by Henry Emmons, MD

[adapted from The Chemistry of Calm]

p.s., You've read Part 1 of this series and the introductory article about balancing GABA and glutamate, right? If not, head to those articles first.

Taurine and Anxiety | Taurine Benefits

Taurine is an amino acid that increases glycine and GABA to calm the brain (AKA ease anxiety).¹⁵ It also protects the brain by reducing the harmful effects of excess glutamate.¹⁶ I consider taurine when I see someone with mood instability along with anxiety, but it may also be helpful for anxiety alone. 

You may already be familiar with taurine, as it's often added to energy drinks (e.g., Red Bull). Manufacturers seem to consider it the drinkable solution for periods of extreme exertion, when taurine levels can become depleted. I don’t recommend replenishing it through energy drinks though. There are better ways to use taurine to calm your brain.

Taurine Dosage & Use*

Taurine is usually taken in doses of 500 mg 1 to 3 times daily.

Taurine Side Effects*

It can cause slight drowsiness, so bedtime might be a good time to take it. It can also reduce blood pressure, so care should be taken for those prone to hypotension or lightheadedness. It may be taken with or without food.

Taurine Supplements**

Unwind contains 500 mg of taurine per scoop. Along with some other key ingredients, it works to reduce brain overactivity through GABA supporting nutrients. This is an ideal product for the Repeating Mind subtype.

Relaxed Mood is a blended product that contains 150 mg of taurine per capsule. This is an ideal product for the Anxious Mood subtype. 

Soothed Mood is a blended product that contains 100 mg of taurine per capsule. This is an ideal product for the Agitated Mood subtype. 

Serene Sleep contains 75 mg of taurine per capsule. This is a blended product that supports serotonin and GABA to help with sleep onset and quality. This may be a good choice for folks who wake up too early in the morning with their minds buzzing. 

*Note: Some of the supplements discussed in this series can cause side effects, but many people tolerate them much better than prescription medications. They are generally considered safe, however, they should not be started without your doctor’s knowledge and supervision. If you are taking medication already, be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any of these items. If you are considering going off medication, remember never to stop your medication suddenly—always consult with your doctor about how to safely taper off any psychiatric medication.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  

RELATED ARTICLE

Inositol for Anxiousness

Taken as a supplement, Inositol has long been known to reduce general anxiety, panic and OCD symptoms. Researchers found inositol to be just as effective as a popular antidepressant for panic disorder, and participants tolerated it well even at massive doses up to 18 grams per day. Read more.

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