St John's wort (Natural Supplement)

The St John's wort (herb) mechanism is believed to involve inhibition of serotonin (5-HT) reuptake, much like the conventional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Some believe that hyperforin is the major constituent responsible for antidepressant activity, and it has been shown to inhibit the uptake of 5-HT, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA and glutamate.

More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John's_Wort

DMAE (Natural Supplement)

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a natural amino alcohol that is found in minute quantities in the brain. It is generally regarded as a precursor to choline, which is needed for the brain to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in nerve signal transmission and healthy brain function. Taken as a maintenance supplement, it works synergistically with other “smart nutrients” like Ginkgo Biloba, GABA, Phosphatidyl Serine and L-Tyrosine, or can be taken alone.

DMAE works by accellerating the brain's synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which in turn plays a key role in maximizing mental ability as well as in preventing loss of memory in aging adults.

Short term studies have shown an increase in vigilance and alertness, with a positive influence on mood. Dimethylaminoethanol (or DMAE) is more widely known and marketed as a memory and mood enhancer, but some studies have shown that it improves intellectual functioning and mental acuity. These studies posit that DMAE has a role in increasing levels of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This is why drugs and supplements called "cholinergics" that increase acetylcholine have been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and ADHD.

The stimulant effect of DMAE is significantly different from the stimulation produced by coffee, amphetamines, or other stimulant drugs. DMAE does not have a drug-like quick up and quick come-down. People who take DMAE have reported that after three to four weeks, they feel a mild stimulation continually, without side effects. Also, when DMAE is discontinued, no depression or let-down occurs.

DMAE is an organic compound. Fish like salmon, anchovies and sardines naturally have high concentrations of this nutrient.

Dosage: 50 to 250mg daily

Theanine (Natural Supplement from Green Tea)

Green Tea - Theanine increases brain serotonin, dopamine, GABA levels. Theanine also promotes alpha wave production in the brain (relaxed - alert state).

Theanine induces relaxation without causing drowsiness, as measured by increased generation of alpha-waves. Theanine may improve learning ability and sensations of pleasure by affecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain. Also, Theanine exerts protective effects on the brain by antagonizing glutamate toxicity.

Dosage: 50 to 200mg a day

Check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theanine

Tyrosine and Phenylalanine (Supplement, Amino Acid)

Tyrosine is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. This is a non-essential amino acid and it is found in casein.

L-Tyrosine is a free-form amino acid which rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is a precursor for the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as for thyroid hormones and enkephalins.

Tyrosine is also a constituent of amino sugars (glycosaminoglycans), special compounds which have important roles throughout the body.

L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that can be readily converted into the amino acid tyrosine. Because tyrosine is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, Phenylalanine is an extremely important nutrient that must be obtained through the diet or by supplementation.

Tyrosine Dosage: 100 to 500mg, pref. in the mornings.
Phenylalanine Dosage: 100 to 500mg, pref. in the mornings.

More: http://www.raysahelian.com/tyrosine.html and
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosine

5-HTP (Natural Supplement)

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced by the body from tryptophan. It is naturally found in many foods and most commonly extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant.

In Europe, 5-HTP has been used for decades as an approved treatment for depression, sleep problems, weight loss, and other medical complaints. It is now starting to be used in the USA.

Clinical trials show that 5-HTP is a safe, natural way to boost the brain serotonin levels.

Use of 5-HTP has been shown to produce results equal to or better than those of standard synthetic drugs used in the problems arising from serotonin deficiency syndrome.

5- HTP provides the quickest, most effective, and most consistent overall results in treating insomnia. It is an effective alternative for dealing with sleep problems in a safe and natural way compared to sleep medicines. 5-HTP improves the quality of sleep. More importantly, clinical studies show that 5- HTP is also useful in the treatment of sleep disorders other than insomnia.

