Amino acid therapy is a term used to describe the use of supplemental amino acids to help balance brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Although there are 22 known amino acids, only a few have a substantial impact on neurotransmitter levels; these include tryptophan (via 5-HTP), tyrosine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid.
Amino acid therapy entails supplying each person the right balance of amino acids they need along with the other nutrients needed (called cofactors) to restore proper neurotransmitter function. The exact balance of amino acids and cofactors needed by each person is unique to them and often requires specific laboratory testing to determine the correct dosing; however, once this level is achieved, most or all of the symptoms associated with that imbalance disappear.
Neurotransmitters – What they are and What they do
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help relay information throughout the body. They control many of your bodily functions, including mood, focus, concentration, memory, body temperature, appetite, cravings, sleep, compulsions, addictions, pain tolerance, hormone balance and many others. Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels are often the root cause of many disorders associated with these functions, including:
| Depression | Anxiety | Migraines |
| Insomnia | Cravings | Increased appetite |
| Low pain tolerance | Hot flashes | Mood swings |
| PMS | Sleep difficulties | Poor memory |
| Weight gain | Poor weight loss | Hormone imbalances |
| Poor mental focus | Poor concentration | Restless legs |
| Fibromyalgia | Fatigue/Chronic fatigue | Poor thyroid function |
| Parkinson’s Disease | ADD/ADHD | Trichotillomania |
| Addictions | Binging behavior | Eating disorders |
| Obsessive thoughts | Compulsion | Crohn’s disease |
The key point is that when imbalances in neurotransmitters occur, information is not relayed optimally in the brain which causes symptoms. Most people exhibit more than one of the conditions listed above but fail to make the connection between them. This connection is often missed because most medical professionals are not taught about the effects neurotransmitters have outside of how various medications are used to try and manipulate symptoms in the body. The unfortunate consequence of this is that many people suffering from the conditions above endure needless suffering.
Amino acid therapy can do what drugs cannot: address the root cause of neurotransmitter imbalance. Drugs can only shuffle neurotransmitters from one place to another, often with the undesired consequence of neurotransmitter depletion and/or further imbalance over time. Amino acid therapy involves giving the body what it needs to make the needed neurotransmitters and restore proper neurotransmitter function. By using amino acid therapy, a practitioner can formulate a unique plan for each person to address their specific needs so their body can function optimally. Once this happens, all the symptoms that are due to neurotransmitter imbalance will improve and/or disappear.
