Holistic Mental Health Counseling: Amino Acid Therapy Guide

By Yajaira Escobedo

Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being. Its what makes us ALIVE! So why don't our doctors teach us much of it and prescribe pills instead? Many people are seeking natural and holistic approaches to improve their mental health because conventional medicine only masks the symptoms (medication only approaches). These methods only mask or band-aid the problem in our brains. Many times, we may have a deficiency that can easily be treated by feeding our brain what it needs to function optimally. One such approach in treating mental health conditions is with amino acids and crazy enough - these are vitamins and aminos found in energy drinks that people already drink every day or in their foods and not know it. This guide will explore what amino acid therapy is, how it works, and its potential benefits for mental health.

BUT JUST LIKE THE REST OF OUR BODY, ITS A BALANCE. AMINO ACID THERAPY IS A COMPLEMENT TO YOUR CURRENT TREATMENT PLAN WITH YOUR PSYCHIATRIST OR PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR. IT IS NOT A FIX ALL.

I put it all in caps to emphasize that treating our brain is like making your vehicles engine work at its efficiency. The car's engine needs to have the right oil, the right gas, all motor parts working together to make the vehicle do its job. Amino acid therapy will NOT always fix your mental health issue alone because you may need other parts fixed too (like forgiveness, trauma, neglect, victim mentality, and so on). For many people it can and for some people it helps improve dramatically their symptoms that they can function a lot better in their daily lives. Many are able to wean off their psychotropic medication because of amino acid therapy. That is the goal! The pursuit to happiness! Amino acid therapy must be combined with talk therapy, trauma therapy, IEMT, exercise, medication, yoga, and for many the spirit aspect. Many will and can ween off their psychotropic medications as they improve and replenish their brain deficiencies. That's what I did! I was on antidepressants for 20 years covering up my PTSD and with the help of replenishing my brain and forgiveness, I was set free. But every person's body has different needs, and amino acid therapy is a necessity.

What are amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. They influence mood, emotions, and overall mental health.

But when you are deficient on those neurotransmitters in your brain, that is when you may start showing symptoms of depression, anxiety, phobias, anger, delusions, to name a few. Negative emotions without an outside cause are the way our body is communicating that something is deficient, and the body needs to be replenished. The way the body tells you something is "off" is by showing up in your behaviors for example:

Low Serotonin may show up as:

negativity

low self esteem

winter blues- mood changing when fall is coming or when the sun starts going down

panic attacks/ fears/ phobias

obsessive thoughts/behaviors

perfectionist/ controlling

irritability/ anger

all over body pain (no arthritis present)/ migraines

suicidal thoughts

Low Gaba symptoms:

stiff, tense, or painful muscles/ having muscle spasms on the body for no apparent reason

stressed out/ feeling burned out

unable to relax to go to sleep

often feel overwhelmed

crave food or substances for stress relief such as weed, smoking, munchies

These are just a few negative symptoms but there are many more.

Each amino acid has a unique role in the body. For instance, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. I use this amino acid to help increase serotonin. Most clients complain of overthinking, being perfectionists, negative thinking, anxiety, craving foods at night only, need for smoking or drinking alcohol, and many more symptoms. When they supplement to increase their serotonin most or all of these symptoms go away and ultimately making you feel better. That is why many clients begin to ween off their medication because they no longer need the "band aid" (with the help of me (licensed therapist and your psychiatrist in agreement).

The Role of Amino Acids in Mental Health

Amino acids play a significant role in mental health. They are involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are crucial for mood regulation. Here are some key neurotransmitters and their associated amino acids:

• Serotonin: Derived from tryptophan, serotonin is often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression and anxiety.

  
  

• Catecholamines (Dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine): These neurotransmitters are associated with pleasure and reward. It is produced from the amino acid tyrosine. Low levels can lead to feelings of apathy and lack of motivation.

  
  

  What the doctor will usually prescribe SSRI's and SNRI's (for the most part) that allow you to continue having Serotonin and Catecholamines recycled, in simple terms, to be used. This is why many people's mood becomes stable. The problem with this is that it does not increase the amount you have, it only keeps recycling what little you have. Taking amino acids is like feeding your brain with more of these neurotransmitters. Hence it will at many times make your medication work better because it has now more neurotransmitters to "recycle" and be reused. See now how the two work and why many people eventually are able to ween off because they will eventually have enough neurotransmitters to function and feel good without having the medication to recycle it for them.

