TAURINE

By Dr. Lawrence Wilson

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure of any disease or health condition.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TAURINE

Introduction. Taurine is a very amazing chemical in our bodies because it has so many uses. It is found in high concentration in all animal bodies.

It is an organic acid and is also a “free amino acid”. This means it has a structure similar to other amino acids. However, it does not participate in protein formation.

Sulfur-bearing. One of the keys to understanding the versatility of taurine is that it contains sulfur.

Sources. The main food sources of taurine are meats, especially red meats such as lamb. This is our preferred source of taurine in nutritional balancing science. If one eats meat and eggs, there is no reason to supplement taurine except in the cases discussed below.

Effects. Taurine has the following effects in the body:

1. L-Taurine has a protective effect on the brain, especially when the brain may be dehydrated. It also works with zinc to maintain good eye function.

2. L-Taurine may be useful in the treatment of alcoholism. L-Taurine supplements may also reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

3. It stimulates the release of growth hormone which causes muscle growth and reduces body fat.

4. L-Taurine may help insomnia, in a few cases.

5. L-Taurine is needed to produce melanin, the pigment of the skin and hair.

6. L-Taurine helps with states of depression and anxiety.

7. L-Taurine helps produce norepinephrine, which is an appetite suppressant.

8. L-Taurine plays an important role in the function of the adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands.

9. L-Taurine increases red and white blood cells.

10. L-Taurine may help elevate the mood.

11. L-Taurine may be helpful for brain, heart, and digestive support. It promotes healthy brain cell activity.

12. Taurine is also important as an anti-oxidant, membrane stabilizer, and neurotransmitter. It is needed to form one of the bile acids, and is needed to maintain the fluid balance inside of cells.

SPECIAL USE OF TAURINE IN NUTRITIONAL BALANCING

Taurine for the four lows pattern. To help a person move out of a four lows pattern, taurine is very helpful. The usual dose for an adult is 1500 mg daily.

Taurine has a sedative action and acts as a calming neurotransmitter in those with a four lows pattern. There is no need to supplement it, however, if the body is not in a four lows pattern. To read about this topic, read Four Lows on this site.

Other supplementation. Taurine is quite yin in macrobiotic terminology. As a result, taking it as a supplement is usually not a good idea. I find that if a person eats correctly, with some animal protein each day – and takes at least one GB-3 tablet with each meal, then supplementing with taurine is usually not needed.

Exceptions are:

1. A four lows pattern. This is discussed above.

2. Rarely, we use taurine as a short-term remedy to stop or reduce seizures. I have not had to do this recently because our understanding of seizures is better. Taurine occasionally helps, though definitely not in all cases. It may help in some cases because taurine has a generally sedative action.

3. Cats all need some taurine, which is usually added to commercial cat food. I believe this is because of the presence of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic condition in many cats. If this condition is eliminated, then a cat does not seem to need added taurine.

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