Human studies have shown that taking L-Theanine results in the emission of brain waves associated with relaxation. L-theanine’s effect on the brain can be seen on an EEG. Brain waves are actually smoothed out—but not flattened out—by supplemental L-theanine. The body is relaxed, the mind is calmed, but no drowsiness occurs. This is exactly the type of relaxation prescribed by sleep therapists. If theanine is present in the body at the time stroke occurs, the damaged area will be significantly reduced. Theanine is a powerful antidote to the effects of alcohol.
If theanine is given to mice before or after they drink alcohol, it significantly lowers blood levels of alcohol. It works by modulating alcohol chemistry. Theanine is able to reverse damage caused by alcohol as it restores the liver’s all-purpose antioxidant and detoxifier known as glutathione.
L-theanine is extremely safe. The intended use of L-theanine is that of a mental and physical relaxant that does not induce drowsiness. Animal studies have shown that L-theanine crosses the blood brain barrier, increasing dopamine and GABA levels in the brain. Although there is no set schedule for taking L-theanine, it may generally be taken at the first signs of stress. Based on the results of the clinical studies, L-theanine is most effective in the range of 50-200 mg, with the effect being felt within 30 minutes and lasting for 8-10 hours. Individuals with high stress levels may increase their dosage of L-theanine to at least 100 mg, with no more than 600 mg being taken in a six hour period. FDA recommends a maximum dose of 1200 mg daily, although the reason for this limit is not clear, due to its demonstrated safety. There are no known adverse reactions to L-theanine and no drug interactions have been reported. L-theanine is not affected by food and may be taken anytime, as needed. Because it has a mild taste, capsules may be opened and dissolved in water.
COMMENT: At 2:00pm I took my first dose of 200 mg L-theanine
5:30pm I was relaxed (I was not tense to begin) yet I was still wide awake at a time I should have been napping. I was relaxed yet not tired, in fact, I filed all my paperwork for 2011 that had been sitting for months.
7:30pm — 5.5 hours later, I was still relaxed but wide awake. Not in an ampy way, just noting this was my dozing time and I was nowhere near sleepy.
7:30pm I need to sleep before doing some midnight phone sessions, so I took 3060 mg valerian root, 2 Calm’s Forte, 450mg holy basil extract and 6mg melatonin.
8:30pm I was completely relaxed and sleepy and slept soundly until 12:30am. This is a good combination to remember. I didn’t feel drugged and my mind was clear and refreshed upon awakening. It was the first time I added holy basil to the mix.
CONCLUSION: I think the L-theanine helped kept me awake and alert, so I’ll take it in the morning from now on, rather than 2 hours before my bedtime.
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