Frequently Asked
Questions

Am I Taking too many aminos if I have all four false mood types?

If you have all four mood types you will be very happy taking all the recommended aminos. But start one at a time to be sure of how each one affects you before you start the next one. Spend a few days getting clear on the optimal dosage and effects before moving on to the next. The stimulating aminos are typically taken before breakfast and lunch. The relaxing ones mid afternoon and evening or bedtime. But the important thing is to take them when your symptoms indicate they are needed. For example some people wake up anxious and need 5HTP (or tryptophan) in the morning. Others are so tired or unfocussed in the afternoon that they need stimulating tyrosine at that time.

Is it safe to take aminos during pregnancy and while nursing?

"There is some concern, especially in pregnancy, that taking individual amino acids could throw off the balance of aminos needed for the developing fetus or infant. On the other hand a significant deficiency in key aminos such as tryptophan could create problems as well. We recommend that pregnant and lactating women get all their amino acid levels checked before taking individual aminos using "AM urine testing".

Why do I become more depressed during the winter months?

Seasonal Affective Disorder

From Halloween to Easter, we can literally slip into the emotional shadows, often with the added burdens of overeating and unneeded weight gain. What distinguishes those of us who get the winter blues from those who love winter coziness? The deciding factor is typically our brains supply of its most potent natural anti-depressant, serotonin. Serotonin production is stimulated by light, so the brighter the day the more serotonin our brains produce. Exercise can also raise our serotonin levels, but it’s hard to go out and exercise when you’re depressed and it’s dark and cold outside.
Many people have discovered other ways to force a brief serotonin boost, using sweet and starchy carbohydrates, alcohol, or drugs like Prozac. But the obvious drawbacks of these strategies include diabetes, heart disease, addiction and obesity (to name only a few). Fortunately, as I explain in THE MOOD CURE, there are much safer and more reliable ways to bring out your internal sun.

Boost your serotonin in 24 hours with 5-HTP. Try 50 to 150 mg of 5-HTP mid-afternoon (as the sun sinks) and again at 10 p.m. (if sleep or late night cravings are a problem). Why? 5-HTP converts directly into mood and appetite regulating serotonin, which is converted, at night, into sleep-promoting melatonin.

Never skip a meal. Eating three solid meals a day helps prevent moodiness and carbohydrate cravings.

Eat a meal before you drink any beverages containing caffeine. Caffeine suppresses serotonin and ruins your appetite for mood and appetite regulating low carbohydrate foods like protein and vegetables. Use L-tyrosine (500 – 1000 mg) anytime you would typically use caffeine for a lift, to stop caffeine cravings and make yourself naturally alert.

Eat plenty of protein at every meal. For example: 4- 6 oz. dark turkey meat, a 4- 6 oz. salmon steak, three small lamb chops, a chicken breast, a cup of cottage cheese, an omelette, or a steak.

Eat at least four cups of colored vegetables a day. Salads, stir-frys, sautés, raw vegetable snacks - the amount that would fill a quart size milk carton.

Exercise right before facing high carbohydrate hurdles like parties, potlucks, buffets, and dinners. Fifteen to twenty minutes of fast walking, or dancing to a few songs on the radio before you shower, or any other sweat-producing exercise helps to stop cravings and improves mood by raising serotonin.

Sit near a bright indoor light source (at least 200 watts or 2500 lumen). My favorite therapeutic lamp is the full spectrum "Combo Box" by American Environmental (3000 to 33,000 lumens!)

Check your Vitamin D levels (the blood test to do this is called a "25 OHD"). This sunshine vitamin also supports winter mood. Look for levels between 45 and 65.

Try additional supplements for eliminating your winter sweet tooth 500-1000 mg L-glutamine between meals, plus chromium (800 mc/day, in three meals) and
a good multi-vitamin/mineral will also help keep your blood sugar levels solid to eliminate the low blood sugar munchies. Be sure to check THE MOOD CURE's supplement safety section to make sure there are no reasons for you not to use 5-HTP, tyrosine, glutamine, or chromium.