by Julia Ross
Many of those coming to us for dietary help find it difficult or impossible to follow our suggestions because of their overpowering cravings. In fact, cravings for toxic, ultra-processed, nutrient-void foods have now precipitated a world-wide public health crisis.
- Eighty percent of the US population is now overweight, and our obesity rate has reached almost 50 percent.1 The US obesity growth rate, for decades the world’s fastest and still rising, has recently been exceeded by those of many, mostly third world, nations who have “adopted” our diet.2
- Fifty percent of US adults have now been formally diagnosed with some form of Type 2 diabetes.3 Galloping diabetes rates in many countries throughout the world now equal or exceed our own. In China, the rate is now 70 percent.4
- A large international study, published in 2018, found that ultra-processed food intake is linked to increasing cancer rates – to a 12% greater risk of breast cancer, specifically.5
Unfortunately, such fearsome realities have had little impact on the world’s eating habits. Our cravings for “highly palatable,” foods outweigh our common sense, our vanity, and even our most powerful survival instincts. The problem is not that we’re mindless, misinformed, or undisciplined. The problem is that our brain is constantly being exposed to the most addictive substances ever known.
The
building scientific consensus is that most of us have actually become
full-fledged food addicts. This conclusion is supported by almost
40 years of neuroscientific research confirming that the effects of sugars and
other ultra-processed foods on the brain’s pleasure centers are identical to
those of drugs like cocaine and heroin. Neuroscientist Nora Volkow, PhD, chief
of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has estimated that as much as
60 percent of the US adult population is helplessly dependent on edible
narcotics.6
These highly compelling, brain-active substances include the following:
- The new high fructose, corn, agave, and fruit syrups;
- Granulated sugar from cane and beet;
- Damaged fats and salt;
- Gluten-containing and gluten-free starches;
- Chocolate, and
- Cannabis.
The biochemical cravings set off by products that combine these substances come in all sizes and strengths. Some cravers complain about visions of chocolate that linger for hours until they finally succumb. Others suffer unstoppable drive-to-the-store-and-eat-it-all-in-the-car-now compulsions. The brain’s ancient system of appetite-control is no match for the now-constant assault of foods that are carefully designed to disable it.
A Brain-Based Cure for a Brain-Based Dietary Emergency
In the 1980s and 1990s, veteran researcher Kenneth Blum, PhD, a colleague of
NIDA’s Dr. Volkow, published several clinical studies demonstrating the
positive effects of certain brain-targeted free-form amino acid supplements on
the cravings (and negative mood states) that propel addictions of all kinds.7 These
studies prompted me and a number of other US addiction treatment professionals
to try adding this nutritional strategy to our existing (and floundering) psycho-spiritual
programs. We quickly found them to be stunningly successful and have continued
to promote them through an organization called The Alliance for Addiction
Solutions (https://www.allianceforaddictionsolutions.org).
As the director of integrative outpatient eating disorder and addiction
treatment programs in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1980, I can attest to
the remarkable, almost unfailing benefits of brain-targeted amino acid therapy
in thousands of cases of food addiction alone.
The Five Brain-Targets of Addictive Substances Like Ice Cream,
Cookies, and Soda
My clinic’s work has confirmed Dr. Blum’s premise that five specific brain
functions, when repeatedly exposed to addictive substances, begin generating
aberrant symptoms including negative moods and overwhelming cravings. The five
brain functions:
- The neurotransmitter serotonin, our natural anti-depressant;
- The pleasurable endorphins, our natural pain-killing neurotransmitters;
- The neurotransmitter GABA, our natural tranquilizer;
- The neurotransmitter dopamine, our natural caffeine providing stimulation and reward;
- The blood glucose supply that supports all brain activity.
Identifying Which Brain Functions Need Amino Acid Support
Each of these five appetite-regulating brain functions, when disrupted
and depleted of their particular amino acid precursors by repeated dietary
assault, expresses a unique set of deficiency symptoms. My clinic has compiled
these five sets of symptoms into a single assessment questionnaire scored on a
0-10 scale. The scores on this Craving Type Questionnaire (https://www.juliarosscures.com/craving-cure/) identify, at a glance, which brain functions
are depleted and indicates which amino acids are needed to restore them.
