GABA y L tiamina Stress Support 101: GABA and L-Theanine: The Fast Acting Stress

and Anxiety Antidote

In this 3-part blog series (Stress Support 101, 102, and 103), the Quicksilver Staff
addresses a multipronged approach to supporting the body under stress. Stay tuned for
each essential tidbit!

These days, we often view stress as a badge of honor—proof that our hectic lives are
packed to the brim with work, play, friends, family, exercise, shopping, cooking, and
limitless other tasks from laundry to surfing social media and tuning in to 24-hour weather
and news.

We’re drinking every last drop of life. We’re making our mark. We’re also sleep deprived
and chronically tense. Since 2007, the American Psychological Association has conducted
an annual nationwide survey to assess how stressed Americans are. Between August
2016 and January 2017, the overall average reported stress level of Americans rose from
4.8 to 5.1, on a scale where 1 means little or no stress and 10 means a great deal of
stress, according to the APA survey.1

We tend to forget that chronic stress isn’t just an irritant, but can pave the way for ill health
by altering the responses of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal axis,
increasing the flow of stress hormones, and upregulating inflammation and free radical
damage.2 Yet it’s hard to jump off the merry-go-round of stressors that confront us at
every turn.

If we understand the biology of stress—just how it acts on the body—then we can make
choices that help us to relax and restore ourselves, including the support of natural aids
that gently soothe and replenish our cells, tissues, and organs.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the primary axis of endocrine organs in

the body that adapts in response to stress. This system impacts the function of many other
biological systems and processes through the hormone cortisol. Chronic stress is linked to
chronically elevated levels of salivary cortisol in both children and adults.3 These high
levels are associated with reduced immune response, affecting healing and thus
prolonging recovery time; delayed growth in children; and increased blood pressure and
heart rate in both children and adults.

Sleep difficulties are common with anxiety disorders and are often associated with mental
activity or worrying. They lead to a lower cortisol awakening response (CAR) which is a
burst of cortisol secretion that occurs about 20-30 minutes after awakening in the morning,
and prepares the body for greeting the demands of the day.4

Sleep is a necessity for creatures ranging from fruit flies to humans. It is actually a
cleansing process, wherein your brain flushes itself clean, sending waste and toxins out of
the cells and bringing in fresh nutrients, which then diffuse back into cells, refreshing and
replenishing them.5 While you sleep, your brain detoxifies itself up to ten times faster than
when you are awake.6 No wonder good sleep is the foundation of health, while poor sleep
raises our risk of stroke, heart attack and even weight gain and weak bones.7

Rest & Relax with GABA and L-Theanine

To restore deep and restful sleep, you might turn to a calming amino acid like gamma-
amino butyric acid (GABA), which is known as the premier “calm and connect” molecule.
Our brain naturally produces it, and it is capable of inhibiting or slowing down nerve
impulses, and balancing out our response to stress. Lower GABA concentrations in
individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been linked to poor
sleep quality.8GABA supplementation has been found to significantly increase calming
alpha-wave patterns during stress, and to reduce anxiety levels in humans.9,10GABA may
fine tune our entire neuroendocrine response.

GABA is found in teas such as pu-erh and foods such as kimchi (where it is a fermentation
byproduct).12 For the pure amino acid, liposomal delivery systems have been shown to
facilitate transport across the blood brain barrier (BBB) and increase availability of
therapeutic agents in the central nervous system. It has also been proposed that
supplemental GABA may activate receptors in the enteric nervous system (that of the gut),
which may be modulated by and signal to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest
cranial nerve in the body. It contains motor and sensory fibers and, because it passes
through the neck and thorax to the abdomen, has the widest distribution in the body.

Another calming amino acid, one that enhances GABA’s effect, is L-theanine. It is found
naturally in tea.15 After supplementing with L-theanine, brain wave patterns smooth out,
much like they do with meditation.16 L-theanine calms without impairing cognitive ability,
reduces stress and levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in saliva, and also lowers blood
pressure.17,18 L-theanine has been observed to promote relaxation and reduce stress,
possibly by increasing alpha wave activity and by blocking the binding of L-glutamic acid to
excitatory glutamate receptors in the central nervous system.

