L-Tyrosine to prevent weight gain
Amino acids will always be the talk of the town, as these protein constituents possess properties that are essential for keeping the body healthy.
Tyrosine, or L-Tyrosine to be precise, is just such an amino acid, which is used to manufacture other substances of major importance to the body’s proper functioning, not least neurotransmitters and hormones to regulate physical and mental activity.
L-Tyrosine is considered the amino acid of happiness and good mood. It is involved in the management of stress and depressive states, which also has an impact on the bouts of bulimia and snacking that often accompany anxiety and melancholy.
L-Tyrosine, what is it?
L-Tyrosine is one of the so-called non-essential amino acids. This term refers to amino acids which can be synthesized by the body, unlike other acids which we have to find in our diet. However, this in no way diminishes their importance in the smooth running of chemical reactions.
It is manufactured from another substance called phenylalanine, under the action of a specific enzyme. In some cases, this enzyme is deficient, and tyrosine deficiency may occur.
This deficiency generally results in problems with the availability of other tyrosine-derived substances.
To compensate for L-Tyrosine deficiency, foods or dietary supplements are recommended to restore the correct balance between tyrosine and other amino acids.
L-Tyrosine is also the precursor of dopamine, adrenalin and noradrenalin, which are the real fuel for mental activity.
In the brain, dopamine is used to stimulate the secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland needs L-Tyrosine to function.
By binding to iodine, L-Tyrosine enables the synthesis of thyroid hormones, essential for a number of functions in the body.
Melanin, the pigment in skin, hair and eyes responsible for their dark coloring, is made from tyrosine by an enzyme called tyrosinase.
To learn more about Tyrosine, please consult the following entry on WikiPedia.
Where to find L-Tyrosine?
Protein foods are the primary sources of L-Tyrosine, whether of animal or plant origin. For example, bananas, sesame and pumpkin seeds, avocado, white meats from poultry and hard cheeses all provide a good dose to offset tyrosine deficiency.
Dietary supplements containing 500 mg L-Tyrosine are available for sale. You can consume up to 2 grams of tyrosine a day.
In the event of chronic illness or heart problems, it is essential to seek the advice of a health professional to ensure safe consumption.
Role and mode of action of L-Tyrosine in the body
Despite its status as a non-essential amino acid, L-Tyrosine is essential to the smooth running of our body’s complex machinery.
The most important actions are listed below. However, L-Tyrosine is also involved in a wider spectrum of chemical and metabolic reactions.
Action against anxiety and depression
As a producer of dopamine and adrenaline, which are involved in proper nerve transmission, the signs of dopamine deficiency are severe fatigue in the morning and a lack of interest and motivation, as well as a state of anxiety and low mood.
Chronic stress and depression, which can occur for perfectly understandable reasons, such as the loss of a loved one or a particularly anxiety-provoking job, cause circulating tyrosine levels to fall.
As stress increases cortisol and insulin levels, L-Tyrosine is diverted from producing its neurotransmitters and burned for energy.
Preservation of mental faculties
Dopamine and adrenalin are involved in the process of memorization and alertness. As they are manufactured from tyrosine, it is important to ensure that the brain receives a sufficient dose of this amino acid.
Prevention of Parkinson’s disease
This disease, which mainly affects the elderly, is due to the degeneration and destruction of a zone of neurons that function with dopamine. A protein-rich diet that covers more of the L-Tyrosine requirement is highly recommended to reduce the impact of dopamine destruction.
This is one of the reasons why elderly people need to consume sufficient protein to prevent or delay senile diseases such as Parkinson’s.
Protection of melanin reserves
Melanin protects skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. L-Tyrosine therefore plays an essential role in providing sufficient levels of melanin to prevent the onset of skin pigmentation problems, which often occur with age and the reduced availability of L-Tyrosine.
Proper functioning of the thyroid gland
Thyroid dysfunction is well known and quite common. Thyroid hormone deficiency leads to heart and digestive problems, weight gain and poor body temperature management.
Ensuring a good supply of L-Tyrosine enables the thyroid to function properly, helping to keep the metabolism running smoothly and prevent obesity.
Appetite control and weight gain prevention
L-Tyrosine is involved in weight management, both directly and indirectly. By alleviating depressive states which can lead to compulsive snacking, and by helping to overcome states of anxiety and apathy, the need to eat to fill an emotional void is limited.
By controlling appetite and reducing the sensation of hunger, we can easily expect moderate weight loss, or at least weight stabilization.
As mentioned above, tyrosine is also involved in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, helping to maintain a healthy weight. It’s no secret that a thyroid hormone deficiency is a direct cause of weight gain.
Ensuring a sufficient level of L-Tyrosine helps prevent weight gain, especially as protein consumption helps limit the build-up of fatty deposits and promotes lipolysis, i.e. the breakdown of body fat to provide energy.
Promoting healthy growth in children
L-Tyrosine, which is involved in the synthesis of growth hormone, helps ensure healthy growth in children. For this reason, an increased protein intake is essential for normal growth, and helps prevent the onset of bone and muscle formation problems in early childhood.
The L-Tyrosine : Doses and side effects
It’s true that L-Tyrosine is manufactured by the body itself. However, this does not prevent deficiencies, as its synthesis decreases with age, while the need for it increases.
It is therefore highly recommended to increase protein intake to ensure the proper functioning of the various reactions that call on tyrosine.
L-Tyrosine supplementation is recommended for age-related problems such as memory loss and depression, as well as for intense physical training to enhance recovery.
