Amino Acids Help Depression

One of the most important functions of amino acids is to create neurotransmitters in your central nervous system. These transmitters help regulate mood and process the proteins that our bodies need to survive. In many cases, amino acids help depression.

There are over 20 amino acids that we need to live healthy lives, and a few of them have been shown to be helpful in treating depression. Some amino acids that help depression are:

Tryptophan – A biochemical precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Increased levels have been shown to help elevate mood
L-Glutamic Acid and GABA – It is believed that levels of certain types of GABA(gamma-amino butyric acid) can be a biomarker for people more susceptible to suicide during bouts of depression
L-Glycine – It is recommended for the treatment of certain types of manic depression and is an effective amino acid that helps depression
Tyrosine – When combined with other vitamins and minerals, tyrosine is used by many as an alternative taking to antidepressants, and it considered to be an amino acid that helps depression
Phenylalanine – Converts to tyrosine in the body, creating norepinephrine, which is found in some antidepressants
Cysteine – It is believed to increase cysteine levels in your body and to help relieve depression and elevate mood
Methionine – Considered to be a quick and extremely effective natural amino acid to help depression and is often used as alternative to harsh antidepressants

Unfortunately, few long-term clinical studies have been done to thoroughly document how amino acids help depression. However, small case studies have shown these and several others to be highly effective, natural alternative remedies for depression.

If you have any other questions about how amino acids help depression, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.