Neurotransmitters, Hormones and Other Supplements
Written by Julie Taylor
Luckily, before my injury I studied nutrition, vitamins and supplements. I had a theory: if I fed my body every single thing it could possibly need, it would heal itself: water, air, supplements, exercise. This theory proved itself to be right. For me and for hundreds of other people who need to heal from traumas as divers as brain injury, heart attack, heart valve replacement, stroke, spinal cord injury and the loss of a loved one. give the body what it needs and it will amaze you.
The human body needs alkaline water, excellent nutrition including supplements, clean air and exercise.
Alkaline water - and a good balance of alkaline foods - are important as the body only works when it’s sufficiently alkaline.
Excellent nutrition includes food of the best quality that you can afford. In the west people tend to eat far more than they need and I think it would be better to use half as much food but of a greater quality, if possible. No matter what or how much you eat, in this day and age you do need vitamins and supplements. I think this is partly because our environment is such that the body needs protection in order to be able to survive in it. And partly because the environment and farming methods are such that there are no longer the same nutrients and ‘goodness’ in many of the foods available. Of course this is just my opinion and there are people who believe we can get everything we need from our foods. I’m grateful that I have used vitamins and supplements and have proved to myself over and over again that for me, and for many others, they are very necessary. Good quality vitamins are readily available.
Clean air is sometimes a challenge in today’s world but I have found that with Ecoquest machines in the house (and occasionally in the car and to air out tents and motorhomes) I can maintain clean air that provides total relief from allergy symptoms.
Exercise is another matter! Seriously though I love walking on the beach and dancing classes and I’m sure that for most people there are activities that provide some joy at the same time as necessary exercise.
There are also other supplements that you can add to a basic foundation of a good multi-vitamin - without which nothing will work as well. These are some of my favourites - I have personally taken and tried out every item that I talk about here.
Glutathione is perhaps the most important supplement and there is a great link here to a ReBuildingYou page written by a colleague of mine that I hold in high regard. It’s always been that glutathione could only be delivered by IV (injection) until the new enteric coating used on these MaxGXL capsules.
Phosphatidyleserine - available as PS100+ (Phosphatidylserine) is a great aid to the fight against brain aging and mental decline. I also found it very helpful with my brain injury - I take the odd course of a month or two once every couple of years.
Human clinical research proves Phosphatidylserine (PS) has more overall benefits for brains of any age than any other nutrient--or drug.
Since its discovery in 1948, a great deal of research on PS has been documented, establishing clear superiority of this brain nutrient as one that enhances brain function in the young as well as the old.
PS is a phospholipid that is a component of brain cell membranes, and is present in every single cell in the body. Taken as a dietary supplement, PS is a key building block for nerve cells, which are the basis for effective brain function on every level.
* Revitalization of nerve cells
* Nerve transmitter effects
* Electrical integration across the brain
* Integration of the brain with the other organ systems
Boost Memory and Concentration
Clinical studies show that Phosphatidylserine supplementation helps improve cognitive functions that decline with age including memory, learning, concentration, and vocabulary skills.
In his 1998 book Phosphatidlyserine, author Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D. reveals that "In the human studies that have been done, just about every mental function that could be measured was improved by PS to some extent".
* Reverses memory loss linked to aging
* Helps the brain respond to stress
* Helps control epileptic symptoms
* Improves mood, fights depression
* Alzheimer prevention
PS also suppresses cortisol which the body releases in response to both physical and mental stress. This cortisol response becomes a problem if you experience long-term, high stress--causing an array of serious health problems.
Arginine is one of my favourite neurotransmitters and a good daily dose is about 500mg and is vital for continued great sex health. Arginine - Primary metabolic role of Arginine is in the urea cycle which metabolizes nitrogen and protein.
Arginine supports the body’s detoxification processes and is important in muscle metabolism - particularly it enhances fat metabolism.
Arginine stimulates growth hormone and can be used with lysine.
Arginine is important in both men and women for sexual arousal/enhancement and increases sexual performance.
