Do you experience brain fog, lack of focus, and irritability? 

Feelings of stress and overwhelm are common in today’s fast-paced world and occur because of overstimulation of several physiological systems in the body. These feelings are real and present as physical manifestations of increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, body aches and more. Stress an important feeling to address if you want to feel your best. Addressing these feelings is an important clinical goal when working on almost any condition. An amino acid called L-theanine, may just be the tool you are missing to find that calming focus.

L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves such as green tea and in some mushroom species; it is now also found in supplement form at Lakeside. 

The way L-theanine is absorbed in the body, allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier which means it can have effects on the brain about 30 minutes after intake. L-theanine can act fairly quickly to provide that calming focus, promote sleep and improve overall health.

à L-theanine can considerably increase alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves are present when people feel relaxed, especially while participating in activities such as meditation and mindfulness. 

à L-theanine is a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to naturally lower cortisol to a healthy level, which may reduce body aches, lower blood pressure and reduce persistent anxiety.

à L-theanine promotes sleep without the drowsiness. It lowers beta waves in the brain, waves are present in an excited state. It also increases GABA, which reduces hyperactivity in the brain.

Chronic stress and lack of sleep can be detrimental to our health. L-theanine may be great supplement to add into your regimen, and taken differently depending on your primary goal. I personally take L-theanine along with my coffee to reduce the jittery feeling and improve my productivity during the work day. I recommend L-theanine to patients who are prone to anxiety, as it can be taken and have noticeable effects in 20-30 minutes. I also recommend L-theanine taken in the even when someone could use some sleep support. L-theanine can be taken on an as needed basis and is also safe to take daily. I encourage you to ask your provider if L-theanine is right for you.

Rose, J; Nandipaty, C. (2021). Is l-theanine effective in decreasing subjective stress levels and improving physiological markers of the stress response? Evidence-Based Practice. 2021; 24(7): 31-32. doi: 10.1097/EBP.0000000000001103

Takeshima M, Miyazaki I, Murakami S, Kita T, Asanuma M. l-Theanine protects against excess dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in the presence of astrocytes. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016 Sep;59(2):93-99. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.16-15. Epub 2016 Jul 16. PMID: 27698535; PMCID: PMC5018574

White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, Gondalia S, Noonan C, Scholey AB. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 19;8(1):53. doi: 10.3390/nu8010053. PMID: 26797633; PMCID: PMC4728665.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.