Lastly,

• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain. It is synthesized from the amino acid glutamine. Low GABA levels can contribute to anxiety and stress. Many people with irritability and short temper benefit from taking GABA.

  
  

Amino Acid Therapy: What to Expect

Amino acid therapy involves the use of specific amino acids to address mental health issues. This therapy can be tailored to individual needs based on symptoms and overall health.

How It Works

1. Assessment: We will assess your symptoms and overall health. This may include a review of your diet, lifestyle, and any existing medical conditions. I may ask for you to get blood work as well because many vitamins help make your neurotransmitters and if you are low, then the blood work will confirm. For example, most lab work I request will be your Vit. B12, Vit, B6, Zinc v Copper ratio, Vit D. Full thyroid panel (not just your TSH), and basic blood work to rule out anemia and allergies. Since I am not a doctor but a LCSW, I assess and recommend. At the end of the evaluation, you will have a list of all the issues that contribute to your mental health condition and can be taken to your gastroenterologist, gynecologist, etc. Remember you are living with all these symptoms and many times you think that symptom is "normal" but its your body telling you "help me".

   
   

2. Personalized Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalized plan will be created. This plan may include dietary recommendations, supplements, and referrals to your specialists (doctors). I will be able to address and help replenish your deficiencies in the brain with amino acid therapy and nutrition, but your doctor will need to treat the other body ailments that are contributing to your mental condition as well if any.

   
   

3. Monitoring: Regular follow-ups will help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.

   
   

Potential Benefits

• Improved Mood: Many individuals report feeling happier and more balanced after incorporating amino acids into their routine.

  
  

• Reduced Anxiety: Amino acids like GABA can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.

  
  

• Enhanced Focus: Certain amino acids, such as tyrosine, may improve focus and cognitive function.

  
  

• Better Sleep: Amino acids like tryptophan can promote better sleep quality, which is essential for mental health.

  
  

Make a lasting change to your life by feeling more fulfilled. Take this first step today and make the call.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many individuals have found success with amino acid therapy. Here are a few examples:

• Sarah's Journey: After struggling with anxiety for years, Sarah decided to try amino acid therapy. With our help, she started taking L-GABA, 5 HTP, and the Pyroluria protocol. She experienced a lot of social anxiety and could not leave her home. After assessment, she was low on her Zinc, Vit D, and living with a lot of stress. She was recommended to take 30 mgs of Zinc, Vit D, with the addition of aminos GABA and 5 HTP. Within days, she noticed a significant reduction in her anxiety levels. She felt calmer and more in control of her emotions. She was more social and happier with herself.

  
  

• Mark's Experience: Mark was dealing with low energy and motivation. He learned that his diet lacked sufficient tyrosine. He was also diagnosed with ADHD. Learning what type of ADHD also helped treat it currently. He incorporated more protein-rich foods, taking L-Tyrosine supplements, fish oils, and he experienced a boost in energy and focus. He felt more motivated to tackle his daily tasks. His problem was low norepinephrine which the L - Tyrosine helped with that.

  
  

These stories highlight the potential benefits of amino acid therapy for mental health.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

While amino acid therapy can be beneficial, it is essential to remember that mental health is complex. A holistic approach is often the most effective. This means considering various factors that contribute to mental well-being, including:

• Nutrition: A balanced diet is crucial for overall health.

  
  

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

  
  

• Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for mental health.

  
  

• Mindfulness: Practices like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

  
  

By combining amino acid therapy with these holistic practices, individuals may achieve better mental health outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Amino acid therapy offers a promising approach to improving mental health. By understanding the role of amino acids in the body and how they affect mood and emotions, individuals can take proactive steps toward better mental well-being.

If you are considering amino acid therapy, consult with us to create a personalized plan that suits your needs. Remember, mental health is a journey, and every step counts.

A bowl of nuts and seeds, rich in amino acids for mental health support.

Incorporating amino acids into your routine may be a valuable addition to your mental health journey. Embrace the possibilities and take charge of your well-being today.