Thyroid: Amino Acids
Amino Acids and Thyroid Function
There are 22 Amino Acids, nine of which are known as ‘essential’ and can only be found in protein-containing foods. We need 30 grams of protein three times per day for good mental health. Protein-rich foods such as poultry, seafood, nuts, dairy, and seeds contain all the amino acids we need. Vegan, vegetarian, and processed diets high in refined carbs and low in protein as well as those that lack the vitamin and mineral co-factors found in fresh vegetables and fruits may cause low Amino Acids and will require supplementation.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid meaning that although it can be found in protein-rich foods it can also be synthesised from the amino acid phenylalanine in the body. Also known as L-Tyrosine, it is a building block of T3 and T4 so it is essential for good levels of thyroid hormones. It can therefore exacerbate hyperthyroid conditions.
Tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter — a chemical that transmits signals between neurons — involved in your motor functions and mood. It is a molecule that aids in attention and learning, activated in response to humor, social interaction and food. It is also the precursor to neurotransmitters called Catecholamines which affect alertness, energy, mental focus, drive and enthusiasm.
It should be taken an hour before meals or two hours after in the morning or early afternoon due to the energising effect.
Phenylalanine
L-Phenylalanine; LPA is the L form of Phenylalanine. It is a precursor to Tyrosine. Sometimes people do better on LPA than Tyrosine directly. It is good for people who are experiencing anxiety. LPA is an essential amino acid used by the body to create a number of vital compounds including dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenalin, and thyroid hormone.
In England I bought BioCare Broad Spectrum Amino Acids 60 caps. It is recommended to take 3 caps per day. I will take one with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Three capsules contain:
L-Phenylalanine 111mg
L-Tyrosine 87mg
L-Phenylalanine 120 caps from Fair & Pure on Amazon for £14.95. I chose this brand because they don’t contain carcinogenic filler magnesium stearate which is not a good form of magnesium.
DLPA
DLPA is an amino acid containing both the D and L forms of Phenylalanine. This is better suited to those experiencing fatigue rather than anxiety. DPA has twice the endorphins inhibitory effect of DLPA and is more energising so for some anxious people it can be overly stimulating. The D form has a protective effect on Endorphins making them last longer helping with physical pain and helping support feelings of pleasure, reward, and loving on a psychological level. It may help LDN work better. Do not use DLPA or DPA if you are anaemic as it uses Iron to be metabolised. DLPA should be avoided by patients with malignant melanoma, high bloods pressure, Grave’s disease, or phenylketonuria.
Further Reading
Read ‘The Mood Cure’ https://www.juliarosscures.com/mood-cure/
https://healthfully.com/256233-relationship-between-l-tyrosine-dopamine.html
https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/nutraceutical/nutritional-supplements-pain-practice?fbclid=IwAR1Kfstc1AkoCLApx34rGESQ3hhrTvmOe4if8FIHmOyOyBfLFRMyyci3ZB8
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