Continuous administration of L-theanine has been shown to increase expression of brain-

derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)21, a protein that increases neural plasticity and
promotes neurogenesis, including that of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons.
Increased BDNF levels are thought to be a mechanism by which some anti-depressants,
supplements, and exercise have a positive impact on anxiety and depression.

Supplementation with L-theanine has been shown to have a relaxing effect, reducing heart
rate and salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion in settings of acute stress. It also has
been shown to reduce anxiety and attenuate blood pressure during a challenging mental
task and reduce salivary α-amylase activity and subjective experience of stress during
mental challenges. L-theanine has been shown to improve aspects of sleep quality in boys
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and reverse caffeine-induced decreases in
slow-wave sleep in animals.31

GABA in combination with L-theanine truly is a ‘busyness’ antidote and produces a very
quick and powerful effect. GABA and L-theanine help balance our nervous system,
enabling a good night’s deep sleep, and thus supporting optimal health. On their own, oral
GABA supplements like capsules or tablets do not easily cross the blood-brain barrier. 32
Hence, a liposomal delivery system for this nutrient combination is key, as it has
demonstrated abilities to deliver nutrients through this barrier and into the brain where they
are needed.

4. GABA: Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that allow communication from
one nerve cell to another. GABA, an amino acid, is a calming neurotransmitter; people
who struggle with anxiety often have low levels of serotonin (connected to feelings of well-
being) and GABA. It’s well suited for individuals who experience anxiety, muscle tension or
pain. In fact, many prescribed anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines target GABA
receptor sites in order to induce relaxation.

GABA – Dosage: Take 500 to 1,000 mg before bed. Alternatively, take GABA 10 to 20
minutes before your evening meal. The standard dose of 200 mg three times daily
can be increased to a maximum of 450 mg three times daily, if needed, but this
dosage should not be exceeded.
What You Need to Know About L-theanine
Sleep better at night, feel relaxed during the day.
Posted Aug 29, 2017
I often encourage my patients to drink tea. Black tea is a lower-caffeine alternative to
coffee during the day, and decaffeinated tea can be a calming part of a nighttime power-
down ritual before bed. Whatever time of day or night, drinking a cup of tea can be a
soothing, relaxing ritual. I often drink tea myself—my favorite is my personal recipe for
banana tea.

In addition to its calming qualities, tea also contains compounds that deliver some real
health benefits. One of those compounds: L-theanine.

Fortunately, you can also get L-theanine in supplement form, which can help with
relaxation, focus, and sleep. Let’s take a closer look at L-theanine and its calming,
centering, sleep-boosting abilities.

What is L-theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in tea leaves. It was identified in tea by Japanese
scientists in 1949. While tea is the most common dietary source for L-theanine, this
compound is also found in some types of mushrooms. In foods, particularly green tea, L-
theanine is thought to be a source of umami, the savory, brothy taste.

Scientists studying umami flavor have made some interesting discoveries. Umami has
been linked to decreased risk for obesity. It may stimulate metabolism, and may boost
sensations of fullness and lengthen the time before hunger returns after eating.

There’s also evidence suggesting that L-theanine, when consumed in tea, may change
taste perception, specifically diminishing the taste of bitterness in foods such as chocolate
and grapefruit.

How L-theanine Works

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.
Benefits of L-theanine

Improving sleep. With its ability to increase relaxation and lower stress, L-theanine can
help in sleep in a number of ways. L-theanine may help people fall asleep more quickly
and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers. Research also shows L-
theanine can improve the quality of sleep—not by acting as a sedative, but by lowering
anxiety and promoting relaxation.

There’s evidence that L-theanine may help improve sleep quality in children with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study examined the effects on the sleep of boys
ages 8-12, and found that the supplement worked safely and effectively to improve the
quality of their sleep, helping them to sleep more soundly.

Reducing stress and anxiety. L-theanine is what’s known as an anxiolytic—it works to

reduce anxiety. Some anxiolytics, such as valerian and hops, have sedative effects. L-
theanine, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and stress reduction without sedating. L-
theanine can help foster a state of calm, attentive wakefulness.

