Taurine is one of my favorite supplements for perimenopause, menopause, sleep, mood, insulin resistance, and migraine prevention.
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is not used to build proteins but instead acts as a free amino acid to support the healthy functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Taurine is so important that it makes up 0.1% of total body weight.
Traditionally, taurine has been classified as “non-essential” because it can be synthesized from methionine and cysteine. Unfortunately, the rate of taurine synthesis is very low in humans so must be ingested from animal foods such as meat, dairy, and fish. The daily intake from an average omnivore diet is 400 mg and there’s no taurine in plant foods.
Obtaining adequate taurine is more important for women than men because taurine biosynthesis is impeded by estrogen.
Benefits of taurine for women’s health
Calms the brain and soothes anxiety
Taurine is a claming neurotramsmitter similar in structure to glycine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) — the brain’s other two calming neurotransmitters.
By interacting with GABA receptors, taurine helps to support beneficial “GABAergic” tone or activity, which improves sleep, prevenets migraines, and can relieve premenstural and perimenopausal mood symptoms.
Helps to reverse insulin resistance and prevent obesity
Taurine improves healthy insulin sensitivity by supporting mitochondria and preventing the harmful over production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together with magnesium, taurine can also reduce inflammation, suppress appetite, and prevent ovesity.
👉🏽Tip: Taurine’s benefits for both GABA and insulin make it particularly helpful for the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause.
Supports healthy estrogen metabolism or detoxification
By supporting the healthy formation of bile acids, taurine can prevent gallstones and help to promote the healthy detoxification of estrogen thtough the liver and bowel.
Hastens recovery from iron-deficient anemia
Thanks to taurine’s antioxidant and cell-membrane stabilizing effects, it can boost hemoglobin production.
Builds muscle and bone
Finally, by supporting healthy muscle, taurine can help to prevent osteoporosis. (Because the biology of bone and muscle are connected.)
How to supplement taurine
The recommended dose is between 500 to 3000 mg and works best when taken with magnesium, another important nutrient for mood, mitochondria, and insulin sensitivity. I recommend Cytoplan L Taurine product code 2420. See the link below.
Leave a Reply