| Now that the public is more aware of the serious side | | | | Additionally, L-Theanine regulates the production of |
| effects of Ritalin and other prescription medications for | | | | serotonin and dopamine. Most children who suffer |
| ADHD, many natural alternatives to stimulant drugs are | | | | from depression have low levels of serotonin, whereas |
| available to ADHD sufferers. One of the most widely | | | | children with anxiety have high levels of serotonin. |
| used natural remedies for ADHD is L-Theanine, an | | | | L-Theanine's ability to balance out these |
| amino acid and analog of glutamate/glutamine that is | | | | neurotransmitters stimulates the production of alpha |
| naturally found in green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. | | | | waves, which induces a state of mental alertness and |
| Studies show that drinking tea with L-Theanine on a | | | | deep relaxation similar to what is experienced during |
| regular basis can improve attention and concentration, | | | | meditation. |
| boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and | | | | Although green tea and oolong tea are natural sources |
| induce a calming effect without making you feel | | | | of L-Theanine, the substance only constitutes 1-2% of |
| sluggish or drowsy. | | | | the tea leaves' dry weight. In order to receive the |
| How does L-Theanine work? Within thirty minutes of | | | | benefits of L-Theanine, you'd have to drink around fifty |
| entering the digestive system, L-Theanine uses its | | | | cups of tea! Fortunately, advances in technology have |
| molecular resemblance to glutamine to ride on the | | | | paved the way for an affordable means to produce |
| body's amino-acid transporter, which carries it across | | | | L-Theanine. The best way to obtain L-Theanine is |
| the intestine and the blood-brain barrier. As soon as | | | | through capsules or powdered food supplements. The |
| L-Theanine enters the central nervous system, it uses | | | | recommended daily dosage for children is 50 mg, while |
| its glutamate functions to bind itself to different | | | | adults can take as much as 100 mg but not more than |
| glutamate receptors on nerve cells. When this | | | | 1,200 mg. Since L-Theanine has a very mild taste, |
| happens, the cell gets excited into greater activity, | | | | capsules can be broken and mixed with a glass of |
| which increases the production of neurotransmitters | | | | water or juice. |
| and makes the brain more alert and functional. At the | | | | Most of the information we know about L-Theanine |
| same time, it prevents the brain from getting too | | | | comes from Japan, where green tea is a staple drink |
| overworked, which makes it an excellent natural | | | | and L-Theanine is considered to be a fifth flavor. |
| treatment for ADHD. L-Theanine triggers the release | | | | Although experts still need to explore the effects of |
| of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory | | | | L-Theanine on children with ADHD, the evidence so far |
| neurotransmitter that counterbalances the hyperactive | | | | looks promising, especially when L-Theanine is used as |
| effects of glutamate. Its ability to release GABA is also | | | | part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consult a |
| related to the increase of norepinephrine and | | | | doctor, chiropractor, or naturopath before giving |
| dopamine production in the brain, which is why | | | | L-Theanine to your child, and ask about other natural |
| L-Theanine has the potential to replace Ritalin and | | | | treatments for ADHD. |
| ADHD medications. | | | | |