The five brain functions are each dependent on specific amino acids. This
well-established fact of brain biology was the impetus for Dr. Blum’s original
clinical studies. Our clinic has found, over the past 30 years, that providing
the depleted amino acids as individual free-form supplements quickly and
thoroughly silences cravings for drug-like foods. This freedom from craving
allows a brain- and body-restorative diet to be adopted (and enjoyed!) After
three to twelve months, the aminos may be discontinued as long as a diet rich
in amino acids and other nutrients is sustained.
My staff nutritionists, together with other health professionals who also
provide brain-targeted amino acid therapy, have, over the years, developed
increasingly effective protocols. In the process, we have confirmed that the
following amino acids can reliably be used to eliminate all five types of
addictive craving:
- Tryptophan or 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) convert to serotonin.
- DPA (d-phenylalanine) or DLPA (dl-phenylalanine) raise endorphin levels (making them both so helpful in recovery from addiction to opiate drugs as well as to opioid foods).
- Tyrosine or phenylalanine convert to dopamine and norepinephrine.
- GABA or theanine raise GABA levels.
- Glutamine can almost instantly stabilize the brain’s vital glucose levels.
Assessing for Contraindications to Individual Amino Acids
Most of our clients have received immediate benefits from the use of amino acid
supplements indicated by their Craving Type Questionnaire scores. But some
clients are not good candidates for certain amino acid
supplements. Possible contraindications to the amino acids listed above are clearly
laid out in The Craving Cure‘s “Cracking the Craving Code”
section,which is the clinical core of the book.
With sensitive trialing and dosing, most of these potentially contraindicated
conditions pose no problems at all. But some, such as melanoma or mania, rule
out the use of certain individual aminos (in these cases tyrosine and glutamine
respectively). With some conditions, however, no individual amino
concentrates at all may be used. Our pregnant and nursing
clients, for example, typically benefit safely, instead, from raising dietary
levels of amino-rich animal protein and from taking a complete free-form amino blend, like Total Amino Solution.
Note: Those who know themselves to be generally intolerant of nutrient
supplements rarely tolerate any aminos well.
Amino Trialing
In 1996, my clinic began adding formal in-office and, more recently, Skype
amino trialing to our standard assessment and dosing process. We have since
conducted over 20,000 individual amino trials. Positive reactions to a low
starting dose (a single capsule of the lowest standard dose available) have
typically been observable within minutes and vastly improve treatment
compliance. When there is no response, a second dose is trialed.
If any negative effect
is experienced during an amino
trial, an oral dose of 1,000-2,000 mg of vitamin C powder in 4 ounces of water
typically eliminates it in minutes. Note: Trialing Kits can be ordered on cravingcure.com.
Lab Testing for Neurotransmitter Levels
In some cases, we have asked for blood platelet testing, the equivalent of
cerebrospinal fluid testing (through Health Diagnostic in New Jersey). We’ve
also asked for more widely available, but somewhat less accurate, blood plasma
testing, to confirm symptom questionnaire results. We have not found urine testing to be clinically reliable. Its results
often contradict clear cut symptoms and the aminos prescribed by lab personnel
often have either no effect or harmful effects, in consequence. This has
understandably confused and discouraged many eager amino acid therapy
practitioners and their patients.
The Amino Acids in Action
I wrote The Craving Cure‘s “Cracking the Craving Code” amino
acid therapy section with clinicians in mind. It’s broken down into two
chapters: 1) general instructions for all five Craving Types and 2) very
detailed instructions for treating each Craving Type.
Here, I’ll give a case example in which two amino acids were trialed and
successfully used. I’ll follow that with some clinical tips on how to use the
other amino acids that are needed for eliminating the remaining three Craving
Types.
Phil’s Story
Phil was a food craver who had switched from alcoholic drinking to donut and
ice cream administration years before, with resulting weight-gain problems and
a diagnosis of pre-diabetes. He’d been a martial arts master who’d had many
injuries and lots of pain over the years. His Craving Cure Questionnaire scores
clearly indicated that his endorphin function was weak. He was on the hyper
side, so he found slightly stimulating DLPA, even in a single-capsule trial
dose, a bit too “buzzy.” After we neutralized his reaction with 1,000
mg of vitamin-C powder, we trialed him on one capsule of DPA. A few minutes
later, he took a deep breath and said, “For the first time in months, the
pain isn’t there.” After a week on two DPA capsules, mid-morning and two
DPA mid-afternoon and evening, we asked if his need for sweets had diminished.
