| Amino acids are building-block proteins that are intricately involved
in the body's nutritional metabolism and the synthesis of important
brain neurotransmitters.
One nutritional area that has received much attention is the relationship
between vitamin B6 deficiency and PMS. The human body depends on
an adequate supply of vitamin B6 to manufacture optimal amounts
of both dopamine and serotonin, powerful biochemical substances
in the brain affecting mood, behavior, and cognition. Vitamin B6
serves as a cofactor necessary for the proper conversion of amino
acids tryptophan and tyrosine into serotonin and dopamine, respectively.
If any of the necessary natural source "ingredients" for
this process are deficient, PMS symptoms may arise.
Low levels of vitamin B6 can be signaled by elevations of the amino
acid homocysteine, a metabolic abnormality which also increases
the likelihood of degenerative processes such as heart disease and
Alzheimer's.
Research has shown that diets resulting in a deficiency of the
amino acid tryptophan can significantly aggravate premenstrual symptoms,
especially irritability. One team of investigators specifically
linked the severity of PMS symptoms with the decrease in tryptophan
relative to other amino acids.1 A recent pilot study found that
when patients suffering from PMS characterized by late-luteal phase
dysphoria (depression, irritability, insomnia) were treated with
L-tryptophan, they realized "a significant amelioration of
symptoms with only mild side effects."2 These results are supported
by a double-blind crossover study from Harvard showing that many
symptoms of PMS were reduced in women who consumed a carbohydrate
drink designed to increase their serum tryptophan levels.3
Low baseline levels of tryosine have also been observed during
the premenstrual period in women suffering from PMS.1 And plasma
levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is subnormal in some patients
with depression, is also lower during the late luteal phase of the
menstrual cycle in women with dysphoria-type PMS, compared with
healthy controls.4
Because various amino acid imbalances are linked
with PMS, and because amino acid therapy is safest and most effective
when used to correct specific deficiencies, assessing patients with
the Amino Acids Analysis, plasma or
urine, is an invaluable clinical tool for treating women with PMS
who may have abnormal amino acid metabolism.
Call
to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and
nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit
our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click
on appropriate test for information.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20
years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and
providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal
itself if given the proper nutrients.
References:
1 Menkes DB, Coates DC, Fawcett JP. Acute tryptophan depletion aggravates
premenstrual syndrome. J Affect Disord 1994;32(1):37-44.
2 Steinberg S, Annable L, Young SN, Belanter MC. Tryptophan in the
treatment of late luteal phase dysphoric disorder: a pilot study.
J Psychiatry Neurosci 1994;19(2):114-9.
3 Sayegh R, Schiff I, Wurtman J, Spiers P, McDermott J, Wrutman
R. The effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage on mood, appetite,
and cognitive function in women with premenstrual syndrome. Obstet
Gynecol 1995;86(1 Part 1):520-8.
4 Halbreich U, Pety F, Yonkers K, Kramer Gl, Rush AG, Bibi KW. Low
plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid levels during the late luteal phase
of women with premenstrual dysphoria disorders. Am J Psychiatry
1996;153(5):718-20.
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