October 27, 2023

Does L-Theanine Lower Cortisol Levels?

The use of l-theanine supplements have becoming increasingly popular over time. L-theanine has often been associated with being able to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and even improve sleep quality. In thig blog we investigate research that explores the effectiveness of l-theanine in lowering cortisol levels (our stress hormone), offering valuable insights into its potential as a natural stress-reliever.

What is L-Theanine?

L-Theanine is a natural amino acid that is abundant in tea leaves, especially green and black tea leaves. It plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain helping to enhancing focus, attention, and cognitive function, whilst relieving stress and anxiety.

Amino acids like l-theanine, are essentially the building blocks of proteins, playing a vital in cellular structure and function, influencing processes like enzyme and hormone formation.

L-Theanine supplements can help with:

Promote relaxation
Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote mental clarity and focus
Support better sleep quality

Health Benefits of taking L-Theanine Supplements:

We explore the well-documented benefit surrounding l-theanine supplementation which is it's ability to lower cortisol levels, and reveal how addressing cortisol regulation not only promotes well-being but also grants a range of additional health benefits.

L-Theanine Lowers your Cortisol levels

Stress is directly linked to elevated cortisol levels, Cortisol is often known as the "stress hormone," crucial for bodily functions like metabolism and immune response. High cortisol levels manifest in increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, and weight changes, indicating stress-related imbalances. These persistent elevated cortisol levels are associated with conditions like PCOS and stress-induced weight gain.

A study conducted on 107 students discovered that cortisol levels increased roughly 9 times during stressful periods, compared to relaxed periods. However, numerous research trials explore the effectiveness of l-theanine in combating stress and preventing prolonged high cortisol levels. One study demonstrated that oral intake of l-theanine induces powerful anti-stress effects, showcasing its significant potential in stress management. In a randomised trial, participants exhibited reduced cortisol responses to stress just three hours after l-theanine consumption, emphasising it’s influence on stress regulation.

A study measured the relationship between l-theanine and anxiety. Those prone to high anxiety showed improved focus and quicker responses after taking l-theanine, although low-anxiety individuals didn't show significant changes. This highlights that L-theanine can positively influence brain activity by enhancing attention and response in high-anxiety individuals.

Conclusion

Numerous studies and substantial research supports the link between our stress hormone cortisol being the cause of symptoms such as heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, and weight gain, with l-theanine positively impacting cortisol levels and alleviating these symptoms.

How much l-theanine should I take per day?

The recommended daily dosage of l-theanine is typically around 200mg-400mg daily.

Is it safe to take every day?

L-theanine is generally safe for daily use when taken within recommended dosages.

Recommended L-theanine:

We highly recommend Viridian L-theanine and lemon balm supplement, each capsule containing 200mg of L-theanine along with the added benefits of lemon balm. This combination provides a well-rounded approach to stress management and cognitive support. L-theanine, known for its calming effects, synergizes perfectly with lemon balm, enhancing its benefits. Lemon balm, a natural herb, complements L-theanine by promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Together, they offer a balanced solution to combat stress and promote overall well-being, making this supplement an excellent choice for those seeking natural stress relief and improved cognitive function.