DLPA is a remarkable supplement which may be ideal for those suffering from chronic pain of many kinds as well as depression. DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is available without prescription at health food stores and some pharmacies around the world. Phenylalanine is structurally related to dopamine, adrenaline, and L-tyrosine essential amino acids and hormones of the body. DL-Phenylalanine is labeled as a nutritional supplement which has impressive anti-depressant activity.

Recently, DL-phenylalanine has been getting attention throughout the United States for its ability to reduce chronic pain and depression. What if, instead of pumping drugs into our bodies to relieve pain, we could use the natural substances that have zero side effects? DLPA has been found to be most useful in these areas. Chronic pain might include back pain, arthritis, pain due to diseases such as cancer, and, headache pain. Studies conducted on this amino acid have shown that it effectively blocks arthritis pain and joint inflammation in many patients.

The essential amino acid DL-Phenylalanine is a natural compound that protects against the breakdown of enkephalins, a neurotransmitter that act as your body's own pain reducer. Phenylalanine comes in two forms which are mirror images of each other L-phenylalanine which has a nutritional value, and D-phenylalanine which has pain killing and depression alleviating value which is attributed to its ability to block the breakdown of enkephalins, the brains natural pain killer neurotransmitter.

Phenylalanine is not the sweetener Aspartame but in its natural form, is an essential amino acid of tremendous nutritional importance. Phenylalanine is one of the amino acids which the body cannot manufacture itself, but must acquire from food; most vegetarians are low in this amino acid due to the lack of meat consumption.

Exercise can also help release the body's natural painkillers such as endorphins. Many herbs on the market have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and boswellia which greatest affect on the body to promote a healthy inflammation response and reduce pain. DLPA also helps relieve discomfort by prolonging the activity of enkephalins, the body's own pain-blocking process. A combination of turmeric, Boswellia, and DLPA can yield an impressive pain relieving response in the body that rivals even prescription drugs.

As discussed earlier L-phenylalanine is associated with elevated levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which may alleviate symptoms of depression, and D-phenylalanine works to block pain signals. DL-Phenylalanine is also involved in the release of (PEA), phenyl ethylamine, a neurotransmitter closely related to norepinephrine (adrenaline), and which can sensitize endorphin receptors to endorphins, and aids in the relief of depression and the regulation of mood as well as pain.

DLPA is also effective in lessening cravings like hunger or smoking as well as lessen irritability. Phenylalanine activity is enhanced by additional Vitamin B 6, especially in studies on depression. The D-form of phenylalanine cannot be converted to tyrosine, but it can be converted to another compound called phenyl ethylamine which may have effects in elevating mood, treating depression and altering pain sensation.

DLPA also helps the body release serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and when it's low it may leave you with a bad mood, poor concentration, and a headache. Serotonin is our natural mood stabilizer, sleep promoter, and mind-focusing chemical if we have enough of all four, our emotions are stable.

Drugs like Prozac are called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) because they keep whatever serotonin we have active. Before there were SSRI's, the amino acid L-tryptophan was commonly used to increase serotonin levels. Vitamin B6 is the cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to adrenaline. So, a person who has a functional deficiency in serotonin could experience depression. Taking tryptophan can help those who are on drugs like Prozac or those who are depressed.

In conclusion, Phenylalanine can in fact aid in depression and pain management naturally. It is found naturally in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. Phenylalanine is also found in foods that are high in protein, such as beef, chicken, legumes, soy, whole grains, and nuts. Phenylalanine is known to be the antagonist of tryptophan and then serotonin in the body. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning that everybody must get it from their diet and if you are not then supplementation of this vital amino acid is imperative.