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Amino Acids are critical to the formation and functioning of neurotransmitters which regulate the levels of our brain chemicals and are closely linked with mood. What we eat has a tremendous effect on our levels of neurotransmitters and therefore on our mood.

Stress and nutritional deficiencies alter our brain chemistries and are common precursors to many illnesses and disorders including depression.

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Brain chemicals associated with our mood include serotonin, catecholemine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and endorphin. When in balance, these neurotransmitters help us in being alert, optimistic, calm and resourceful. A proper diet helps us to maintain a good balance; however imbalance can result from improper diet, poor digestion, stress, prescription drugs, and deficiencies or imbalances involving other nutrients.

Serotonin is our natural calming neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, sleep and appetite. Low levels of serotonin lead to anxiety, sleep disorders, food cravings, panic attacks, etc. L-tryptophan is the amino acid integral to the production of serotonin.

Food sources of tryptophan include brown rice, cottage cheese, meat, peanuts, and soy protein. The amino acid supplements for increasing serotonin levels are L- tryptophan and 5-HTP. Both can be used to increase serotonin levels in the body – the one that will work best for you depends on your body chemistry.

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