Amino acid therapy for comfort eating.

Amino acid therapy involves using individual amino acids in therapeutic amounts to support specific neurotransmitters. This can help with managing emotions and stress and minimising comfort eating episodes It can be a useful interim therapy to use whilst investigating and rectifying underlying biochemical and nutritional imbalances that are contributing to disordered eating episodes.

Comfort or emotional eating is a complex issue characterised by compulsive overeating, loss of control around food, and continued consumption despite negative consequences. It can be influenced by stress and trauma but often also involves dysregulation of the brain’s reward system and neurotransmitter imbalances.

Amino acids play crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis and regulation, affecting mood, cravings, and appetite. Here’s how specific amino acids can be used:

L-Glutamine: L-glutamine supplementation may help reduce cravings and compulsive eating behaviours by keeping blood glucose levels balanced.

L-Tryptophan: L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and appetite control. By increasing serotonin levels, L-tryptophan supplementation may help improve mood and reduce the urge to overeat, particularly in response to stress or negative emotions.

L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. Low dopamine levels have been implicated in addictive behaviours, including food addiction. If levels of this are low then L-tyrosine can help support dopamine production and potentially reduce cravings for particular foods.

L-Theanine: This can promote relaxation and reduce stress-related eating if low GABA is affecting your appetite and mood.

By targeting neurotransmitter imbalances associated with cravings, mood and stress amino acid therapy can help reduce the intensity and frequency of food cravings and minimise triggers of comfort eating.