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There are research studies being conducted to determine exactly what the links are between Tourettes and amino acids in treatment. Many studies are being conducted to see what causes Tourettes, however this study differs because it attempts to determine the effects on the treatment of Tourettes instead of focusing on curing Tourettes.
Amino acids are a form of dietary supplement that is anticipated from research to help reduce the symptoms of Tourettes. Many suffer from very severe forms of the disorder, so any relief possible for them is always a great step in the correct direction to assist them in achieving a much better quality of life. While amino acids are certainly not the only treatment option, they are being considered more now than before.
Tourettes is a disorder that is classified by the presence of numerous tics in the body, both motor or physical and vocal tics. Many adults and children alike have problems adjusting to the disorder and treatment options are very limited currently. With nothing truly able to control the symptoms it become a matter of controlling as many aspects as possible until complete control can be realized.
Most occurrences of Tourettes are diagnosed in childhood, with the most severe symptoms being present in childhood as well. Very few adults have as extensive problems with Tourettes as they did as a child, however there are some adults who do have serious complications with the disorder as an adult and are forced to seek what would previously been considered radical treatments.
With new studies being conducted constantly there have been studies into the effects of Candida albicans yeast on the symptoms, by reducing the yeast many are seeing a decrease in the symptoms. Also considered is treatment using amino acids. The treatment using amino acids is a nutritional treatment that focuses on giving the body more nutrients in order to help reduce the symptoms associated with Tourettes.
While there are no clear studies indicating that those who suffer from Tourettes are also suffering from low levels of amino acids, there is reason to believe that an increase in amino acids is able to reduce some symptoms. There are still many questions regarding the exact effects of amino acids; however, the research shows great promise in being very effective.
5-hydroxtryptophan is the main amino acid used to help in the treatment of Tourettes. This is not the first time this particular amino acid has been considered in research for mental and chemical disorders. The amino acid has also been used to treat other disorders such as Schizophrenia, Down’s syndrome, PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. The range of disorders attempted to treat with the amino acid is starting to grow and there have been several signs that it is helping.
The long term effects of using 5-hydroxtryptophan are still unknown, since the research has only been conducted in the last few years, but the studies are continuing and research will continue to grow and help educate those suffering from the disorders. Studies have shown so far that as much as 70% of the 5-hydroxtryptophan in an oral dose is actually absorbed into the blood stream.
As technology and medical research improves, this number should be able to improve. As the percentage of absorbed amino acid is improved, it allows the dosage either to be better adjusted, or modified, as the symptoms require. As a treatment for Tourettes it is still considered experimental but with the studies growing older, treatment methods improving and dosage requirements tightening it seems very promising that those suffering from extreme Tourettes symptoms will be able to experience improvement in the quality of life.
While treatment options continue to unfold, many do encourage the more natural forms of treatment that are being researched such as the use of amino acids in treating the emotional and mental disorders. While there is no clear indication of a timeline for when the treatment will be fully out of the experimental phase, and when it will yield positive results for all, it is showing great signs of promise in assisting many with Tourettes the ability to lead a much more peaceful and simple life.
5-hydroxtryptophan itself is a product from the African Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, specifically the seeds of the plant. The amino acid is extracted using an alcohol process that leaves the acid with an oily solid appearance that must be refined in order to be transformed into the dry solid that is capable of being used in pill form. The amino acid itself is dispensed either as a tablet, or in the form of a capsule both of which require the dry form in order to be most effective.
Most 5-hydroxytryptophan tablets or capsules are distributed in either 25, 50, or 100 mg dosages depending upon the exact needs of the patient. This allows doctors great flexibility in determining the appropriate dosage for each patient based upon their symptoms, as well as age, weight, gender and other factors that are important in selecting the most effective dosage.
It has also been suggested that the use of 5-hydroxytryptophan is able to produce elevated levels of Serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain, which is directly linked to the functions of the body and can have a great amount of impact on such basic survival issues as sleep, mood, aggression, temperature, sexual behavior, anxiety, and pain sensation. As you can see the benefits of the treatment seem to out weight any possible adverse side effects, but they are still important to note.
Some of the most common side effects of the amino acid treatments include mild nausea, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal disturbances. While the side effects are mild, some would rather be left with the initial symptoms of the Tourettes depending upon how severe the symptoms are. Most doctors do agree that you should never take more than 100 mg a day of the amino acid 5-hydroxytryphan unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor. Most individuals using this treatment are only taking 50-100 mg in the average day, which has been determined to be a very safe level for most adults.
Steve Driskill is the author of "End Your Child's Tics Now!" and teaches how to manage the symptoms of Tourette's and Motor, Facial, and Vocal Tics by managing diet. |
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