L-theanine has positive effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress,
including lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
Research suggests that L-theanine can help reduce anxiety in people with schizophrenia
and schizoaffective disorder.

Enhancing attention, focus, memory and learning. Under stress, the body increases
production of certain hormones, including cortisol and corticosterone. These hormone
changes inhibit some brain activity, including memory formation and spatial learning. L-
theanine helps to lower levels of the stress hormone corticosterone, and avoid the
interference with memory and learning.

L-theanine may help boost other cognitive skills. Research shows L-theanine can increase
attention span and reaction time in people who are prone to anxiety. It may help improve
accuracy—one study shows that taking L-theanine reduced the number of errors made in
a test of attention.

Sometimes, L-theanine is used with caffeine to enhance cognitive skills. Studies show that
combinations of L-theanine and caffeine can improve attention span, enhance the ability to
process visual information, and increase accuracy when switching from one task to
another.

Helping maintain a healthy weight. The anti-anxiety and sleep-promoting abilities of L-

theanine may help people to maintain a healthy weight. After all, getting enough sleep and
limiting stress are both key to sticking with a healthy diet and avoiding weight gain.

L-theanine may also play a more direct role in weight maintenance. There’s scientific
evidence indicating L-theanine may help to limit fat accumulation and weight gain, and pay
help to protect against obesity.

What to Know

Always consult your doctor before you begin taking a supplement or make any changes to
your existing medication and supplement routine. This is not medical advice, but it is
information you can use as a conversation-starter with your physician at your next
appointment.

Dosing
The following doses are based on amounts that have been investigated in scientific
studies. In general, it is recommended that users begin with the smallest suggested dose,
and gradually increase until it has an effect.

GABA – For sleep, stress and other uses: 100 mg to 400 mg

In combination with caffeine: 12-100 mg L-theanine, 30-100 mg caffeine
Possible Side Effects

L-theanine is generally well tolerated by healthy adults.

People in these groups should consult with a physician before using an L-theanine
supplement:

Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding.

Individuals with low blood pressure. L-theanine may lower blood pressure. If you have low
blood pressure, speak with your doctor before beginning to use L-theanine.
Children. Consult your child’s physician before beginning their use of L-theanine.

Disponible a través de estos vendedores.

L-Theanine fórmula: Nuestro puro y potente fórmula de theanin es el mejor extracto
natural disponible en el mercado – derivados de boletus badius y Camellia sinensis. nos
en el deporte suplementos solo uso alta calidad ingredientes disponible. no se usa – ,
azúcar, sal, lactosa, levadura, trigo, gluten, maíz, de soja, colores o sabores artificiales.
suplemento hechos: Tamaño de la porción – 1 Cápsula. raciones por contenedor – 60.
L-Theanine 200 mg: theanin se utiliza para reducir el estrés, aliviar la ansiedad, mejorar la
concentración y el enfoque y el mínimo deterioro cognitivo. L-Theanine puede ayudar a
aliviar el estrés por inducir a un relajante efecto sin somnolencia y puede también poseen
immunologic atributos. teanina también puede tener efectos sobre el sistema
cardiovascular y jugar un papel en el crecimiento anormal Cell preventivo.
L-Theanine 200 mg beneficios: como un suplemento dietético L-Theanine contiene
muchos beneficioso atributos, están mejor conocido por su capacidad para promover
relajación, reducir el estrés, mejorar el sueño, así como la mejora de la concentración y
estado de alerta. L-Theanine ha demostrado beneficios para los pacientes con ansiedad
por el aumento de los niveles de dopamina y GABA en el cerebro también mejor
rendimiento prueba sin la agitación causados por la cafeína.
Otros L-Theanine beneficios incluyen: se dice para generar la creatividad, un estado de
relajación wakeful, y aprendizaje superior a través de la capacidad de pasar por alto
distraer información durante tareas complejas. L-Theanine generalmente se considera
seguro para los adultos en cantidades moderada.

L Teanina
Stress Management
Managing stress makes for clearer thinking and decision making, improved digestion,
healthier communication styles, and more energized lifestyle choices. Yet knowing this
and practicing this can be challenging. Even with our favorite stress management
protocols in play - like tea, yoga, a restful night’s sleep, and eating fresh and well, there
are times when life's demands require something more.

