Taylor Swift has found herself to be prone to stress and anxiety since long, but now she seems to have figured out a very smart way to manage both of them. In a recent interview that Taylor gave to Elle magazine, she revealed that she had been using supplements that are rich in L-theanine as this amino acid helps in reducing stress as well as tackle the symptoms of anxiety.
According to Taylor, vitamins are an essential part of life and their optimal intake makes her feel much better compared to when she is vitamin-deficient. Although we are inclined to believe that L-theanine has anti-stress properties and is made up of natural supplements, however, there is very limited research available which proves the efficacy of L-theanine in reducing stress levels.
What Is L-Theanine?
L-theanine is a type of amino acid which is an essential element that forms a protein’s structure. According to dietitians, it is naturally found in some kinds of mushrooms and also in green tea. While this amino acid can be acquired through some food sources as well, many people still like to fulfill their requirement with the help of supplements.
Benefits of L-Theanine
In one of the studies conducted on patients of schizophrenia, L-theanine was found to help reduce stress levels if taken along with anti-psychotic drugs. In another study, it was found that people who took supplements of L-theanine with the purpose of reducing stress levels showed more positive results as compared to people who took a placebo for the same purpose. Besides the anti-stress properties of L-theanine, it also helps in the improvement of your overall sleep cycle as well as increases the focus of your mind.
However, all these studies had a limited scope and no further research has been carried out to assess their conclusions. According to Jamie Alan, who works as an assistant professor at the Michigan State University in the field of pharmacology, the only fact about L-theanine that can be conclusively believed is that it is effective in improving the focus of the mind and also helps in improving attention without causing any drowsiness. But as far as its anxiety-tackling benefits are concerned, according to her, there is simply not enough evidence.
How To Safely Consume L-Theanine
According to general guidelines, L-theanine supplements are generally safe to use and up to 400 mg of it can be taken per day. However, the initial treatment should not be prolonged for more than 8 weeks as that may have an adverse impact on your health. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not take this supplement because no evidence regarding its safety is available through research.
There have been mixed reviews about the effect L-theanine has on its users, with some people reporting an increase in the number of headaches they experienced after they took this supplement while others complaining about experiencing drowsiness. It can also lower your blood pressure, so if your blood pressure already remains quite low or if you are taking any stimulants, then consult your doctor first before taking any such supplements.