He answered, “I’ve actually almost forgotten about them. I don’t
even think about my nightly ice cream sundae ritual
anymore!” After three months, he dropped down to one DPA twice a day,
successfully. After he’d been able to improve his diet for a solid six months,
he found that he no longer needed his DPA supplements, at all.
Re Phil’s Diet: We’ve found that all low-endorphin “comfort cravers”
must be especially careful to eat plenty of complete protein i.e. protein
containing all 20 total aminos acids, in generous quantity in early
“recovery.” At least 4 oz. (or more for males) of cooked turkey,
lamb, or equivalent, preferably animal source, protein per meal, particularly
at first). That’s because endorphin building requires up to 19 different
aminos. In contrast, serotonin and dopamine production each require only one
amino acid (tryptophan and tyrosine, respectively).
Identifying Phil’s Endorphin
Deficiency
This is an abbreviated list of endorphin deficiency symptoms from my
book, The Craving Cure. On the 0-10 symptom severity scale,
Phil scored 7-10 on every symptom. This was his primary Craving Type.
- “Love” chocolate or doughy, fried, creamy foods.
- Crave substances or behaviors that give pleasure, comfort, reward, or numbing.
- Are very sensitive to emotional or physical pain.
- Cry or tear up easily.
- Have a history of chronic physical pain or chronic feelings of sadness or loneliness.
Find the complete Craving Type Symptom
Questionnaire in The Craving Cure or at cravingcure.com. Our clinic has verified its symptoms
through 30 years of clinical experience including over 20,000 individual amino
acid trials conducted since 1996.
Those
who, like Phil, are low in endorphins are missing out on the enjoyment in life
that should be naturally supplied by their internal pleasure-promoters. Though
most of our food-craving clients have high scores in more than one deficiency
category, their endorphin deficiency scores are typically the highest at
all.
As endogenous opiates, the endorphins can quickly
erase discomfort and pain, whether physical or emotional. These inner narcotics
come in several forms. One of the three potent endorphin subtypes is called
enkephalin. A heavily funded scientific study on the brain-effects of
M&M’s, the number one candy consumed in America, found that this chocolate
and sugar bomb caused enkephalin activity to increase by 150 percent. The study
found this effect on the brain to be comparable to that of the drug opium.8
When we cannot generate adequate amounts of our own enkephalin or other
endorphins, we seek external help to restore our sense of well-being, however
briefly, from:
- Chocolate and sugar;
- Wheat’s gliadin content (also known as gluteomorphin) and the milk protein casein (also known as casomorphin);
- Coffee, cannabis, alcohol, and certain behaviors (e.g. over-exercise, porn);
- Fat and salt have milder opioid effects.
Consuming products that combine all of these, and other, endorphin-stimulating substances can generate cravings that literally overpower the brain. This is why, though techniques like mindfulness can modestly raise endorphin levels and reduce “reward-driven” eating temporarily,9for most, they are no match for the food industry’s bliss point technology. Fortunately, this lack can be quickly remedied with the help of an unusual amino acid called d-phenylalanine (DPA).
Amino Relief for “Comfort
Cravers”
DPA has been particularly well researched thanks to an indefatigable
pharmacology professor at Chicago Medical School, Seymour Ehrenpries, PhD.
Amino acid supplements come in two forms, an L- and a D-form. Typically, only
the L-form can be beneficial, but Dr. Ehrenpries (and other researchers) found
that the D-form of phenylalanine slowed down the rate of destruction of
endorphin by endorphinase enzymes, dramatically increased endorphin
availability, and reduced the need for morphine among post-surgery
patients, with
no adverse effects.10
D-phenylalanine (DPA) is available in two forms:
- Full strength (500 mg) capsules. People who tend to be anxious, hyper, or agitated, or who need comfort at night, especially love its easing effects. It is also the most potent option when physical pain is a problem.