Arginine studies show that arginine promotes blood vessel dilation in the heart and other vital organs, making it an amino acid for the 21st century.
Pregnenolone PG 50mg is also known as the superhormone of today. It (PG) is a neurosteroid superhormone produced both in the brain and in the adrenal cortex.
As we age our production of PG declines. PG is the key to keeping our brain's functioning at peak capacity.
PG can be taken in combination with DHEA.
DHEA (50mg daily is enough) is also known as the mother hormone (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Pure Micronized DHEA is best and is naturally produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is a metabolic precursor (a source ingredient of all steroid hormones, including estrogen, testosterone and cortisone).
DHEA is the most abundantly produced adrenal hormone in the body, although with age, stress, pain or certain disease conditions, the levels drop dramatically.
DHEA decreases constantly with age in both women and men. This decline leads many researchers to believe DHEA may play an important role in the aging process and diseases that are related to aging.
In a recent issue of Science News, entitled "Hormone DHEA Mimics Fabled Fountain of Youth," scientist Samuel S.C. Yen reported the results of the study done at the University of California, San Diego. By restoring DHEA levels through oral supplementation, study participants reported an improved ability to cope with stress, had greater mobility, improved quality of sleep and less joint pain. Additionally, they reported a 75% increase in their overall well-being.
CoEnzyme Q10 50mg daily is a good dose for most people)( is a great brain antioxidant
and is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in your body. CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP. Organs with the highest energy requirements—such as the heart and the liver—have the highest CoQ10 concentrations.
Research has shown that CoQ10 seems to protect against oxidative stress because of its ability to act as an anti-oxidant where needed in the body.
CoQ10 acts as part of another class of substances - enzymes. The role of enzymes is to facilitate and act as a catalyst for countless chemical reactions in the human body.
* Essential for life and health by supporting oxygen flow to cells
* Plays a role in promoting a healthy heart
* Helps strengthen the immune system, heart, and blood pressure
* Fatigue fighter, enhances energy by triggering energy production in your cells
* Slows aging process as antioxidant and protects against dopamine depletion in the brain
* Fat-soluble, betterFat-soluble, better absorbed when taken with a meal that contains oil or fat
* Also called ubiquinone, from the word ubiquitous, which means "found everywhere"
Important: If you are taking statins, you may be losing even more CoQ10 and a supplement is even more necessary
Vinpocetine (10mg daily?) is great for brain energy and increases support for brain & cerebral functioning. Vinpocetine is a chemical substance synthesized from vincamine, a natural constituent found in the leaves of Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle).
Vinpocetine is a potent antioxidant and neuroprotector that prevents damage to the brain from free radicals.
Free radicals are substances that cause damage to cells. The damage impairs the immune system leading to infections, cancer, or degenerative diseases such as heart disease. Free radicals cause aging in every part of the body, resulting in its eventual breakdown.
Antioxidants are a group of nutrients that help prevent the oxidation that causes free radicals.
Researchers have discovered that Vinpocetine increases cerebral ATP function (brain cell energy), increases oxygen and glucose production.† Vinpocetine has positive effects on cerebral blood circulation, supporting memory problems, coordination, dizziness, and after-brain-accident.
The increase of blood circulation to the brain from or Vinpocetine also supports ringing in the ears and inner ear problems.
Research shows that Vinpocetine relaxes smooth muscles (heart and blood vessels) and increases blood flow.
Vinpocetine aids memory and concentration
Vinpocetine increases specific neurotransmitters, oxygen, and blood flow to the brain.
Scientists confirm the effectiveness of Vinpocetine for vascular dementia.
Acetyl L Carnitine (suggested dose is 250mg) is a great brain nutrition and metabolism enhancer also known as ALC. It’s aka as a good brain energizer and cognition enhancer
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) supports the brain to maintain youthful cellular energy metabolism and blood flow.
ALC protects the brain from stress and toxicity.
ALC promotes increased memory and learning ability.
ALC revitalizes brain function, elevates mood, and inhibits damaging stress.
ALC passes more effectively through cell membranes than L-Carnitine.
