I Took L-Theanine For 30 Days, Here's What Happened

Summary

In this 30-day self-experiment, a doctor with ADHD tests the effects of L-theanine, a supplement commonly recommended to patients. Despite initial doubts, he finds that L-theanine helps reduce anxiety and stress, particularly in high-pressure situations. By week 2, his mood improves significantly, allowing him to manage business stress better. While it doesn’t directly enhance focus, it contributes to clearer thinking by alleviating anxiety. The doctor concludes that L-theanine positively impacts mood and stress, and he will continue using it alongside other supplements, recommending it for its ability to balance neurotransmitter levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, a doctor with ADHD, decided to take L-theanine to test its effects on their mood, stress, and focus based on personal neurotransmitter testing showing elevated serotonin and related levels.
• 😀 The recommended dosage of L-theanine was 200 mg twice daily, a typical starting dose for patients with elevated serotonin or dopamine levels.
• 😀 In the first week of taking L-theanine, the speaker noticed no significant changes, which is common for some people in the initial stages of supplementation.
• 😀 By week 2, the speaker began to notice improvements in their mood, particularly in handling stress better, even during stressful work situations.
• 😀 During week 3, the speaker missed a few days of supplementation, leading to a noticeable increase in anxiety and stress, underlining the importance of consistency in taking L-theanine.
• 😀 In week 4, after returning to consistent use of L-theanine, the speaker felt calmer and was able to manage stress better, which contributed to improved focus and clarity in thinking.
• 😀 The speaker found that taking L-theanine in the morning and midday worked better for them than taking it at night, as they typically don't experience as much stress in the evenings.
• 😀 The primary benefit observed was a reduction in stress and anxiety rather than direct improvements in focus. This helped the speaker manage business challenges more effectively.
• 😀 L-theanine is believed to increase GABA levels, which can improve mood and help stabilize neurotransmitter imbalances such as serotonin and dopamine, potentially benefiting those with ADHD.
• 😀 Although 30 days is not enough time to retest neurotransmitter levels, the speaker plans to follow up on their results and continue using L-theanine for its mood and stress management benefits.
• 😀 Overall, the speaker recommends L-theanine for people with ADHD, particularly those with elevated serotonin or dopamine levels, as it helps balance neurotransmitters and improves mood, but caution is advised regarding individual testing and dosage adjustments.

Q & A

Why did the doctor decide to take L-theanine for 30 days?

The doctor decided to take L-theanine to see how it would work for managing their own ADHD symptoms and to assess its effects on mood, focus, and stress levels. They often recommend it to patients and wanted to personally experience its benefits.

What were the doctor’s neurotransmitter levels before starting the L-theanine trial?

Before starting the trial, the doctor’s lab results showed elevated serotonin, tryptamine, tyramine, and tyrosine levels. High serotonin can lead to increased anxiety and stress, which is why L-theanine was considered as a potential solution.

What was the initial outcome after the first week of taking L-theanine?

In the first week, the doctor did not notice any significant changes. L-theanine typically does not produce immediate results, so they continued with the regimen to see if there would be any improvements over time.

When did the doctor start to notice improvements from taking L-theanine?

By the second week, the doctor began to notice improvements, particularly in their ability to handle stressful situations better, rather than improvements in focus or attention.

What was the impact of missing a few days of L-theanine during the trial?

When the doctor missed taking L-theanine for about three to four days, they experienced increased stress and anxiety. This highlighted the importance of consistent supplementation to maintain its calming effects.

What strategy helped the doctor remember to take L-theanine more consistently?

The doctor placed the L-theanine supplements in a visible spot, right in front of their desk, which served as a reminder to take them regularly. This small change helped improve consistency in taking the supplements.

What did the doctor notice after resuming L-theanine after missing a few days?

After resuming the supplement, the doctor felt more relaxed, less stressed, and was able to handle ongoing business challenges in a more calm and organized manner. They reported feeling on top of things despite the high stress.

How did the doctor adjust the timing of L-theanine supplementation, and why?

The doctor adjusted the timing to take L-theanine in the morning and afternoon, rather than morning and night. They found that the daytime dosage helped manage stress during their busy workday, while they didn’t experience as much stress in the evening.

What role does GABA play in the effects of L-theanine?

L-theanine is believed to increase GABA levels, which can have a calming effect and help stabilize mood. Since the doctor had elevated serotonin levels, L-theanine’s impact on GABA was beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Did the doctor retest their neurotransmitter levels after the 30-day trial with L-theanine?

No, the doctor did not retest their neurotransmitter levels after the 30-day trial, as 30 days is not considered long enough for a reliable retest. They plan to do a follow-up test at a later time, typically once a year.

Would the doctor continue taking L-theanine after the 30-day trial?

Yes, the doctor plans to continue taking L-theanine. They believe it made a positive impact on their mood and stress management, especially during high-stress situations. They also recommend it to patients with similar needs, after evaluating their individual neurotransmitter profiles.