by Joan Haynes, NMD

Adjusting to the classroom can be challenging.  L-Theanine is a simple supplement that families can try with their children to help them relax, focus and learn.  I’ve been using it with kids and adults for over 20 years and find it a gentle and effective supplement.  Along with dietary support (whole food, blood sugar regulation, avoiding food sensitivities, quality multivitamin), L-theanine can help kids make the most out of their day.

L-Theanine is an amino acid from green tea which fosters a state of calm, attentive wakefulness.  It helps restless & anxious students by lowering levels of the stress hormone corticosterone.  When stress levels are high, it interferes with memory and learning.

How L-theanine Works

From a recent Psychology Today article. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201708/what-you-need-know-about-l-theanine

L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by contributing to a number of changes in the brain:

• Boosts levels of GABA and other calming brain chemicals. L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promotes relaxation and can help with sleep.
• Lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. At the same time it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage.
• Enhances alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative, or letting your mind wander in daydreaming. Alpha waves are also present during REM sleep. L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha-waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity. One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it works to relax without sedating. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people who are looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation,” without worrying about becoming sleepy and fatigued during the day.

Dosing  *

At Boise Natural Health Clinic, we find these amounts helpful:

50 mg is a starting dose for elementary school children. 

100 -200 mg may be more appropriate for high school children and adults.

L-Theanine can be given each morning and if needed a second time at the end of the day to promote relaxation, focus, and eventually sleep. 

* L-Theanine may not be appropriate with certain medical conditions or medications, so check with your provider before giving it to your child or taking it yourself. 

Using L-Theanine is an example of Targeted Amino Acid Therapy which is used to treat many common disorders such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, inattentiveness and more.  For more information, call for a free consult. 

by Joan Haynes, NMD

Life can be stressful (sometimes overwhelming) and when we come home from our demanding work day to our demanding home life, lots of us reach for an alcoholic beverage to help us relax.  But instead, consider a cup of tea that accomplishes the same goals, but without the long-term negative side effects on your body.  In fact, nervine herbs would be good through out the day, not just at the evening.

Nervines are a category of herbs that help support the nervous system.  They can relieve muscle tension, calm anxiety, and some can help us sleep.  They can be taken in capsules, tincture or tea.  You can mix and match combinations to get the effect you want.  Many are also good for children.

Here’s a list of nervines from Mountain Rose Herbs:

Common Nervines

• Oat tops – Very gentle tonic herb that helps support the nervous system without a perceptibly calming action. Can help reduce fatigue and support nerve functioning over time. Great for anyone who is overworked or relies on caffeine to get through the day.
• Skullcap – Wonderfully gentle and nourishing to the nervous system. Helps relieve occasional tension and stress, circular thoughts, and nervousness. Can be used throughout the day during stressful situations or at night before bed to calm worried thoughts.
• Chamomile – A classic, relaxing nighttime tea, this nervine herb is also helpful for relieving mild daily mental stress.
• Lavender – Calming herb that is often used in aromatherapy applications for its mild calming action. Lovely when used in the bath, massage oils, pillows, room sprays, or body fragrance to uplift the spirit.
• Lemon balm – Sunshine in plant form, this herb helps with nervous exhaustion, gloom, and restlessness while also providing pure aromatic pleasure. Simply rubbing a leaf between your fingers and smelling its citrusy oils can elevate the mood.
• Catnip – Gentle, calming herb for sleeplessness in children and the elderly.
• California poppy – Used for its calming properties, this plant helps promote relaxation in those seeking rest.
• Passionflower – This stunning plant is helpful for relieving general tension, occasional nervous restlessness, and supporting restful sleep.
• Hops – With a distinctive flavor and action known well by beer drinkers everywhere, this plant supports relaxation (although the effect can be considered hypnotic) and helps calm a nervous stomach.
• Valerian – When sleep seems impossible thanks to nervous energy at night, this potent herb can support relaxation for many busy-brained folks. For some people, however, valerian can have the opposite effect of relaxation, causing more anxiety and stimulation, so if this happens to you, we recommend seeking another herbal ally.

by Dale E. Bredesen, MD

Book Review by Joan Haynes, NMD

In his new book, The End of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Bredesen makes a bold statement; “No one should die from Alzheimer’s disease”.  What’s exciting is that he’s got proof to back up his assertion.

Since the 1980s the “amyloid hypothesis” has been at the forefront of research and treatment. This theory states that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation in the brain of sticky synapse-destroying plaques made of a protein called amyloid beta.  Medication and research focused on these plaques have been a dismal failure.

Dr. Bedesen has another theory – “Alzheimer’s disease is what happens when the brain struggles to defend itself.”  He says there are 3 different subtypes of Alzheimer’s that have profound implications for the way we evaluate, prevent, and treat it.  His research was first published in 2014 reporting the reversal of cognitive decline in patients.

3 Processes that Lead to Alzheimer’s Disease:

• Inflammation from infection, diet, or other causes
• Shortage of supportive nutrients, hormones, and other brain-supporting molecules
• Toxic substances such as metals or biotoxins (poison produced by microbes such as molds or bacteria)

In Chapter 7, Dr. Bedesen describes what needs to be identified in terms of your vulnerability to the three processes that lead to brain decline. A combination of blood tests, genetic tests, a simple online cognitive assessment, and MRI.  What surprised me a little, is how many of these tests we at Boise Natural Health Clinic commonly run on patients and how we’ve been helping prevent Alzheimer’s and didn’t realize it.  For example, hormone assessment and optimization, food sensitivity panels, leaky gut assessment, microbiome assessment looking for pathogens, and markers for inflammation such as CRP-hs are all tests we commonly order.

He then goes on to describe his ReCODE program (Reversal of COgnitive DEcline).  He helps patients create a personalized treatment plan developed by identifying the cause of imbalances.  He talks about diet, exercise, supplements, sleep, reducing stress, reducing inflammation, healing the gut, hormone balancing, etc.  (Again, all things we do at BNHC regularly!).

Alzheimer’s disease is preventable and reversible with tools we already have.  I cannot recommend this book highly enough!