Theanine is a supplement that has been one of our very favorites for many years, and while there are a number of different supplements for anxiety and stress that we’d recommend, theanine is unique and has additional benefits not found in other supplements.
Theanine, or L-Theanine as it’s sometimes called, is an amino acid found in small amounts naturally in green tea. Taken in supplement form, theanine is very effective for stress and anxiety, but without drowsiness; that’s part of what makes theanine special since many supplements for relaxation, stress, or anxiety can make a person feel tired. In fact, theanine can actually help with increasing focus.
Theanine is also fast acting, with effects usually being felt within a half hour to 45 minutes. It is safe for daily use, but can also be used only occasionally when needed. Theanine works by affecting neurotransmitters involved with regulating mood and emotions as well as concentration and alertness. Interestingly, research has also found that theanine can even have anti-inflammatory effects on brain cells and may even help to protect brain cells against age related degradation.
Scientists have found that when people take the amino acid theanine, the supplement helps to encourage and enhance alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation”, helping a person to feel calm and alert, while at the same time reducing beta brain waves, which are associated with scattered thoughts, nervousness, and hyperactivity.
Even though theanine does not cause tiredness, it has also been found to help with sleep- most likely due to its anti-anxiety effects. It is a supplement that is safe for all ages, and we have gummies that are great for kids (or adults) as well as easy to swallow capsules. We have theanine as one of our “Every Day Sales” by the brand Jarrow since it’s a product we recommend so much. It’s a supplement that most of us at Pass Health Foods have used regularly for many years, so we can definitely attest to its effectiveness.
