We recently upgraded the Stress Defy formula by swapping N-acetyle-L-cysteine (NAC) for N-acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT). Last year, the FDA changed their regulation of NAC and removed permissions for it to be sold as a dietary supplement. We also used NAC in Baseline, and following guidelines we changed to using L-cysteine HCL.*
Read about NAC and Baseline+ here: https://proteanutrition.com/2021/06/08/fda-changes-in-usage-of-nac-its-impact-on-baseline/
L-Tyrosine is produced naturally in the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Since tyrosine is an amino acid, it can also be found in many high protein foods such as dairy products, poultry and fish. For those who eat a plant-based diet, they may be getting lower levels from their diet.*
L-Tyrosine contributes to healthy levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine which regulate reward and pleasure centers. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are hormones responsible for regulating your natural fight-or-flight response in stressful situations. In many studies, NALT has been shown to support working memory and cognitive control. Even more, when the brain converts L-Tyrosine to L-DOPA creating dopamine. Dopamine is further converted to norepinephrine and epinephrine, this trio is called “catecholamines”. When catecholamine reserves are maximized, attentiveness, learning, motivation, and emotional balance improve. This balance results in what is referred to as “cognitive flexibility”. Cognitive flexibly is associated with greater intelligence, comprehension, and superior reading capabilities. Conversely, “cognitive rigidity” is noted by decreased ability to cope with resistance to change and unexpected stimulation and stress. This may be due to low dopamine levels. Further research is currently being done on using NALT to support ADHD symptoms and can be found to buffer the crash that can often be found to be associated with medications like Ritalin and Adderall.*
Supplementing with NALT has been show to help the focus, alertness, and mental recovery for those who are sleep deprived. This is one reason why many busy parents have written in to us saying that Stress Defy have been a game changer for them! NALT supplementation can bring down blood pressure and help recover from intense or long bouts of stressful activity like exercise and physical labor.*
Using NALT prior to stressful events has been shown to be beneficial in balancing recovery and limiting the intensity of the stress. This can also be the same impact when the stressor is anxiety, especially social anxiety.*
Since NALT is a precursor to catecholamines, people who are not low in dopamine may not feel as dramatic of a difference same-day as other customers. They will then need to rely on the accrued benefits of long term adaptogenic herbs found within Stress Defy to feel their best benefit.*
As with any natural supplement, there can be potential interactions as much as there is evidence of them being generally safe for most people.
NALT supports your thyroid health if you are hypothyroid by helping you produce more T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). What should also be understood about NALT though is that if you are currently using MAO inhibitors for hyperthyroidism, check with your doctor prior to adding Stress Defy to make sure the dosage works in a complimentary fashion with your 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.
