Leslie:
Awhile ago, I bought some "Amino Fuel" from GNC because I thought that it
would give me some much needed energy. At least that was how it sold
itself. It claims to contain all 20 amino acids that the body needs in some
form or other. I took the prescribed dosage at 2 PM one afternoon and was
out like a light by 2:30 PM. I tried again the next day at 3 PM and was
dozing off by 3:30 PM.
Looking at the ingredients a little closer, I noticed that the ingredients
came together to form L-Typrophan which is the stuff in turkey that makes
you sleepy. L-Tryptophan was banned by the FDA a few years ago because a
tainted batch made some people very sick. However, apparently it is legal
when taken this way. I mentioned this to a relative one day and he says
that he takes Amino Fuel anytime he has insomnia. It is very effective and
does not leave him dazed in the morning like melatonin does. I myself now
use it ocassionally for insomnia.
Hope that this helps.
Ron (50/2)
At 01:14 PM 12/11/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Hello Leslie - you wrote:
>>>> Leslie Smith <[log in to unmask]> 12/10/97 03:00pm
>>>>My Dad's caregiver has suggested that we give him an
>Amino Acid to help him sleep. It contains 1200mg Lysine,
>900mg Ornithine, 1200mg Arginine . . . .along with his
>25/100 mg sinemet 4X a day. . . . any information?<<<
>[log in to unmask]<<<
>
>Leslie:
>
> Amino acids make up proteins, which in the human body
>make up our muscles, organs, glands, etc. The central
>nervous system cannot operate without amino acids, that act
>as neurotransmitters that send and receive messages.
>There are approximately 29 different amino acids, each with
>a specific set of functions.
>
> You stated that your fathers problem was with sleep and
>his M.D. recommended Lysine, Arginine and Ornithine.
>
> Before discussing the amino acids, perhaps a review of
>the sleep problem would be helpful. Although doctors report
>that approximately 75% of their PD patients experience
>sleep disturbances the causes are unclear. Even in healthy
>seniors, aging brings on sleep difficulties. Sleep problems
>are placed into three categories- 1. sleep start or
>continuance, 2. daytime sleepiness, and 3. nightmares, vivid
>dreams, etc.
> Age is the most important factor in determining sleep
>needs. After age 35 sleep time generally falls to about 6 hrs
>per night. Older adults usually have less problems falling
>asleep, but complain of frequent awakenings. Parkinson's
>patients tend to have worse problems with sleep than non-PD
>seniors. Patients report the causes as reaction to or effects
>of medications (L-dopa), PD symptoms such as stiffness or
>a change in their sleep-awake cycle caused by the disease.
> The most common PD reported sleep problem is
>insomnia: the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
>Treatment should begin with an evaluation of the patient's
>day-night cycle and activities. A patient's anxiety or
>depression, timing of meds, excessive alcohol, caffeine or
>nicotine intake or even breathing problems (leading to sleep
>apnea) should be considered.
> General recommendations for behavior changes to
>improve sleep:
> 1. Have a regular bedtime and arise time to reset the
>internal clock.
> 2. Avoid excessive time in bed; it leads to light, shallow
>sleep. Limit daytime naps.
> 3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine . . . or at least
>none after 2 p.m.
> 4. Regular daily exercise, not later than 6 p.m.
> 5. Keep the bedroom quiet and free of loud noises and
>light and on the cooler side.
> 6. Decrease fluid intake after dinner.
> 7. Try special routines before bedtime, such as a warm
>bath, 4 oz. of warm milk or a snack of cheese and crackers
>(both high in the amino acid tryptophan).
> 8. Avoid prolonged use of sleep aid meds. Meds, such
>as Doxepin or Trazodone (low-dose anti-depressants) are
>sometimes used to help the patient through a limited crisis.
>
> As for the amino acids, L-Arginine is used to decrease
>the degenerative process of aging. However large doses (over
>2000 milligrams daily) lowers blood pressure and promotes
>herpes infections. . . . L-Lysine helps in the formation of
>antibodies, calcium absorption and builds muscle. When
>prescribed it is usually in connection with L-Arginine in doses
>of 1000 milligrams daily, large doses increase serum
>cholesterol and triglyceride levels . . . . L-Ornithine
>metabolizes body fat and promotes healing, when prescribed
>with L-Arginine in doses of 2000 milligrams.
> Two other recommended supplements to aid sleep are
>the amino acid L-Tryptophan and the hormone Melatonin.
>L-Tryptophan was thought to be a cause of the illness EMS
>which leads to an elevated white blood cell count. But no
>definitive evidence was ever established. Melatonin
>maintains the sleep-awake cycle. It has proven effective in
>inducing sleep in PD patients. Dosage is usually 3
>milligrams 2 hours before bedtime. It should be used
>sparingly.
> I hope this information helps your father. Perhaps you or
>he should ask the M.D. further questions. Good luck.
> Stephan Schwartz 53/7
> <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
