Feeling energized, upbeat, and alert? It likely means that you are high in catecholamines. If your catecholamines are running low, you will crash into a lethargic slump. You’ll be craving sweets and caffeine, feeling bored, unfocused, low on energy, and apathetic. So what are these catecholamines? “Cats” are hormones made by your adrenal glands – two small glands located above your kidneys. The main types of catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Most of us have heard of adrenaline – the fight or flight chemical that helps us fight for our life in the face of danger – either real or perceived. All three are part of a defense mechanism designed to make you alert, sharp, and focused – mentally, physically, and emotionally – when needed.
“Cats” make you alert to all the important events in your life, so you can react to them appropriately. They make you excited about good news and give you warning about threats. How much of an extrovert or an introvert you are is likely determined by how much “cat” activity your brain is generating. “Your sparkle – the feeling of zest and excitement that may be missing from your life – is derived from this trio of supercharged brain chemicals.” – Julia Ross.
“Cats” get activated under high-stress circumstances, but any exciting event can up their levels: the anticipation of a meal, a trip, or a movie, for example. If you are low in “cats” though, you may not react particularly to anything as well as make you to be drawn to stimulating substances of some kind – chocolate, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, etc.
Levels of amino acid tyrosine are known to be low in people with low catecholamines. Tyrosine, found in high-protein foods like beef, fish, and eggs, provides the unique ingredient that your brain uses to make all three “cats”: dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. Many studies have found that tyrosine could produce impressive anti stress, antidepressant, and pro-concentration results.
Your genes. About 35 percent Americans carry an altered gene that misprograms their production of the catecholamine dopamine.
Stress. At the first sign of an impeding stressor, your brain sends a signal to the adrenal glands. Your heart speeds up, your muscles tense up, your breathing slows down. You are ready for action. Over time, with prolonged stress, especially if you are not good at producing “cats” anyway, you will run low on supplies.
Diet. Low-calorie or high-carbohydrate diets cause catecholamine depletion because they are low in protein, and lack of protein is a leading cause of flat moods. The more sweet and starchy carbs you eat, the less of these antidepressant aminos reach the brain, even if you are eating protein, because carbs raise insulin that tends to sweep these aminos out of your blood. Animal protein foods are very high in the crucial amino acid tyrosine, but vegetable protein is not.
Physical activity. Staying active can definitely increase your “cat” levels, but if you don’t have enough of them you won’t feel like exercising. It is better not to push yourself and first find a way to increase your catecholamines which in turn will make you more motivated to move.
Sex hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone interact with all your neurotransmitters including the “cats”. When estrogen falls too low, it fails to stimulate catecholamines which causes the mood to sink. The same is true of low testosterone. If you are going through hormonal changes and experiencing mood problems, you should consider hormone testing.
Tyrosine is a natural antidepressant. Adrenal glands need tyrosine to help you handle stress. In addition, tyrosine is part of enkephalins (similar to endorphins) – pleasure-promoting chemicals. It contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
Before taking tyrosine, you should be aware of any contraindications. If you have a serious physical illness, check with your doctor or nutritionist to make sure tyrosine is suitable for you. Same applies if you are pregnant or nursing. Also if you take any medications, especially antidepressants or mood-altering medicine, or have severe mental or emotional problems, don’t skip on a doctor’s consult. Do the same if you have any thyroid condition or high blood pressure.
If you have melanoma, do not use tyrosine.
If you are unsure if tyrosine is safe for you, ask your doctor.
More information on tyrosine use and dosage can be found in the book Mood Cure by Julia Ross.
