Foods that "reduce" glutamate

[wantokporo]

As I am trying to reduce sedating Pregabalin dosage, I noticed that blueberries are a good food, not only OKAY but actually react to glutamate in a positive way. I don't understand all of the mechanisms but then I googled "foods that reduce glutamate" and found interesting info. One thing, for example, is that green tea is one of these things. I had noticed that I could drink green tea in the afternoons -- which can be quite helpful because of the caffeine -- without issues. So you who know you are glutamate sensitive (all of those of us who respond favorably to gabapentin or pregabalin) might find that info useful.

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing that info Wantokporo. Like you, i'm looking to reduce pregabalin and also reduce glutamate in my diet.

Interestingly, i came across a chapter of a book that someone had sent me a few years ago. The book is Friendly Food: The essential guide to managing common food allergies and intolerances by Velencia L. Soutter

The chapter that i received talks about 'natural food chemicals'. Interesting the foods that rate "very high" in the food chemicals list are also the ones that are high in glutamate Eg Broccoli, mushroom, spinach, tomato, grape, plum etc.

PM me if you want me to send you the chapter.

[Bganim1947 in reply to Hidden]

I’d very much like to read that chapter. I have RLS, mostly well managed, but noticed that sometimes certain foods or drinks can kick it up, like chocolate or red wine. I try to avoid whatever I know can be irritating. If you wouldn’t mind, if it’s not to difficult to send, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you, and happy holidays.

[Hidden in reply to Bganim1947]

Hi Bganim, PM me your email and I'll send it to you.

[Nightwalker999 in reply to Hidden]

Please. I've tried every foods Px that are supposed to increase RLS with no avail. II would love to receive the chapter. Thanks everso. X

[Hidden in reply to Nightwalker999]

Hi Nightwalker, PM me your email and I'll send it to you.

[Figar in reply to Hidden]

Hello, I would love to read that chapter too please, would it be ok to message you with my email address if it's not a bother? Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Figar]

Hi, yes no trouble at all.

[Eryl]

Yes, blueberries are one of the best fruits available, I have them for dessert almost every day.

[DicCarlson]

This is why I love this forum - someone mentions a nutrition tip to help with RLS and sleep - and off I go to research. Well, I've known of the nuro-effects of too much Glutamate (excitation) and not enough GABA (relaxing). Excess Glutamate is the reason I could sleep maybe 2 hours a night with severe RLS - get up and go to work with no profound drowsiness - drive home and do it again. Excess Glutamate kept me awake and alert.

I have read most every web site from searching "Balancing Glutamate and GABA". I haven't read of the "blueberry connection" on any of those. So, searching for Blueberries and Glutamate led me to this...

“We know that if we add glutamate to cells it does kill a lot of them, but what we found, remarkably, is that if you add various chemical extracts (like those found in berries) to the cells in the presence of glutamate, it protects them dramatically.”

Website here... brainstreams.ca/news-articl...

Original research here...researchgate.net/publicatio...

I eat blueberries a lot and usually stop when fresh blueberries go away seasonally. But, I continued this year with fresh blueberries from South America. There is also a blueberry supplement I will try.

BTW the active amino acid in the green tea is l-theanine which is also available as a supplement.

[wantokporo]

Costco has Great frozen Blueberries