5-HTP increases REM sleep significantly (typically by about 25 percent) while simultaneously increasing deep sleep stages 3 and 4 without increasing total sleep time. 5- HTP accomplishes this by shortening the amount of time you spend in sleep stages 1 and 2, which in certain ways are the least important stages of the cycle. The higher the dose, the more time spent in REM.
By shifting the balance of the sleep cycle, 5-HTP makes sleep more restful and rejuvenating. Instead of waking feeling tired, worn out, and "hungover," people taking 5- HTP feel vibrant, well rested, and ready to take on the challenges of the day. When we sleep more deeply and dream more efficiently, we wake in the morning with our physical and psychological batteries fully charged.

The impact of 5-HTP on sleep stages is dose-related; taking higher doses produces a somewhat greater impact. In most cases, the lower dosage is adequate. Higher doses may lead to a greater number of disturbing dreams and nightmares due to abnormally prolonged REM sleep. It can also lead to mild nausea.

Melatonin vs. 5-HTP

5-HTP bypasses the brain's light-regulation system that controls the secretion of melatonin.

5-HTP results in the increased the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine that stimulate the noradrenergic receptors in the brain. This stimulation directly triggers the production and release of melatonin.

Thus, when you take 5-HTP, it causes the release of melatonin irrespective of how much light is present. The higher levels of melatonin in circulation, helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep better.

People with low melatonin who take 5-HTP at nighttime can enjoy the same sleep enhancing benefits as they will from taking melatonin alone, but they will also be getting the broader spectrum of benefits that comes from increased serotonin levels. (If you take melatonin alone it does not enhance the functions of the serotonin system.)

The effects of 5-HTP on melatonin depend on:

• How much 5-HTP you take and
• Time of the day 5-HTP is taken

People who use melatonin as a sleep sedative may find that switching from melatonin to 5-HTP will make it easier to fall asleep and to stay asleep. They will also enjoy healthy and memorable dream periods, and wake up without the morning grogginess that some of them experience with melatonin.

Recommended Dosage for 5-HTP: Take 20 to 300 mg, thirty minutes to one hour before retiring. Start with the lower dose for at least three days, then consider increasing the dose if results are not what you expected.

More about 5-HTP: http://www.raysahelian.com/5-htp.html

Melatonin (Supplement)

Melatonin has been called the body's own natural sleeping pill. It plays a key role in the sleep cycle by helping you fall asleep. Low melatonin levels can cause sleep-onset insomnia.

This is how our body utilize melatonin in controlling our sleep:
1. The body changes serotonin into melatonin.
2. Melatonin is stored in the pineal gland inside the brain.
3. The pineal gland releases melatonin only during times when the level of light is low.

Practically speaking, this means that melatonin is secreted only at night, while you are asleep. In the morning, when you open your eyes, the presence of light is a sign to your brain to shut down the melatonin production.

The pineal gland is like a "third eye", a small organ hidden within the brain. Hindu philosophy refers to a "third eye" that "sees" more deeply and truly than the other two. One of the jobs of pineal gland is to respond to changes in light and dark.

The pineal gland helps govern circadian rhythms- the biological rhythms that take place over a day, such as the sleep-wake cycle. This may be one of the reasons why it feels "natural" to sleep at night. You can learn more about circadian rhythms here.

Pineal gland is believed to use melatonin as a "messenger" to "tell" other systems what to do. Several studies suggest that melatonin induces sleep without suppressing REM (dream) sleep, as sedatives and other artificial sleep aids do. Travelers have started using melatonin to "reset their clocks" after flying across one or more time zones, and some studies seem to confirm melatonin's efficacy in combating jet lag and restoring restful sleep patterns.

In several studies, supplementation with melatonin has been found helpful in inducing and maintaining sleep in both children and adults, for both people with normal sleep patterns and those suffering from insomnia. It is also useful in banishing jet lag.

