Step Three: Ease Stress

July 23, 2004

Step Three: Ease Stress

For many women, overeating and weight gain start

in the brain. Many of the chemicals that play a role in the regulation

of appetite and metabolism also play a role in mood swings. Anxiety

and depression are triggers for overeating—whether because

of chemical imbalance or as a way of coping. It becomes an endless

cycle. When anxious or depressed, many people turn to food, which

leads to weight gain. Extra weight, in turn, adds to feelings of

anxiety, insecurity, and social alienation.

Nutritional Supplements Can Balance Mood Swings

• Research suggests that the amino

  acid L-phenylalanine may function as a natural antidepressant,

  improve memory and mental alertness, and increase sexual interest.

  In animal studies, low phenylalanine levels were associated with

  depression. L-phenylalanine is in soybeans, fish, meat, poultry,

  almonds, pecans, pumpkin and sesame seeds, lima beans, chickpeas,

  and lentils. Aspartame, which is used to sweeten soft drinks,

  contains phenylalanine; but it can cause negative side effects

  such as headaches and anxiety in susceptible individuals. Start

  with 500 mg L-phenylalanine; if necessary, increase to 1,000

  mg twice daily, in the morning and again in the afternoon.

• 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), derived

  from the seeds of a West African plant, helps address a common

  problem that sabotages many weight loss attempts: an imbalance

  in the brain of the neurotransmitter serotonin. If your diet is

  deficient in tryptophan (which converts to serotonin), your brain

  thinks it’s starving. You will crave carbohydrates because they

  aren’t being metabolized. 5-HTP contributes to tryptophan production

  and is a safe, natural way to boost serotonin levels, feel full,

  and eliminate carbohydrate cravings.

  I recommend 50-100 mg of 5-HTP one to two times daily, taken

  with a carbohydrate snack (cracker or slice of apple or banana),

  taken 20 minutes before a meal (to ensure the timely conversion

  of 5-HTP to serotonin). If you experience side effects such as

  nausea, lower your dosage for the first few weeks as your body

  adjusts. Note: With 5-HTP, take a high-quality multivitamin that

  contains a complete B-complex (including at least 50 mg of B6),

  vitamin C, and magnesium.

Read More on pH Balance:

Getting Started

Tending Toward Acidity or a High-Alkaline

Producer?

Quiz: Are you Overly Acidic or

a High Alkaline Producer?

Foods to Avoid

Keep it SIMPLE pH Balancing Tip

— Baking Soda

Nutritional Therapies

Alkaline Power Food Plan

Cornerstones of Alkaline Food

Plan

Substitutions for Acidic Foods

Typical Alkalinizing Meals

Complementary Therapies

Oatmeal Cookies