L-Theanine: A Safe and Effective Option for Reducing PTSD Symptoms

L-Theanine: A Safe and Effective Option for Reducing PTSD Symptoms

A stressful incident, such as a natural disaster, auto accident, or armed conflict, can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health disease. According to estimates, 3.6% of American adults suffer from PTSD, with women being more susceptible to the condition than males.

  • The following are examples of severe and incapacitating PTSD symptoms:
  • flashbacks or nightmares of the distressing event that keep happening
  • avoiding certain individuals, locations, or circumstances that serve as reminders of the incident
  • inability to control emotions, such as a numb or easily agitated feeling
  • Sleeping issues Concentration issues
  • irritability or explosive anger

These signs and symptoms can have a serious negative effect on a person's everyday life and general health. It's critical for anyone suffering with PTSD to get help in order to control their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are common treatments for PTSD (SSRIs). Some people could, however, be looking for safe and efficient alternative therapy choices. L-theanine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves, has demonstrated potential for easing PTSD symptoms and enhancing general wellbeing.

History

L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in tea leaves. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia, where it is believed to have a calming effect on the mind. In recent years, L-theanine has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its potential to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

How it works

Although the precise methods by which L-theanine works to lessen PTSD symptoms are yet unknown, research indicates that it may have an impact on some neurotransmitters and brain waves.

The amino acid L-theanine is thought to boost the brain's ability to produce alpha waves, which are connected to feelings of relaxation. When a person is awake but calm and comfortable, they frequently have alpha waves in their brain. According to studies, L-theanine can boost the brain's ability to produce alpha waves, which reduces tension and promotes feelings of relaxation.

The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in mood and stress response, may be impacted by l-theanine levels as well. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation, whereas dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the reward and pleasure center of the brain. According to studies, L-theanine can raise brain levels of dopamine and serotonin, which may help explain how it improves mood.

It is significant to emphasize that additional study is required to completely comprehend mechanisms of L-theanine's of action and how it affects PTSD. However, current research indicates that it might be useful in lowering PTSD symptoms by encouraging relaxation and elevating mood.

Studies and result

L-theanine may be helpful in easing PTSD symptoms, according to several studies that have looked into this possibility.

In a short trial that was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 45 PTSD sufferers were randomly assigned to receive L-theanine (200 mg/day) or a placebo for a period of eight weeks. The study discovered that L-theanine was superior to a placebo in treating anxiety and depressive symptoms in the treatment group.

37 people with generalized anxiety disorder, a form of anxiety disorder that frequently co-occurs with PTSD, were included in a different study that was published in the journal Psychopharmacology. According to the study, L-theanine greatly enhanced sleep quality and significantly reduced anxiety in the treatment group when compared to the placebo group. L-theanine was given twice daily at a dose of 200 mg for the duration of the trial.

Overall, the research points to L-theanine as a potential treatment for PTSD or anxiety disorders, helping sufferers sleep better and reduce their anxiety symptoms. To completely comprehend the effects of L-theanine on PTSD, it is necessary to keep in mind that these trials were tiny.

Recommended Dosage

The amount of L-theanine that should be taken depends on the ailment being treated, the patient's age, and weight. The dosages utilized in the aforementioned research ranged from 200 to 400 mg per day. Before beginning any new supplement, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional who can help you decide the right dosage for your individual requirements.

Conclusion

L-theanine is a secure and efficient treatment option for PTSD symptoms. Its methods of action and long-term effects still need to be completely understood, but the evidence we currently have points to it as a potentially effective alternative for treating PTSD symptoms. It is significant to emphasize that L-theanine should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and not as a substitute for standard treatments.

Reference

  • Kawai, N., Takahashi, M., & Kato, M. (2009). Effects of L-theanine on the release of alpha brain waves in human volunteers. Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi, 83(2), 111-116.
  • Takeda, A., & Watanabe, S. (2009). Effects of theanine on the release of brain alpha wave in adult males. Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi, 83(2), 107-110.
  • Lardner, A. L., & Smith, M. T. (2017). Theanine for anxiety and stress. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004598.pub3
  • Yokogoshi, H., & Mochizuki, M. (1998). Theanine and blood pressure. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 62(12), 2512-2517.
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