Anxiety Reduction
L-Theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of
deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. It is also
involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid
(GABA) which influences the levels of two other positive relaxing neurotransmitters,
dopamine and serotonin.

Mood and Sleep Improvement

L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, and improve cognition
and mood. By lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation and focus throughout the day, L-
Theanine also improves the quality of sleep at night. Safe for long-term use with benefits
beyond nervous system health, L-Theanine can be taken day or night.

5 HTP
USOS
1.Depresión, Angustia, Ataques de Ansiedad Hay  una menor presencia cerebral de
5‐HTP en personas con depresión mayor, asociada a una posible disminución  en el
transporte de esta sustancia a través de la barrera hematoencefálica. En la mayoría
de estudios con pacientes depresivos se han observado respuestas clínicas
significativas bastante rápidas (entre 2‐4 semanas), utilizando dosis de 50‐300mg
tres veces diarias, sin efectos secundarios Eficiencia de transformación de
productos del metabolismo del triptófano importantes. Conviene destacar que, la
mayoría de los antidepresivos convencionales necesitan unas 4 semanas hasta
conseguir efectos terapéuticos en la mayoría de los pacientes; por tanto el 5‐HTP
tendría una respuesta más rápida.   Respecto al grado de mejoría respecto  a
antidepresivos inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (SSRI), se ha
observado una mejoría en los síntomas depresivos y en porcentaje de efectividad
similar tras el tratamiento con 5‐HTP y tras el uso de fluvoxamina  (un SSRI), con
valores ligeramente favorables al 5‐HTP.  En estudios comparativos de efectividad
respecto a antidepresivos tricíclicos, el 5‐HTP se ha mostrado, como mínimo, tan
efectivo como estas drogas en casos de depresión severa, mostrando menos
efectos secundarios.
2.Fibromialgia Se ha observado bajos niveles de serotonina y triptófano en la
sangre de afectados por fibromialgia y una mejoría  significativa en síntomas como:
dolor, rigidez matutina, ansiedad, perturbaciones del sueño y fatiga con el uso de
300mg diarios de 5‐HTP. El incremento en los niveles de serotonina puede
interactuar con la sustancia P (cuyo incremento en fibromialgia se relaciona con
una disminución del umbral del dolor) y potencia los efectos de las endorfinas
endógenas. En un estudio realizado con 200 pacientes con fibromialgia que
padecían migrañas se comparó la utilización de 400mg/día de 5‐HTP  junto con un
antidepresivo tricíclico (amitriptilina) y con un inhibidor de la monoamino oxidasa
(MAOI). También se evaluó la acción de 200mg de 5‐HTP junto con el MAOI. Tras los
12 meses del estudio, se observó que todos los tratamientos habían presentados
mejorías, aunque el más efectivo fue la combinación de 5‐HTP con MAOI.  
3.Obesidad Muchos pacientes obesos y personas sometidas a dietas de
adelgazamiento, presentan bajos niveles de triptófano en sangre y una gran
disminución en los niveles de serotonina en el sistema nervioso central. Estos
bajos niveles de serotonina se asocian con ganas de comer carbohidratos y con
atracones de comida. En estos casos se ha demostrado que 5‐HTP disminuye la
ingesta de alimentos y, en consecuencia, aumenta la pérdida de peso.
4.Insomnio 5‐HTP es beneficioso en casos de insomnio, mejorando especialmente
la calidad del sueño al incrementar el sueño REM. En estos casos se ha observado
que una dosis de 200mg de 5‐HTP era efectiva y preferible a dosis mayores (600mg
de 5‐HTP), que podrían incrementar la posibilidad de padecer sueños muy vívidos o
pesadillas.  
5.Dolores de Cabeza Crónicos Los dolores de cabeza crónicos, sobre todo las
migrañas, se han relacionado con bajos niveles de serotonina, probablemente
debido a un incremento de la degradación de serotonina producido por la
monoamino oxidasa. En estos casos se cree que el umbral de dolor se vería
disminuido, facilitando el desencadenamiento del dolor de cabeza. En dolores de
cabeza crónicos de diferentes tipos (migraña, dolor de cabeza por tensión y dolor
de cabeza juvenil), el 5‐HTP se ha utilizado de forma exitosa en su prevención y
tratamiento, reduciendo su frecuencia, intensidad y duración. 6.Parkinson Uno de
los síntomas secundarios asociados con la enfermedad de Parkinson, así como a la
medicación utilizada en esta enfermedad (L‐DOPA) es la depresión. Se relaciona
tanto el desarrollo de la enfermedad y el envejecimiento neuronal como el uso de L‐
DOPA con una inhibición en la actividad de la hormona triptófano hidrolasa y, por lo
tanto, de serotonina cerebral.   El uso de 5‐HTP junto con el fármaco Sinemet®
