As we are working with people to correct their underlying neurotransmitter imbalances it is not unusual for people to require several urine tests to help us determine the exact amount of 5-HTP, L-tyrosine, L-dopa and/or necessary cofactors to achieve proper neurotransmitter function. Over the years, it became evident that there was a small minority of people (between 6-8%) that required much higher levels of dopamine than their peers. This group is labeled as having dopamine dominance.
Marty Hinz, MD, has led the research efforts to characterize dopamine dominance. From his research, it appears that dopamine dominance is a spectrum of disease manifestations. On the far right of the spectrum is end stage Parkinson’s disease. On the far left of the spectrum are people with no Parkinson’s disease symptoms who are dopamine dominant. According to Dr. Hinz, all people with dopamine dominance are at high risk of disease progression due to nutritional collapse.
However, all is not lost with these people that are dopamine dominant. We have a protocol called a Dopamine Challenge that utilizes D5 Mucuna 40% to help us determine a person’s need for dopamine as quickly as possible.
D5 Mucuna 40% is a standardized, safe and natural source of L-dopa that supplies 120 mg of L-dopa in every capsule. Using D5 Mucuna 40% during a Dopamine Challenge has many advantages. First, D5 Mucuna 40% is standardized to contain 40% L-dopa in every capsule; this equates to 120 mg per capsule.
Standardization is very important when it comes to herbal compounds. The L-dopa in D5 Mucuna 40% is derived from a legume called mucuna pruriens. Standardization is necessary to get a consistent product, as the amount of L-dopa in mucuna pruriens varies widely due to growing conditions and processing. Most standardized products contain only 5-15% L-dopa per capsule. This means a person with dopamine dominance may end up taking dozens if not hundreds of pills daily to meet their dopamine needs. D5 Mucuna 40% contains 40% L-dopa. To our knowledge, this is the highest standardized amount available anywhere, which allows you to take fewer pills to achieve the desired results.
Even though dopamine dominance has only been documented in 6-8% of those using amino acid therapy to correct underlying neurotransmitter imbalances, its prevalence is higher in certain populations, including those with anxiety, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, depression, panic attacks, trichotillomania, insomnia, OCD, memory problems and chronic fatigue.
If you have tried amino acid therapy and not gotten the results you were hoping for, it is possible you are dopamine dominant and didn’t know it. Give us a call and let us help you correct your underlying neurotransmitter imbalances so you can eliminate your symptoms and get on with your life.
My husband has Parkinsons disease. I have heard about mucuna and how it might help my husband. What should be my first step in finding out how to take this product, D5 Mucuna 40%
Thank you
Mrs. Theresa Kersey
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for the comment; I would suggest you begin by contacting NeuroSupport to see if there is a provider near you: http://www.neurosupport.com; if not, we can likely help. To get started, follow the instructions here: http://naturalsolutionsforparkinsonsdisease.com/getting-started-with-amino-acid-therapy-faqs/.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
I’m on suboxone my Dr is trying to put me on the hinz protocol to help me get off of it he said it will help me with energy and depression is this true
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the comment. Amino acid therapy is often very effective at addressing the underlying neurotransmitter dysfunction that can lead to fatigue and depression (as well to counter the effects of medication-induced neurotransmitter imbalance), so it would definitely be worth a try. If your current provider is not skilled in the use of amino acid therapy, I would suggest you contact NeuroReasearch to find a provider near you: http://www.neurosupport.com.
Good luck!
Dr. Chad
How do I call you to find aut about your product and protocol ?
Hi Linda,
You can learn more about these protocols a number of ways; I would suggest first looking at http://www.neurosupport.com if you are interested in further training. You will also want to read the peer-reviewed papers that are listed on that site. If/when you are ready to get started, you can contact Neurosupport (same url) to see if there are any providers near you. If not, please contact us and we’ll be happy to work with you.
Happy reading!
Dr. Chad
I’m trying D5 40% mucuna powder with B6 vitamins (I’m taking several other vitamins for awhile now ). D5 does wonderful for about 1-1 1/2 hrs then I am sitting till the next dose. I went from 2.6 grams now I am at 4 grams 3 times a day after 3 weeks Sleep ( there is maybe 2 hrs ). Pain is in my body has gotten worse
Any help. Greatly appreciated.
Hi Judy – thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, I’d need quite a bit more information in order to give you the guidance you are looking for. If you’d like us to help, please contact us and set up an initial consultation at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Hey Dr, Chad, I have Parkinson’s (diag at age 50, 7 years ago). I have been going through the hinz protocol for over a year and suffered through it’s many Amino acid machinations. Today my provider tells me that I cannot achieve competitive Inhibition (and hence maximum symptom relief) because I am dopamine dominant and cannot endure pill stops due to restless leg syndrome. Is this true?
Hi Arlon,
Thanks for contacting us; without knowing more about your case history, I really can’t say what is/is not possible. However, I can tell you it is a rare case when we cannot achieve optimal symptoms relief by altering the amino acids and using testing to guide our recommendations. If we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to contact us: http://naturalsolutionsforparkinsonsdisease.com/getting-started-with-amino-acid-therapy-faqs/.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad