It is not possible to design a diet where a person can obtain enough amino acids to significantly increase neurotransmitter levels over time. This is because the uptake of amino acids by the body is not selective: foods contain an array of amino acids and no food contains just the precursors needed to specifically affect serotonin or dopamine. Therefore, when you eat food, your body takes up many different amino acids, making it impossible to target just the neurotransmitters we are trying to affect. That is where supplementation can play a vital role.
Amino acid precursors of serotonin and dopamine have two primary applications. First, proper use of amino acid precursors will keep drugs that work with neurotransmitters from depleting neurotransmitters, thus allowing the drugs to keep functioning and functioning optimally. Second, proper use of amino acids can also serve as a stand alone method to manage disorders related to neurotransmitter imbalance.
Cofactors needed
The generic protocol developed for treatment of neurotransmitter dysfunction disease relating to the catecholamine system and/or serotonin system involves the use of tyrosine, 5-HTP, cysteine and cofactors, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, selenium and folic acid. Results do not appear to be dependent on taking the amino acids with or without food; however, taking amino acids on an empty stomach should improve absorption and uptake and is therefore preferred.
In our next post we will discuss this in greater detail, and specifically focus on cysteine, selenium, and folic acid.
