Narcolepsy

Nutritional Therapy for Narcolepsy

Eat a low-fat diet high in cleansing foods such as leafy green vegetables and sea vegetables. Also eat foods high in the B vitamins, such as brewer's yeast and brown rice. 

Include in the diet foods rich in the amino acid tyrosine. Good choices include eggs, oats, poultry, and wheat germ.

Caution: If you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug, avoid foods containing tyrosine, as drug and dietary interactions can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure. 

Eat foods high in protein (meats, poultry, cheese, nuts, seeds, and soy products) in the middle of the day, and save the complex carbohydrates (fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, natural whole grains, and pasta) for the evening meal. High-protein foods increase alertness, whereas carbohydrates have a calming effect and can promote sleepiness.

Avoid alcohol and sugar. They may seem stimulating initially, but will only make you tired later.

Discuss food and medicine limitations thoroughly with your health care provider or a qualified dietitian.

Listed below are nutrients that are believed to be important in case of narcolepsy. You can get it through your food or through taking supplements.

Essential Nutrients for Narcolepsy

Calcium and Magnesium
Needed for energy production and the nervous system.

Dosage:

Calcium - 2,000 mg daily, at bedtime. 
Magnesium - 400 mg twice during the day and at bedtime.

Choline or lecithin granules or capsules 
Choline acts as a neurotransmitter and is important for brain function. 
Lecithin is a good source of choline.

Dosage:

Choline - 300 mg daily. 
Lecithin granules - 1 tbsp 3 times daily, before meals.
Lecithin capsules - 1,200 mg 3 times daily, before meals.

Chromium picolinate 
Boosts energy and regulates sugar metabolism
Dosage: 100 mcg daily.

Coenzyme Q10 
Promotes circulation to the brain. 

Free-form amino acid complex 
Increases energy levels; needed for proper brain function. Use a formula that contains all the essential amino acids.

L-Glutamine 
Promotes mental ability. Known as brain fuel because it can pass the blood-brain barrier freely.

How to Take: Take on an empty stomach with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption.

L-Tyrosine 
Important in thyroid function. Low levels have been associated with narcolepsy. Caution: Do not take tyrosine if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug. 
How to Take: Take at bedtime.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
Important in creation and transfer of chemical energy, especially during breathing.

Octocosanol 
Increases oxygen utilization and boosts endurance.
Dosage: 100 mg daily.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids 
Protect cell membranes. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are good sources.

Vitamin B complex plus extra vitamin B6 (pyridoxins) 
B vitamins boost metabolism and are essential for increased energy levels and normal brain function.

Dosage: 

Vitamin B-Complex - 150 mg daily. 
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxins) - 200 mg daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavoinoids
Increases energy and promotes production of interferon in the body to protect against free radical damage. 
Dosage: 2,000-6,000 mg daily, in divided doses.

Vitamin D 
Essential for calcium absorption.
Dosage: 400 IU daily.

Vitamin E 
Increases circulation and protects heart functioning and brain cells. 
Dosage: 400-600 IU daily.

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