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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on March 25, 2010, at 17:10:44
I stopped drinking green tea a few weeks back. It seems like my GAD has become much worse since this move.
Linkadge
Posted by morganator on March 25, 2010, at 17:46:46
In reply to GAD increase since dropping green tea, posted by linkadge on March 25, 2010, at 17:10:44
Why stop drinking green tea? What about taking a green tea extract supplement?
Posted by janejane on March 25, 2010, at 19:21:36
In reply to GAD increase since dropping green tea, posted by linkadge on March 25, 2010, at 17:10:44
Makes sense since it's thought to enhance GABA via theanine. I do find green tea very calming myself. Why did you stop? I cut down because I'm worried about lowering my estrogen too much, but I can't imagine that's the reason why you did. Have you ever tried straight up theanine supplements? (For what it's worth, green tea works much better for me.)
Posted by nolvas on March 26, 2010, at 4:41:58
In reply to Re: GAD increase since dropping green tea » linkadge, posted by janejane on March 25, 2010, at 19:21:36
I suffer severe GAD and I find Green Tea mildy calming, however L-Theanine on it's own doesn't have quite the same effect, it also seems to worsen GAD once I stop. I find anything that affects GABA eventually has a negative feedback effect causing a worsening of symptoms. I try and avoid any supplements which affect GABA, as the body eventually compensates. The symptoms of GAD and Bipolar II are very similar and it's possibly worth investigating further :
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/GAD&BPII.htm
I have two forms of Lithium , which are Aspartate and Orotate. I plan to experiment with them. Lithium is neuroprotective, reduces glutamate toxicity. Increases BDNF which is implicated in anxiety disorders. The element Lithium is an obvious mood disorder and antidepressant nutrient. It's effect on anxiety is less well defined, but it is used to treat Bipolar II.
GAD can be a seperate condition to Bipolar II, also a person suffering from Bipolar II can have GAD as well as Bipolar apparently. Quite a complex situation.
I have 10 to 11 mercury fillings. A contentious subject indeed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgam_%28dentistry%29#Dental_amalgam_toxicity_controversy
Interestingly I see that some other countries have banned dental amalgam. So there is a concern about safety. Also the US FDA has refused to to ratify assertions of safety. (citation required)
I've had poor results with treating GAD with l-theanine. What works far better is the plant Albizzia. I use the following brand :
http://www.iherb.com/Planetary-Herbals-Albizzia-Calm-4-fl-oz-118-28-ml/7703?at=0
It is useful to point out that I stop taking Albizzia for a few weeks at a time. It can be used longterm indefinitely but I try and fool my body, the same way bodybuilders cycle their supplementation to keep the body guessing. Albizzia has been the most useful supplement for me so far in treating GAD and the resulting depressive symptoms.
"I'm an unlucky GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) sufferer. I'm not a big fan of taking drugs & only take anxiety medicien when absolutely needed. I find this supplement works as well as, if not better than, the drugs I've tried (Xanax, Klonezapam)."
An anecdotal quote, indicating Albizzia has helped treat GAD.
Posted by sukarno on March 28, 2010, at 6:56:26
In reply to Re: GAD increase since dropping green tea, posted by nolvas on March 26, 2010, at 4:41:58
Green tea contains caffeine. It is the same plant (Camellia sinensis) that we get not only green tea from, but also black tea (which is dried and fermented), oolong tea and white tea.
It's possible it could be caffeine withdrawal. I've read posts on other websites about people undergoing caffeine withdrawal and reporting that their doctor told them that it can take up to six months for the body to adjust after caffeine cessation.
Caffeine is also an adenosine receptor antagonist, and this antagonism/blocking effect thereby increases dopamine.
Maybe it was l-theanine helping with your anxiety, but I'm not sure. How long has it been since you quit drinking green tea?
Good luck. :-)
sukarno
Posted by Lao Tzu on April 13, 2010, at 10:39:21
In reply to GAD increase since dropping green tea, posted by linkadge on March 25, 2010, at 17:10:44
I started drinking green tea again, just a cup in the late morning. I feel it has some relaxing properties. It just feels pretty good, nothing spectacular, but I could see where it could add to well-being along with other supplements.
Posted by Leo33 on May 3, 2010, at 16:46:08
In reply to Re: GAD increase since dropping green tea, posted by nolvas on March 26, 2010, at 4:41:58
Nolvas, it says it has 50% grain alcohol in it, maybe that is why it calms.
This is the end of the thread.
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