Theanine, referred to scientifically as L-theanine, is an amino acid that induces alpha wave activity in the brain. Theanine is used to treat stress, mood, immune function, ability to focus and insomnia, among other conditions. Theanine is naturally abundant in black, green and oolong tea leaves. You also can buy theanine supplements at a drug or health supply store. Many of these supplements contain suntheanine, a pure theanine extract, with dosages of 50 to 200 mg.
Stress and Relaxation
Take 50 to 200 mg of theanine at the onset of stress. You may also wish to take the theanine before entering a stressful situation. This is an effective treatment because maintaining alpha brain wave activity indicates conscious relaxation.
By this principle, a theanine dosage is helpful for general relaxation. Ingest your preferred dosage of theanine when you want to relax, even if you are not stressed or in a stressful situation.
Mood Control
Theanine increases the body's gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) levels. GABA not only induces a feeling of calm, it increases serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls emotions. An increase in serotonin means better control over feeling down and can prove helpful for depression. Take theanine when you're feeling down or emotionally overwhelmed. Theanine can help women with premenstrual syndrome symptoms of this nature as well.
Focus Enhancement
Theanine helps focus without causing drowsiness. Take 50 to 200 mg of theanine prior to activities that require intense focus, such as difficult reading or operating heavy machinery. Theanine can be effective for several hours.
Sleep Aid
Take theanine if you are having trouble sleeping due to stress or an inability to relax. Theanine is a non-drowsy treatment, but it also does not excite you or make you jittery like caffeine does. Theanine's regulation of alpha brain waves helps ensure you do not produce beta waves. You may prefer to use theanine supplements in this regard, as the caffeine in green tea can keep you awake and excited.
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