(combinación de L‐DOPA con carbidopa) mejoró la depresión emocional que se
asocia con frecuencia a la enfermedad de Parkinson.  
Ventajas del uso de 5‐HTP respecto a LT El uso de 5‐HTP es más efectivo y más
seguro que el de LT. Las ventajas se dan a varios niveles:
1. La absorción intestinal del 5‐HTP es muy elevada (del orden del 70%) y, al no
requerir la presencia de moléculas transportadoras, no se ve afectada por la
presencia de otros aminoácidos dietéticos que pudieran competir por esos mismos
transportadores. Por esa razón, puede tomarse con comidas sin que su efectividad
se vea reducida.
2.  Con la ingestión directa de 5‐HTP se evita la conversión de LT en 5‐HTP. Esta
reacción la cataliza la enzima triptófano‐hidrolasa (también denominada triptófano
5‐monooxigenasa), y es el paso limitante en la síntesis de serotonina. Esta enzima
puede verse inhibida por numerosos factores como: estrés, resistencia a insulina,
deficiencia de vitamina B6 y deficiencia de magnesio. Además, todos estos factores
junto con elevados niveles de cortisol y dosis elevadas de LT (mayores a 2.000mg)
pueden incrementar la conversión de LT a kinurenina vía triptófano 2,3‐dioxigenasa,
haciendo que LT no esté disponible para la producción de serotonina.
3.  A diferencia de LT, la molécula de 5‐HTP no puede ser dirigida hacia la
producción de niacina o de proteínas corporales.  
4.  5‐HTP atraviesa fácilmente la barrera hematoencefálica, sin necesidad de
moléculas transportadoras, cosa que sí que necesita LT. Debido a que las
moléculas transportadoras de LT son compartidas por 5 aminoácidos (tirosina,
fenilalanina, valina, leucina e isoleucina), la presencia de estos aminoácidos
competidores puede inhibir el transporte de LT al cerebro, cosa que no ocurre con
el 5‐HTP. Además, altos niveles séricos de kinurenina pueden inhibir el transporte
de LT hacia el sistema nervioso central y reducen los niveles de serotonina en el
sistema nervioso central.
5.  Los productos de 5‐HTP se obtienen a partir de semillas de una planta africana,
Griffonia simplicifolia, evitando los problemas de contaminación que llevaron a la
prohibición en la comercialización de productos de LT obtenidos mediante
fermentación bacteriana. La prohibición se Metabolismo del triptófano y de la
serotonina debió a la aparición de algunos casos de productos de LT en los cuales
se realizó un filtrado inadecuado y que provocaron síndrome de mialgia‐
eosinofílica.  
5‐HTP – Dosis diarias recomendadas La dosis inicial de 5‐HTP suele ser de 50‐
100mg al día. Si la respuesta es inadecuada tras dos semanas se puede incrementar
hasta 100mg tres veces al día. En casos de insomnio se suele tomar 100‐300mg
antes de irse a dormir.
Como su absorción no se ve afectada por la presencia de otros aminoácidos en la
dieta, puede tomarse con comidas sin perder efectividad. Seguridad Algunos
pacientes pueden experimentar ligeras náuseas al comienzo del tratamiento. Por
esa razón se recomienda empezar con dosis bajas de 5‐HTP e incrementarlas si es
necesario, para evitar estos problemas. Un exceso en los niveles de serotonina
puede generar síndrome serotoninérgico, caracterizado por agitación, angustia,
confusión, diarrea, delirio, taquicardia, diaforesis y fluctuaciones en la presión
sanguínea. No se ha detectado ningún caso con suplementación con 5‐HTP, pero en
teoría un consumo excesivo del suplemento podría llegar a desencadenarlo.  Por
eso, aunque algunos estudios han mostrado una mayor efectividad al combinar
inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina junto con 5‐HTP, de forma
general, no se recomienda tomar 5‐HTP junto con antidepresivos u otras sustancias
que modifiquen los niveles de serotonina (a no ser que sea bajo una estricta
monitorización médica). Los antidepresivos más habituales con los que podría
interactuar son inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (SSRI) e
inhibidores de la monoamonooxidasa (MAOI). Si se desea sustituir la terapia de
SSRI o MAOI por el uso de 5‐HTP y se toman de forma conjunta durante este paso,
tanto el paciente como el profesional deben conocer los posibles síntomas de esta
afección. En casos de Parkinson, a pesar de que el uso de 5‐HTP podría ayudar si
se toma junto con Sinemet®, no debería tomarse nunca 5‐HTP de forma aislada en
esta enfermedad. El 5‐HTP se convierte en serotonina en el cerebro y este aumento
si no se ve acompañado a su vez de un incremento de dopamina podría empeorar
síntomas de la enfermad como la rigidez. No se aconseja conducir ni realizar
actividades peligrosas hasta conocer el efecto concreto que provoca el 5‐HTP, ya
que en algunos casos puede causar somnolencia. Tampoco debería utilizarse
durante embarazo y lactancia, debido a la falta de estudios de seguridad en esas
situaciones.

