Anxiety seemed to be the buzzword of 2018. It became less stigmatized as more and more people began talking about it. Anxiety, social anxiety disorders, and depression are often treated with antidepressants. But the side effects aren’t always manageable. More and more people are looking for more safe and natural ways to treat anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and other mental disorders. Tea is often used as a coping tool during stressful situations. Green tea has been used as a restorative medicine in traditional Chinese medicine for ages. And now research is showing there’s a correlation between L-theanine and anxiety. Researchers have found that the calming effects of L-theanine compensate for the stimulating effects of caffeine found in teas like green tea and black tea.
What is Theanine?
Theanine is an amino acid not commonly found in the human diet. L-theanine is often called a “nondietary amino acid.” Because of its structure, theanine is known to reach the brain quickly following oral consumption. L-Theanine is found almost exclusively in tea (especially green tea) and one mushroom species. It inhibits the binding of glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain “and has been considered to cause anti-stress effects by inhibiting cortical neuron excitation.”
Theanine is found to be a relaxing but not sedating agent. And it has been found to help process stress and to improve attention. It has also been found to aid in sleep quality. When combined with caffeine, theanine is found to increase a person’s ability to focus. Countries that typically have a high green tea intake, like China and Japan, have a much lower rate of depression and panic attacks than western countries, where green tea intake is not as high. This may provide evidence of a correlation between anxiety and l-theanine.
There are a number of dieticians and doctors who believe that diet could play a large role in anxiety treatment. Foods high in specific compounds could hold the key to improved mental health. One of these compounds is theanine or L-theanine. Professionals typically agree that theanine could potentially be a strong anxiety treatment.
Nature’s Anti-Anxiety Prescription
Studies show that increasing intake of theanine can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. It acts as a mild sedative on your brain. Basically, theanine helps prevent the brain from reaching to anxious responses in stressful situations. Studies also show that theanine helps improve sleep, one of anxiety’s biggest enemies!
Sources of Theanine
Theanine is found in various foods, including green and black teas, white tea, and a mushroom called Xerocomus badius. Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities for the addition of theanine in the standard American diet. In the United States black teas and green teas are generally the only easily accessible sources. But in Japan, theanine is added to many foods. They include; desserts, soft drinks, and herbal teas.
It is often advised that people take an L-theanine supplement, which can be in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder.
Let Zock Chiropractic Help You Find Mental (and Spinal) Alignment!
Contact our office in Cranberry today to schedule an introductory chiropractic session. I would love to talk to you about L-theanine supplements and the benefits of chiropractic care. Especially how each can help you live a more fulfilled and stress-free life. We can discuss your discomfort, symptoms, and needs in relation to chiropractic treatment as part of my initial workup!
*Please note: Unlike benzodiazepines, L-theanine does not increase drowsiness, slow reflexes, and impair concentration. L-theanine is non-habit-forming, as it does not lead to tolerance and dependence when used over long periods of time, unlike prescription benzodiazepine medications. This may be a better option for longer-term treatment. It is also safe for children and young adults.
* *This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.