For regulating emotions, l-tyrosine is essential. It is an amino acid that is one of the building blocks of protein. Your body is able to create l-tyrosine from another amino acid call phenylalanine. L-tyrosine is very important in the creation of neurotransmitters. You can get l-tyrosine naturally from foods like oats and wheat, dairy products, meat and fish

L-tyrosine’s purpose in your system is to support your brain in the production of neurotransmitters. These are epinephrine, dopamine, L-dopa, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help in regulating emotions.

If you have an insufficient amount of neurotransmitters in your system, you are likely to experience frustration, irritability, anxiety and sadness. You may also feel very hungry because dopamine is a natural appetite suppressant. You may also experience disproportionate weight gain because dopamine is a natural aid in reducing body fat. If you do not have enough of this neurotransmitter, you may find it difficult to lose weight and/or to maintain your weight.

L-tyrosine is also beneficial to the thyroid gland. It helps with the conversion of adrenaline (a thyroid hormone) when you are stressed. If you experience a lot of stress in your life, you may very well have an insufficient level of L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine also helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by becoming the pigment, melanin.

Aside from excessive stress, a few other things that can interfere with the amount of neurotransmitters in your system are excesses of alcohol, sugar and/or caffeine. You may also have problems with maintaining proper levels of neurotransmitters if you are taking prescription medications. If any of these situations are true for you, you may want to replenish your neurotransmitters with an l-tyrosine supplement.

While l-tyrosine supplements may not be an absolute necessity for a number of people, they can be very helpful to people who have experienced some of the symptoms of l-tyrosine deficiency as well as people who are experiencing specific disorders that have proven responsive to l-tyrosine. Among these are depression, Parkinson's disease, and problems with memory loss. A number of studies have shown that l-tyrosine has a positive effect on the symptoms of people with Alzheimer, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia, as well as mood disorder. Supplements may prove to be very helpful to people suffering from these sorts of conditions.

Aside from helping you to stay calm and keeping your emotions and appetite on an even keel, you may find that an L-tyrosine supplement will help in building up your energy levels as well as being a tonic for your libido. L-tyrosine has also been found helpful in bodybuilding.

Generally speaking, most people will experience benefits by taking about a hundred milligrams of l-tyrosine per two-and-a quarter pounds of body weight. This works out to about seven grams daily for the average person.

If you are seeking assistance with a specific problem, such as stress, or the need to lose weight or build muscle, you may want to take a higher dose for a short period of time. In this sort of situation, anywhere from five-hundred to fifteen-hundred milligrams daily may be recommended. However, do not take it upon yourself to consume this amount. Always check with your doctor or chosen health professional.

There have not been serious side effects reported with long-term, low dose use of l-tyrosine, nor with short-term, high-dose use. However, there is not enough research to know whether or not long-term, high-dose use would be safe. Generally speaking, it is best not to take high doses of this supplement for more than two weeks at a time. Be sure your health care professional is aware that you are taking the supplement and is keeping tabs on you.

The side effects that have been reported are rare. They include allergic reactions, such as hives, rashes, swollen, itchy skin, trouble breathing, chest tightness, and even chest pains. Very rarely, a person may experience upset stomach and/or heartburn. Occasionally, l-tyrosine will produce an effect opposite of that desired, and a person will experience irregular heart rate, headache, irritability, fatigue, and mood changes. Of course, if you experience any of these side-effects, you should stop using the supplement, and consult with your health care professional.

Caution should also be exercised if you have conditions such as diabetes or if you are pregnant. Children should not use l-tyrosine without medical supervision. Additionally, if you are already taking a medication to treat depression, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer, be sure to consult your health care professional before adding anything to the mix.

There have been no cases of l-tyrosine overdose reported (unless, of course, the side effects reported were the result of overdose). It is important to bear in mind that l-tyrosine has specific, measurable effects on the nervous system, so overdose is entirely possible. Be sure to consult with your doctor and follow instructions when using this supplement. When you use this supplement with wisdom and caution, you are very likely to experience pleasant and positive effects.

Copyright:SuzanneBennett:October 6, 2009