Taurine – the established benefits for energy, repair and mood

Taurine is a great benefit for good health

Discovered in the 1800s Taurine has been added to processed foods, and over recent decades to energy drinks that contain a high dose of caffeine to help maintain a regular heart rate!

In addition to supporting the normal function of the cardiovascular system Taurine has a host of health benefits for energy, repair and mood and is a useful supplement to medical and natural supplements.

Taurine is an essential amino acid (a building block for protein) found in foods such as meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and red algae. Taurine promotes proper muscle function in the excitatory tissues of the heart, brain, retina of our eyes and skeletal muscles. People who might not get enough taurine from diet alone can also take it as a supplement. For coffee drinkers that may seem a reasonable idea!

Taurine can help keep excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter signals in our brain and body balanced. Research shows its many actions across all body systems: Anti-inflammatory, energy metabolism, antioxidant, cellular membrane efficiency and mitochondrial energy. Taurine is useful for:

• Cardiovascular Health – Supporting the normal blood pressure, function and circulation of the cardiovascular system
• Neurological and ageing issues – Taurine supports glutamate and GABA, the chemical messages carried from nerve cell to nerve cell to balance anxiety, stress and fear while promoting a healthy mood, cognition, and muscle strength. This is useful at any age, even in older age groups and for recovery after brain injury or stroke
• Skin health and wound healing enhanced through the production of collagen to aid water retention and elasticity
• Inflammation anywhere in the body from environmental exposure
• Intestinal inflammation may subside by providing energy for our microbiome to balance healthy bacterial colonisation in our bowel
• Intestinal immunity after antibiotic exposure by enhancing the growth of Lactobacillus
• Reducing reoccurring viral infections
• Male reproduction
• Metabolism imbalances that effect brain and general health – aides the pancreas to secrete more insulin in response to higher blood sugar levels
• Healthy liver function – supports efficient lipid (fat)  breakdown by the liver
• Eye Health – relieving visual fatigue (non permanent ) by supporting retinal health

Taurine can be an aid for infants who are not breastfed, and children, during pregnancy and for the elderly.  This is important for vegans and some vegetarians.  Supplementation can interact with some medications. Quality Taurine Supplements are essential. Check with your doctor if you are taking medications to reduce your blood pressure, or if you are taking lithium.

Get further advice from one of our naturopaths anytime

“I would always consider taurine if someone is wanting to try and lower their blood pressure” Julia our naturopath

Come and visit Bodywise, describe what health problems you are experiencing and we will choose a formula that will cover your needs.