I tried my first dose of mucuna yesterday -- 1/4 tsp 15% mucuna (SunPotion) with Vitamin C (both powder, mixed together in water), fish oil, EGCG as Silvestrov suggests. I had no immediate GI symptoms, but an hour later when I wanted to eat I found I had no appetite and had to force myself to eat, not usual for me. Then another hour and I started to get bloating, and then the runs! I knew GI symptoms were a possibility but not expecting this. I'm on the low side weight wise and can't afford to lose more. Since a nasty bug I picked up in Mexico a year ago, my digestive system has been sensitive, but getting better. Is this kind of reaction unusual? Any suggestions? Am I less likely to get GI upset with a) capsules, or b) the purer extract form of mucuna? Could any of the other components of the cocktail contribute to this?
GI upset with mucuna : I tried my first... - Cure Parkinson's
GI upset with mucuna
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This was my dr's reply when I asked about taking mucuna:
Mucuna is simply L-dopa. So if mucuna 100mg this means it is equivalent to L-dopa 100mg or carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 mg tablet though much less of it will be absorbed without carbidopa for the reasons discussed above. There is no reason to take mucuna in addition to carbidopa/levodopa as it is taking the same molecule. As Mucuna is a natural supplement it is not regulated by the FDA for dose accuracy and thus taking mucuna capsules might not always provide the same dose of L-dopa (or levodopa) in addition to the lower absorption as there is no added carbidopa (and thus more will be degraded in the intestines and not reach the brain).
Your mucuna supplement could be part of your problem, if not all of it. 15% mucuna means that 85% is filler. I had problems with filler in my first mucuna. Why not use the pure, 100% mucuna. You can find 100% pharmaceutical grade mucuna powder (easily and quickly absorbed) at: nutrivitashop.com/products/....
This product works very well. It's worth trying the real stuff!
Thanks so much! I was hoping to hear that. I will place an order and give it a try.
You are welcome! Go slowly. Use a little and see how you tolerate it. Always take it on an empty stomach. I also use a green tea extract which extends the efficacy of the mucuna. I get more sleep when I use the tea extract.
God bless!
Which brand of green tea extract do you use?