Brain aging results from diminished brain cell metabolism and reduced brain circulation. The role of ALC is to protect neurological function . . . so it keeps brain neurons healthy and energetic.
Research documents humans need 250 to 500 mg of Acetyl-L-Carnitine per day for healthy body functions
GINKGO BILOBA (suggested dose is 60mg daily) is used for circulation brain health.
Research has shown what the Chinese have known about Ginkgo Biloba
for over 3,000 years.
Ginkgo increases the oxygen available across the blood-brain barrier. As we age, the resistance of this barrier increases, and the brain does not receive enough oxygen.
Secondly, like many herbs, Ginkgo works as an anti-oxidant.
Improved digestion is a benefit that can affect overall health in older men. Digestive disruption diverts the body's energy and virility.
The Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba for people concerned with loss of cognitive function.
Ginkgo helps to:
* Improve brain function, memory retention, and mental clarity while increasing blood flow and oxygen supply
* Enhances circulation throughout the body, affecting every organ, including your skin
* Reduces the deterioration of nerves
* Neutralize free radicals that damage the health of your cells; accelerating aging
* Ginkgo contains 24% Flavoglycoside, 6% Terpine Lactone -- flavonoids, terpenes, and other natural elements act as natural vasodilators.
CAUTION: Check with a pharmacist if taking any prescription medications to make sure ginkgo does not interact with it.
Ginkgo can be taken indefinitely with no side effects.
Glutamine (suggested dose is 1000mg a day) is renowned for increasing brain energy. There is also good research available to show that at higher doses it acts as as anti craving supplement and can significantly help in getting off drugs or alcohol (Doses over 5000mg a day)
Super Glutamine 1000 mg in powder form is perfect for children and adults.
* Mental sharpness
* Enhances focus
* Superior memory
* Improves alertness
* Improves concentration
* Provides neurotransmitters
* Help in reducing intestinal permeability related to food allergies
and after surgery
* Help to decrease cravings for alcohol and sugar
Glutamine Powder easily crosses the blood-brain barrier - for rapid effect.
Dr. Roger Williams, pioneer researcher, established the essential amino acid, glutamine increased the IQ’s of mentally impaired children.
Glutamine is a potent energy source for high energy activities such as thinking and memory because it easily crosses the blood brain barrier. Super Glutamine 1000 contains pure pharmaceutical grade product as purity is very important. Super Glutamine 1000 dissolves readily in water or juice and is tasteless and can be taken daily with other amino acids.
Nutritional Support for Alcohol Craving
Studies performed by Dr. Roger Williams, Clayton Foundation, University of Texas demonstrated that 4,000 to 5,000 mg of glutamine taken on a daily basis will stop the craving for alcohol.
Add B Complex daily in morning for utilization of glutamine.
Serrapeptase is known as Nature's Miraculous Enzyme - (40,000iu a day works very well)
What is SerraEzyme?
SerraEzyme contains serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque in the body that contribute to inflammation, discomfort, blockages, etc. This amazing proteolytic enzyme has had a wide clinical use spanning over 30 years in Europe and Asia.
What does Serrapeptase do?
Serrapeptase simply digests any inflammation and non-living tissue that are the cause of the majority of symptoms. Results vary with different patients and conditions as reported in various studies.
SerraEzyme provides super support for the lymphatic system promoting elimination processes and the immune system.
SerraEzyme capsules are enteric coated so they pass through the acidic environment of the stomach into the intestines for superior absorption.
Are there any side effects or contraindications?
None have been substantiated in over 29 years of use. SerraEzyme is a naturally occurring physiological enzyme with no inhibitory effects on prostaglandins or gastrointestinal side effects.
Melatonin - the body's natural levels of melatonin reduce as people age. It is this element that works with the pineal gland to regulate sleep and wake modes in the brain and body. In fact it works so well that pilots have been taking it for years to help with jet lag. For people over 35 it is useful to supplement with 3mg, sublingually works best. Over the age of 50, increase the dose to 6mg (approximately).