The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens Episode 4: Amino Acids Can Help To Relieve Anxiety In Children
My guest this week is Trudy Scott, a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower parents and children who suffer from anxiety. She is known for her expertise in the use of targeted individual amino acids, the social anxiety condition pyroluria and the harmful effects of benzodiazepines. Trudy is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings.
In this episode, Trudy and I discuss the incredible impact that targeted amino acids can have on both children and adults when approached with the right guidance. Trudy shares a few case studies demonstrating the use of amino acids such as Tryptophan, GABA, DPA and more. Connect with Trudy online via her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
Where does anxiety come from?
- Trauma
- Psychological impact
- Biochemical imbalances
What Are Amino Acids?
- Amino acids help create and maintain good levels of brain chemicals and neurotransmitters
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- This helps with nutritional deficiencies, such as malabsorption
- They are the building blocks of proteins
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- i.e. When you consume fish, eggs, red meat - they are broken down into amino acids
Amino Acid Supplements
- Amino acids such as GABA and Tryptophan can be taken in supplemental form
- Tryptophan - used to help make Serotonin
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- Serotonin is a calming amino acid that aids in low mood
- GABA - a neurotransmitter used to control GABA levels, has a calming effect
Assessing Anxiety Caused by Low Serotonin
- Anxiety symptoms often related to low Serotonin include:
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- Incessant worry, constant re-processing thoughts, insomnia, afternoon/evening cravings, lack of confidence, fearful, phobias, anger issues
- Upon determining low Serotonin levels an Amino Acid supplement trial can be initiated
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- Case Study example of an 11-year old girl using Tryptophan
- 5-HTP, also helps with low Serotonin
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- Must be observed carefully within adults in children
- Often if an amino supplement works with the parents it also works well with the child
Amino Acid In-Office Trial
- Chewable or sublingually is best
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- Allows for quick results, 5-10 minutes
- Sometimes effects are subtle but commonly a noticeable change can be seen
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- This is easier to detect in adults. It may be more difficult for children to express how they are feeling.
- Level of symptoms will be assessed before and after consuming the amino acid supplement to determine whether the dosage needs to be increased or maintained
- Visible changes can also be seen in non-verbal children
Anxiety Caused by GABA
- GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid)
- In children - i.e. poor sleep, holding stomach when anxious or stomach butterflies, tension in shoulders, use of sugary foods to self-medicate
- In adults - i.e tension in shoulders, stomach butterflies, using carbs or alcohol to self-medicate tension at end of day
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- Low GABA levels result in physical tension
In-Home Amino Acid Trial
- ‘GABA Calm’ - sublingual supplement
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- 125 mg low-dose, a good place to start if you are trying at home
- All types of Amino Acid supplements should not be consumed with meals
- Example of Mother-Daughter GABA trial
- Anxiety is often manifested as hyperactivity and can be mistaken for ADHD
- Trudy’s book is a great guide to approach Aminos at home
Other Amino Acids to Consider
- Tryptophan - (use the chewable for better taste)
- Tyrosine - for attention issues
- DPA - can help to break carb addiction in children who will only eat carbs and dairy. It is an amino acid that raises endorphin levels so we have the feeling of comfort, reward, etc.
Where to Learn More About Trudy Scott