Posted by MERM on 8/25/2009, 9:19 am
Is DHEA right for you? That question deserves some serious thought. I've brought up this supplement several times in recent months, because I take it for anxiety. For awhile, it was part of my daily routine, but when I found other things that help calm my nerves, I decided to reserve DHEA just for the times when I really need it.
About DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid that occurs naturally in your body. Two key words in that sentence may seem somewhat contradictory: "naturally" is something we tend to think of as good, while "steroid" might be a little scary.
Just because something is "natural" and sold over the counter doesn't mean it's perfectly safe. Steroids can be dangerous, so any DHEA use should be discussed with and monitored by your doctor.
So far, we don't have good studies showing that DHEA is effective specifically for symptoms fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, we do have evidence that it can help some problems common in us.
Studies show DHEA supplements can help alleviate adrenal insufficiency and mild depression. It's used to treat symptoms of lupus and multiple sclerosis, which are similar to our symptoms. Some doctors and patients say DHEA helps relieve the stress and anxiety we get, but so far that's not scientifically proven.
My Experience
Based on my own experience, I believe DHEA does relieve my anxiety. I carry it with me for those times when I feel anxiety creeping up -- such as at the grocery store, in a crowded place, or at a movie.
As I said, I no longer take it every day, and that's because of the risks.
Instead, I take theanine daily because it's calming without the potential for side effects. However, for me at least, it doesn't seem to be as effective at heading off an anxiety attack in its early stages.
Theanine Supplements
Theanine is an antioxidant in tea leaves. It hasn't been studied specifically for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome but is shown to be effective at treating many symptoms of the conditions.
Research shows theanine may:
Increase alertness
Boost energy
Relieve anxiety
Aid relaxation without drowsiness
Protect brain cells
Raise dopamine and norepinephrine
Lower glutamate activity
Balance glutathione
Boost T cell production
Prevent memory impairment due to improper blood flow (ischemia)
Theanine may also lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, increase anti-tumor activity, and help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Theanine Dosage:
Studies have shown that theanine does cross the blood-brain barrier and that dietary levels of 50 mg per day can start to have a therapeutic effect. Depending on the quality and strength of the tea, that's about 3 cups per day.
Theanine is also available in supplement form, frequently as l-theanine or under the brand name suntheanine. A typical recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg per day, but some studies have used up to 600 mg per day.
Theanine in Your Diet:
To get more theanine through your diet, you can drink black, green or white tea. The decaffeination process does not appear to lower theanine levels significantly, so decaf teas are an option as well. (Theanine isn't in herbal teas, however.) The only other place theanine has been found in nature is in the Bay Boletus mushroom, which is native to parts of Europe and North America.
Side Effects of Theanine:
So far, researchers don't know of any significant negative side effects or drug interactions associated with theanine. A short-term study on rats showed that repeated, extremely high doses cause few or to no apparent harmful effects. (Watch your caffeine consumption, though!)
Theanine's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. postedbyMERMwellnesstrain
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