- DLPA contains both the D- (250 mg) the L- (250 mg) forms of phenylalanine. Its two-amino content works best for Comfort Cravers who are fatigued, because L-phenylalanine is somewhat energizing (as it converts in part to tyrosine) as well as being an essential component of the endorphin subtype, enkephalin.
Occasionally a combination of both forms
works best (for example, DLPA during the day and DPA at night). Whichever amino
is used, one to three capsules, taken two to three times a day, is the standard
dose.
Note: All of the aminos mentioned in this article are available in IV, as well
as oral preparations. The former can help with early alcohol and drug addiction
recovery (in addition to oral aminos) but are not needed for food addiction
recovery.
Phil’s Secondary Amino Acid Need
Phil’s questionnaire’s second hyper-elevated score indicated significant
hypoglycemia and his pre-diabetes diagnosis also indicated that he urgently
needed blood sugar- and insulin-regulating help. That help was provided by the
amazing amino acid, glutamine,11,12 which quickly eliminated
his frequent blood-sugar crashes and the cravings they incited. It also helped
to restore optimal insulin function as this much researched amino has been
proven to do. The dose: three capsules, three times a day (AM, mid-morning,
mid-afternoon). Glutamine certainly added to his ability to stick with his
newhigh protein, low-glycemic, healthy fat diet, which steadily lowered his
HA1C to normal over six-months.
Contraindications: Glutamine should not be taken when mania has
been a problem as it converts to glutamate. Interestingly, it can help with
bipolar depression, probably for the same reason. Dosing must be very careful,
however, to avoid triggering mania.
Three Other Amino Acids That Can
Eliminate Food Cravings (and Negative Moods)
Now that I’ve illustrated the use of the above two anti-craving amino acids,
I’ll briefly mention the three others whose clinical usefulness can be so
profound. See The
Craving Cure for
an entire chapter on each of the five anti-craving amino acids.
Tips on Using Tryptophan or 5-HTP
to Raise Levels of Serotonin, Our Natural Anti-Depressant and Appetite
Regulator
The benefits of these two aminos on mood and sleep are well-know. Their effects
on cravings for refined food and other addictive substances are less so. We’ve
found that about 80% of those with serotonin deficiency do equally well on
tryptophan and 5-HTP. We prefer tryptophan with young children (it’s more nutritious)
and with those who are more agitated and/or sleepless (5-HTP can raise the
levels of the stimulating stress-response hormone cortisol too high in those
whose levels may already be somewhat elevated.)
Serotonin levels naturally drop after noon, which is why those with
low-serotonin-caused carb cravings and low moods feel worst in the afternoon
and evening. Consequently, we typically dose these clients in the mid-afternoon
and evening (with an extra dose, if needed for sleep, at bedtime, or sometimes,
in the mid-morning).
Contraindications: 1) Taking any serotonin-targeted meds regularly (e.g. SSRIs,
Imitrex) at the same time of day (or at all with more than one such drug). 2) A
carcinoid tumor.
Myth Busting: Does
5-HTP or tryptophan always have to be given with tyrosine in a rigid
ratio? We
have found that these two aminos do not need to be taken at the same time as, and in a specific
ratio to, tyrosine. In fact, they should usually be taken separately, and
deficiency symptoms should be used to determine individual dosing needs. 5-HTP
and tryptophan are mostly needed later in the day, while tyrosine, our natural
caffeine, is most needed in the morning (as you’ll see below).
If initial assessment indicates that any one of these aminos is not needed,
it should be left out altogether. It can always be added later, if symptoms
change. At our clinic, our clients fill out weekly self-scoring deficiency
symptom mini-questionnaires, to guide treatment till it is completed.
Tips on Using Stimulating
L-Tyrosine (or L-phenylalanine) to Raise Dopamine and Norepinephrine Levels
Most of our fatigued teen and adult clients prefer to use tyrosine to improve
physical and mental energy and focus and to stop their cravings for the
caffeinated sodas (including damaging diet and energy drinks) and Starbucks’
lattes; the chocolate; or the pure sugar candy they’ve been using to boost
their flagging vitality and concentration.
Children and sensitive or easily agitated adults tend to do better on the
milder L-phenylalanine,13only part of which is converted into
L-tyrosine, the direct dopamine precursor. (Dopamine is then converted in part
to norepinephrine and adrenaline.) Note: Tyrosine also provides fail-proof caffeine detox aid!
