STRESS & SEROTONIN

As Stress builds up the body puts out chemicals that help to balance your emotions so that you can better deal with the stress. GABA is one of the first ones that comes to your rescue. GABA is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that calms excessive brain activity and promotes a state of greater relaxation and peace. The problem is if stress, with continuous stress, the body quickly depletes the needed ingredients to make this chemical. The resulting low GABA levels will cause you to feel irritable, easily angered, and short tempered. A little note of warning: Alcohol contains some artificial opioid chemicals that help to temporarily relieve these symptoms. This can, over time, trigger an addiction to reach for an alcoholic beverage when under stress.

The next chemical to be depleted when under stress is 5HTP the precursor to serotonin. When serotonin levels become depleted a whole list of symptoms quickly follow:

Cravings for carbohydrates (they help to form 5HTP)

Cravings for chocolate

Vague muscle aches and pains

Insomnia

Depression

Binge eating

Tension headaches, migraine headaches

PMS headaches, mood swings, and body aches

Generalized fatigue

Joint swellings

Numbness and tingling

Fibromyalgia

Obsessive compulsive behavior

Addictions (alcohol, smoking, stimulants)

Low levels of serotonin (brought on by high stress) contribute to uncontrollable food cravings, that come for no apparent reason, and are usually not satisfied by eating. This will often trigger binge eating. These same cravings would be associated with “comfort eating,” when we crave foods as a result of an unpleasant emotional situation. Recognize these symptoms and use supplements to counter the negative effects of stress, and raise serotonin levels.

GABA 1-2 tablets twice daily. GABA helps to combat the anxiety, irritability and short temperedness due to stress. It is a good choice in the evening for those who can‘t shut their minds off because you keep going over all the things you need to do the next day.

5HTP 4 capsule daily, you can spread them out to take one with each meal and one at bedtime, or two twice daily. If sleep quality is a major issue take at least 2 of them at bedtime.

Medications to increase serotonin levels:

Medications such as Prozac are often prescribed for this set of symptoms. This is because Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The drug helps to keep serotonin from leaving select areas of the brain where it is needed. Though drugs such as these can be helpful in severe cases of depression for short term use. But long term use of such medications can lower melatonin levels, a hormone needed for restful sleep. I have also found long term use of these medications to cause an increase in fatigue related to a lack of potassium and iron depletion. Prevention is the Key: Before running to the Doctor for a prescription of antidepressants discuss with him the alternative of using GABA and 5HTP first, and see if you can correct the underlying cause of the problem naturally with out medications.

Question: Can I take 5HTP with Prozac or other SSRI drugs?

It is not recommended to take 5HTP, or GABA while on Prozac as the 5HTP will increase serotonin levels and the Prozac causes the serotonin to stay in the brain. This is good if you have low levels of serotonin but with increased levels an over abundance would quickly build-up. If you would like to replace your Prozac with 5 HTP talk with your doctor about it and have him advise you on a program to fade off of the medication. Prozac can not be stopped suddenly, and needs to be decreased slowly. It even comes in Liquid form so you can decrease the dose to very small amounts if needed. As you are decreasing, you may take the following supplements along with your medication. The following supplements will help support the stress and lift the mood but do not interfere with the way the medication works.

Mood Elevator 2 capsules twice daily. This is a Chinese anti-depressant formula that can be safely taken with serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac. The Mood Elevator dose may be gradually increased as your medication is decreased.

Kava Kava This herb helps to reduce anxiety and promote a restful nights sleep. Take2 capsules at bedtime. This would give similar benefits to that of GABA.