleted. L-tyrosine can help to protect your skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.

People who seem to be in perfect health may not need to supplement their l-tyrosine. A healthy lifestyle and a good food plan will go a long way toward keeping your l-tyrosine levels balanced and keeping you in excellent health. However, if you are experiencing memory loss, mood disorder, or depression, or if you have a family history of disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer, you would do well to supplement with l-tyrosine. It can't hurt, and it may very well help a great deal. In addition to emotional and metabolic benefits, l-tyrosine just helps you to feel good. It acts as a boost for the libido and increases your levels of energy.

There has not been a great deal of research done on the safety of high dose, long-term, usage of l-tyrosine. However, there have also been very few reports of negative side effect with the use of this supplement. Most people do well with about seven grams of l-tyrosine a day. The specific dose is 100 mg of l-tyrosine for every 2.25 pounds as a general supplement. If you are quite stressed, experiencing weight problems or are engaged in body building, it is advisable to take an increased dose of l-tyrosine for a short time. You could take 500 - 1500 mg a day under these circumstances as long as your physician approves it.

Understand that l-tyrosine is not just an innocuous supplement. The effects that it has on your central nervous system are quite real, so use of l-tyrosine should not be taken lightly. In very rare cases, large amounts of l-tyrosine have been reported to cause heartburn and upset stomach and, even less frequently, allergy symptoms. These may include rash, hives and itching, tightness in the chest and chest pains, and problems with breathing. There are also instances in which some people experience negative mood changes, tiredness, headaches, and tachycardia. These may very well be overdose symptoms. It goes without saying that, if you do have any of these reactions, you should stop using the supplement and contact your physician immediately.

In addition to these precautions, you should be aware that a doctor should supervise the use of l-tyrosine by pregnant women and by children. Additionally, people who have diabetes or other chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson's, severe depression and diagnosed mood disorders must use l-tyrosine only under a doctor's supervision. This is doubly true when prescription medications are already in use. When used in moderation and with proper supervision, l-tyrosine has been proven to be an excellent supplement for mood, memory, and energy levels.

For more on l-tyrosine and other great health boosts, you may enjoy:

Brighten Your Mood & Enhance Your Health With L-Tyrosine
http://hubpages.com/hub/Brighten-Your-Mood-Enhance-Your-Health-With-L-Tyrosine

Advice On Turmeric Powder As A Milder Alternative To Curry Powder
http://advice.com/article/2009/11/11/Advice+on+Turmeric+Powder+as+a+Milder+Alternative+to+Curry+Powder

What Can Chlorella Powder Do for You?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2419052/what_can_chlorella_powder_do_for_you.html?cat=5

Published by Suzanne Bennett

Thank you for visiting! I deeply appreciate the support you offer just by visiting my pages and reading my stories, poems, and articles. It means a great deal to me! I am a Behavioral Science Specialist...  View profile

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