Julia Ross, M.A., M.F.T, is the author of the international bestsellers The Diet Cure (new edition, Penguin, 2012) and The Mood Cure (Penguin, 2004), now available in three languages. She has directed The Recovery Systems clinic in Mill Valley, Calif., since 1988, where she and her staff of clinical nutritionist combine with clinical psychology and holistic medicine to address addiction, mood problems, and eating disorders. She lectures extensively and regularly appears in the media. Her clinic is also an advanced training center for health professionals who wish to acquire skill and certification in neuronutrient therapy (www.moodcure.com, practitioner resources).
 
Health E-Insights: How is it that you got into studying amino acids?
 
Ms. Ross: In the early 1980s the addiction treatment programs in San Francisco and throughout the country primarily treated alcoholism and claimed about 50% success/50% relapse rates as per independent researcher Terence Gorski. Suddenly though, our relapse rates went from 50% to 100% when the crack cocaine epidemic hit us. As a new program director at the Henry Ohlhoff Outpatient Programs, I began to look beyond what was then, and still is, the standard model of treatment. In 1986 I discovered the studies by addiction and genetics researcher Kenneth Blum, PhD. He had documented the impressive success of amino acid supplements in correcting the brain neurotransmitter deficits that, by then, we knew were the true core of addictive disease. When a fellow program director in Minnesota, Joan Mathews-Larson, PhD, author of the wonderful 7 Weeks to Sobriety, confirmed the effectiveness of the aminos, my staff nutritionist began using an amino acid called l-tyrosine with our crack addicts. The results were amazing and we eventually learned to use four other brain-targeted aminos as well, with equal success, in other kinds of addictions.

Health E-Insights: How does one get a clean and sober brain?
 
Ms. Ross: First, we have to ask how does one get an addictive brain that needs cleaning up? The answer – it typically starts with a genetic predisposition, primarily to deficits in neurotransmitter functions, whether involving our antidepressant serotonin, our tranquilizing GABA, comforting endorphins, or others. Stress and a poor diet exacerbate it. The remedies? Neurotransmitter-targeted amino acid therapy, i.e., 1 to 5 amino acids administered as indicated by specific neurotransmitter deficiency symptoms, multi-vitamin and mineral supplements and a pro-recovery diet. This brain-targeted nutritional protocol restores optimal neurotransmitter function permanently, which means optimal mood and the elimination of cravings.

Health E-Insights: Which specific amino acids restore optimal energy and focus by raising levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline?
 
Ms. Ross: All three of these catecholemines are energizing, and can provide a sense of reward and enthusiasm, as well. They can be quickly restored to optimal function with a supply of their specific nutrient precursor–the amino acid l-tyrosine (500-1000 mg x 3). Those addicted to stimulants are, of course, the most depleted in these natural energizers, especially in early recovery, and they respond strongly and quickly.
 
Health E-Insights: Tell us a little about your revised book, The Diet Cure.
 
Ms. Ross: The Diet Cure is a manual for eliminating our national addiction to sugar and other harmful, nutrient-void foods. It was originally published to much acclaim in 1999 and has sold well over 100,000 copies. But in this era of epidemic increases in rates of overeating, weight gain, diabetes, and other diet-linked illnesses, I felt I needed to update it to include all the new things we’d learned at our clinic about how to stop those cravings even more effectively. I ended up revising 40% of it, the most extensive revision my international publisher (The Penguin Group) had ever mounted. As they said, ‘Extreme measures for extreme times.’
 
Health E-Insights: What is it going to take to reverse the obesity epidemic?
 
Ms. Ross: Since it is caused by overeating, we have to end the cravings for nutrient-void, high calorie, weight-promoting foods. These foods, primarily sugar, have been found to be four times more addictive than cocaine. Fortunately, the amino acids turn off sugar and starch cravings completely, making it easy for former overeaters to start eating healthier foods and lose the weight.
 
Health E-Insights: On the lighter side, how do you spend your Sundays?
 
Ms. Ross: Riding bikes, gardening, swimming, reading, and attending a contemplative prayer group. I’ve injured my ankle, so hiking is out for now.
 
Editor’s Note: Julia Ross will be joined by Christina Veselak, LMFT, CN, 20 year expert in treating severely recidivist clients and their families, Pati Reiss, recovery health and diet coach, Stan Stokes, director of Bridging the Gaps Integrative Treatment program and IV detox pioneer, and Carolyn Reuben, L.Ac. and Lianne Audette, L.Ac., ear acupuncture specialists, at the Back to the Basics with the Pioneers – A Clean & Sober Brain seminar – presented by the Alliance for Addiction Solutions, June 8-10, 2012 in Gore, Virginia. The event covers the use of targeted amino acids and other nutrients to eliminate neurotransmitter dysfunction. For information email [email protected] or call 916.214.0607.
 
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