Perhaps you have heard it said that amino acids and protein are the building blocks of life. Some amino acids are non-essential while others are essential. While both are important in function, the essential amino acids must come from our diet while the non-essential ones can be produced by the body. Although we can produce them, they are only produced in tiny amounts so dietary intake to supplement the supply is important.
One of those non-essential amino acids that affect stress, and our mood is L-tyrosine or tyrosine. The main function of this amino acid is its aid in producing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals are released during times of stress which also cause the supply in the brain to become depleted. Why is this of concern? Because today many people find themselves under constant stress making their production an ongoing task to keep adequate levels of the necessary neurotransmitters available for proper response.
The deficiency of tyrosine is unlikely since our bodies can produce it and we support that production with what we consume from food. However, if constant stress is an issue that could be tying up tyrosine for neurotransmitter production, making sure you have adequate availability of tyrosine can ensure you have what you need to aid with daily mental clarity. alertness and mood.
To increase your daily intake of L-tyrosine consider including some of these foods at each meal or snack: hard cheese and other dairy products, meat, fish, and eggs are all high biological values proteins that are rich in L-tyrosine. For those that prefer a plant-based choice focus on nuts, beans, oats, and whole wheat selections. Although these are lower biological value proteins, they are still a reliable source of L-tyrosine.
If chronic stress is something you deal with, there isn’t a better time to take steps to control your neurotransmitters. Effectively managing stress requires understanding how you can best reduce the physical, emotional, mental, and behavioral effects of stress. It also requires having the tools and strategies to put into practice. By developing a toolbox of skills, you will have what you need to effectively manage and cope with stress to improve physical well-being by improving medical condition management while also improving your mental, emotional, and relational well-being.
We know finding the time for coaching and stress management support can be a challenge. That’s why we created an 8-week stress management virtual coaching program to solve your time problem by bringing the coaching, tools, and strategies to you. Maybe today is the day you need to take a step forward in mood and stress management by adding some more L-tyrosine AND starting a stress management program.
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