L teanina
Según la mayoría de los ensayos, las dosis diarias recomendadas de L-Teanina se
encuentran entre 50 y 200 mg diarios, siendo 100 mg diarios una dosis bastante
equilibrada y eficaz, que nos permite aumentar si fuera necesario.
proved sleep quality
Some research indicates that L-theanine could be beneficial for a good night’s
sleep. Researchers in one study found that doses of 250 mg and 400 mg of L-
theanine greatly improved sleep in animals and humans.
Also, 200 mg of L-theanine was shown to reduce resting heart rate, pointing to its
ability to promote relaxation.
L-theanine may also help boys diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) sleep better.
A 2011 study looked at the effects of L-theanine on 98 boys aged 8 to 12. A
randomized group was given two 100 mg chewable tablets of L-theanine twice daily.
The other group received placebo pills.
After six weeks, the group taking L-theanine was found to have had longer, more
restful sleep. While the results are promising, more research is needed before it can
be proven as safe and effective, especially for children.
Other research found that L-theanine improved sleep quality for those diagnosed
with schizophrenia.
Sinusitis relief
If you’re experiencing sinusitis, a cup of tea may help you find some relief.
Murray Grossan, MD, author of The Whole Body Approach to Allergy and Sinus
Health and founder of the Grossan Sinus & Health Institute, notes that L-theanine
can boost cilia movement in the nose.
Cilia are the hair-like strands that help clear up mucus that can be affected by an
infection.
“In sinus disease, the cilia of the nose no longer pulse to remove stale mucus from
the nose and sinuses,” he says.
“Instead, the mucus becomes thick, and this provides a place for bacteria to
multiply. When the tea is added, the cilia speed up, mucus thins, and healing is on
its way.”
L-theanine risks and side effects
There are no confirmed or direct side effects of taking L-theanine. Generally
speaking, it’s safe to take the supplement and drink teas that contain L-theanine.
But even though some research shows promising results for L-theanine’s anti-
tumor properties, teas that contain amino acids can have other ingredients that
could be harmful for people with cancer.
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the polyphenol EGCG found
in green tea can actually reduce the efficacy of some chemotherapy drugs, such as
bortezomib.
For that reason, it’s very important for those taking chemotherapy drugs to consult
their doctors before drinking large amounts of green tea as part of their treatment
plan.
Similar to drinking too much coffee and other caffeinated drinks, drinking large
amounts of caffeinated teas can also cause problems, such as:
 nausea
 upset stomach
 irritability
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also limit how much tea they
drink to avoid over-caffeinating. It’s best to ask your doctor about what’s safe for
you. The same advice applies to children as well.