Dosing: Children and sensitive adults: 250 – 500 mg L-phenylalanine, as
needed.
Other teens and adults: 500 mg or more, in 500 mg increments (up to 2,000 mg
per dose).
Dosing Time: AM and mid-morning. If needed, they can also be taken in the
mid-afternoon if they do not interfere with sleep.
Contraindications: Though, with careful dosing, these two aminos seldom cause
actual problems for our clients, there are more possible contraindications to
the use of tyrosine and phenylalanine (e.g. headaches or elevated blood
pressure) then to any of the other aminos. (See the specific possible
contraindications for each amino in The Craving Cure‘s Chapter 12.)
Tips for Using GABA or Thianine to
Neutralize Stress Chemistry and Stop “Stress Eating”
Myth busting: Our clinic’s clients’ phenomenal responses to GABA
supplementation over the past 30-years contradict a widely circulated, but
mistaken, conviction that GABA (both an amino acid and a
neurotransmitter) cannot cross
the blood brain barrier and can therefore not effectively raise calming GABA
levels in the brain. Research confirms that GABA actually can cross the blood-brain-barrier.14 In
practice, we observe that most of our clients get a stronger effect from a
little GABA than they get from much higher doses of the other aminos; 125 mg is
our starting dose (versus 500 mg of most other aminos), and many clients stick
with that dose. Some need to go up to 250 mg; a few need (1-3) 500 mg capsules
to get the same results. (We have not liked the effects of 750 mg GABA products.)
Dosing:Take GABA two to three times a day, as clients’ particular stress and
craving symptoms warrant.
Contraindications: At too high a dose, GABA can lower blood pressure or cause
agitation.
How Long Are the Aminos Needed?
Children’s Needs: A few weeks or months.
Teens and adults: Typically, a few months to a year. More than a year if there is genetic neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g. family history of alcohol or drug addiction).
Julia Ross has combined 40 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist with 30 years of pioneering work in the use of innovative nutritional therapies for the treatment of mood problems, eating disorders, and addictions. The author of the best-selling books, The Mood Cure and The Diet Cure, and now, The Craving Cure, Ross has founded several integrative treatment programs in the San Francisco Bay area and now oversees an entirely virtual clinic for food cravers. She educates health professionals and the lay public internationally and directs training and certification programs through The Neuro-Nutrient Therapy Institute (NNTI). Her work has been featured in publications from Vogue to The Journal of Molecular Psychiatry as well as online and on radio and television. See JuliaRossCures.com.
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3. CDC. Long-term Trends in Diabetes. April 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data.
4. Chan M. Obesity and diabetes: the slow-motion disaster. Keynote address at the 47th meeting of the National Academy of Medicine. WHO. October 17, 2016.
5. Fiolet T, et al. Consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk. BMJ. 2018;360:k322.
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7. “In the 1980s and 1990s, veteran researcher Kenneth Blum, Ph.D., a colleague of NIDA’s Dr. Volkow, published several clinical studies including the following two:” Blum K, et al. Reduction of both drug hunger and withdrawal against advice rate of cocaine abusers in a 30 day inpatient treatment program by the neuronutrient Tropamine. Current Therapeutic Research. 1988; 43(6):1204-1214. Blum K, et al. Clinical evidence for effectiveness of Phencal in maintaining weight loss in an open-label, controlled, 2-year study. Current Therapeutic Research. 1997;58(10).
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10. Ehrenpreis S. Pharmacology of enkephalins inhibitors: animal and human studies. Acupuncture & ElectroTherapeutics Research. 1985;10 (3): 203-208.
11. Laviano A, et al. Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients. A pilot study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2014;68(11):1264-1266.
12. Molfino A, et al. Metabolic effects of glutamine on insulin sensitivity. Nutritional Therapy & Metabolism. 2010; 28 (1): 7-11.
13. Alamshah A, et al. l-Phenylalanine Modulates Gut Hormone Release and Glucose Tolerance, and Suppresses Food Intake Through the Calcium-Sensing Receptor. Int J Obes. 2017;41 (11): 1693-1701.
14. Boonstra ER, et al. Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior. Frontiers in Psychology. 2015;6: 1520.