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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Johnnybaklava on July 23, 2011, at 16:58:47
I've been taking phenylalanine for a couple of years (about 350mgs a day, not much) and love what it does for my mood and energy. Lately, though, I've been worried about its propensity for fueling melanomas. Does anyone have any experience with this? If this is something to worry about, what sort of natural substitutes are there for phenylalanine? For some reason, I don't do well with tyrosine (makes me really irritable). I've tried SAM-e but it isn't the same. Phenylalanine has always been consistent, but, as I get older, skin cancer is more of a concern.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 24, 2011, at 12:32:51
In reply to Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Johnnybaklava on July 23, 2011, at 16:58:47
I wouldn't worry too much. 350mg is a low dose, and the best way to avoid skin cancer is to watch out how much time you spend in the sun and wear sun lotion when you do. If you do notice a dark patch on your skin, get to the doctor as soon as possible, but I don't think you have to worry too much. Examine your skin in the mirror everyday. Anything out of the ordinary or if you're not sure then consult your primary care physician.
Lao
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 24, 2011, at 12:43:10
In reply to Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Johnnybaklava on July 23, 2011, at 16:58:47
Have you ever tried Rhodiola Rosea? It's supposed to be a good herb for energy. I've never tried it so I couldn't tell you how it feels. I take Ginkgo for improved brain circulation and it helps with energy after you've been taking it for awhile. I think both are good for depression as well. If you go the medication route, wellbutrin is supposed to be good for boosting dopamine and norepinephrine, which is what phenylalanine does. But if the phenylalanine is working for you, maybe just stick with it. If you are worried, ask your doctor, but I don't know if they have enough data to tell you anything about phenylalanine leading to melanoma. Probably if you were taking megadoses of it and spending a lot of time in the direct sunlight, you might be concerned. Use that sunblock whenever you're sunning yourself. It helps.
Lao
Posted by linkadge on July 24, 2011, at 19:21:32
In reply to Re: Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Lao Tzu on July 24, 2011, at 12:43:10
If you take an MAO-B inhibitor, you could potentially reduce your phenylalanine intake significantly.
The problem with takine phenylalanine as a amino acid is that because it is quickly broken down by MAO-B, you need large amounts to have an effect.
reducing MAO-B as much as possible would keep synaptic levels high, but reduce the need for the amino acid to be circulating in other tissues as high levels.
The herb Fo-Ti might be an option.
Linkadge
Posted by Johnnybaklava on July 25, 2011, at 12:59:13
In reply to Re: Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by linkadge on July 24, 2011, at 19:21:32
Thanks for the tips! I love Rhodiola. I take a little as part of my adrenal health blend from Gaia. That is one of the most beneficial things I take. After trying the alternative route for years now, not having taken anything pharmaceutical in over three years nowwhile rocky at the startI have to say that I am feeling the best I've felt in a long-time, perhaps since my early romance with Zoloft! You're right: 350mg of phenyl is probably too low to really do much damage. I'm very sensitive so I can still feel a little "buzz" after taking it (kind of like a Diet Coke, which would make sense as it contains phenylalanine). I haven't heard of Fo-Ti but will look into it. I tried Wellbutrin for a bit and I either didn't notice much or it made me irritable and affected sleep. I might experiment with Idenebone or whatever its called, the synthetic CoQ10 that apparently helps with serotonin. The key for me has been to have low-doses of several things that work for me rather than large doses of one thing. That seems to work the best for me. In the morning, the best things for me are the phenylalanine (as part of Blast), the adrenal health caps (holy basil, rhodiola and ashwaghanda), glutathione and grape seed. At night, melotonin and maybe a little taurine and magnesium. After staying on those for months, I feel like I've hit a certain stability.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 28, 2011, at 5:26:32
In reply to Re: Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Johnnybaklava on July 25, 2011, at 12:59:13
It sounds like you have a good regimen, and that's great that you feel much better, especially without the meds. I also tend to do better with low doses of several supplements, but I still have to take medication for my illness. Lately, ginkgo has helped a lot. And I have to take B6 and B12, fish and borage oil, GABA, selenium, and sometimes taurine. Taurine helps me relax and I get a better night's sleep. Anyway, it's great that you're doing well!!
Lao
Posted by Johnnybaklava on July 28, 2011, at 11:40:48
In reply to Re: Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Lao Tzu on July 28, 2011, at 5:26:32
Thanks Lao! Like, with anything, while I feel stable, I always feel that there is room for improvement! That eternal quest for "the thing" that will make me consistently feel great. While I don't feel those dips as much now, nor do I have trouble with sleep lately, I often feel a little "blah" so am open with adding or removing something from my usual supps. I'm curious about borage oil and selenium. What do they contribute to your regimin?
Posted by bleauberry on August 14, 2011, at 14:21:35
In reply to Phenylalanine Substitute, posted by Johnnybaklava on July 23, 2011, at 16:58:47
how about study up on herbs that prevent and reverse cancers?
There are some really good ones.
Besides, your dose is so low I don't think it is a concern. If you were maybe in a 3000mg range, that might be a different story.
This is the end of the thread.
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