However, it appears that the sleep- promoting effects of melatonin are most apparent only if a person's melatonin levels are low. In other words, taking melatonin is not like taking a sleeping pill or even 5-HTP. It will only produce a sedative effect when melatonin levels are low.

Melatonin appears to be most effective in treating insomnia in the elderly, as low melatonin levels are common in this age group. (The efficiency of the melatonin system tends to decline with age.) If you have normal or high levels of melatonin, taking melatonin supplementation will not help in getting better sleep.

Safety: Studies of melatonin's safety are limited, with isolated reports of exacerbation of depression, fatigue and restriction of coronary arteries.

Do not take melatonin supplement if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding
• You are under the age of 35
• You are suffering from cancer of the blood or immune system
• You have kidney disease

Melatonin supplementation can disrupt the normal circadian rhythm. In one study, a daily dosage of 8 mg a day for only four days resulted in significant alterations in hormone secretions.

Synthetic melatonin may be safer than melatonin from animal sources.

Dosage: Start with 1.5 mg daily, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. If this is not effective, gradually increase the dosage until an effective level is reached (up to 5 mg daily).

More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin

Drugs targeting the 5-HT system

Serotonin Several classes of drugs target the 5-HT system including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, antiemetics, and antimigraine drugs as well as the psychedelic drugs and empathogens.

Psychoactive drugsThe psychedelic drugs psilocin/psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, mescaline, and LSD mimic the action of serotonin primarily at 5-HT2A receptor. The empathogen MDMA (ecstasy) releases serotonin from synaptic vesicles of neurons.

AntidepressantsThe MAOIs prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters (including serotonin), and therefore increase concentrations of the neurotransmitter in the brain. MAOI therapy is associated with many adverse drug reactions, and patients are at risk of hypertensive emergency triggered by foods with high tyramine content and certain drugs.

Some drugs inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin, making it stay in the synapse longer. The tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit the re-uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. The newer drugs are called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For more information and side effects of these drugs go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSRIs

Endorphin

Endorphins are endogenous opioid polypeptide compounds. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, excitement, and orgasm; and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. Endorphins work as "natural fever relievers", whose effects may be enhanced by other medications.

The term "endorphin" implies a pharmacological activity (analogous to the activity of the corticosteroid category of biochemicals) as opposed to a specific chemical formulation. It consists of two parts: endo- and -orphin; these are short forms of the words endogenous and morphine, intended to mean "a morphine-like substance originating from within the body."

The term endorphin rush has been adopted in popular speech to refer to feelings of exhilaration brought on by pain, danger, or other forms of stress, supposedly due to the influence of endorphins. However, this term does not occur in the medical literature.

More at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin

Natural Endorphin supplement:

DLPA (DL Phenylalanine)

More about DLPA, a natural pain killer (Google books link):

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=q-PgoNm5HBIC&pg=PA96&lpg=PA96&dq=dlpa&source=web&ots=MjTY7iullS&sig=kcc7YoJWy861wRAJmbpH-aRE52o&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result

Dopamine

Dopamine has many functions in the brain, including important roles in behavior and cognition (The mental process of knowing, including aspects such as awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment), motor activity, motivation and reward, sleep, mood, attention, and learning.


Dopamine is commonly associated with the pleasure system of the brain, providing feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate a person proactively to perform certain activities. Dopamine has been shown to be involved in the control of movements, the signaling of error in prediction of reward.

Biosynthesis:
L-Phenylalanine - L-Tyrosine - L-Dopa - Dopamine - Noradrenaline - Adrenaline

Natural Dopamine Supplements:
L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, Dopa Mucuna (Mucuna Pruriens), L-Theanine, St John's Wort , B6

L-phenylalanine is found in most foods that contain protein such as beef, eggs, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, cheese, soy products (including soy protein isolate, soybean flour, and tofu), banana, certain nuts and seeds. Vegetables and juices contain small amounts of the free amino acid.

Good sources of tyrosine include dairy products, meats, fish, and beans.

A molecule of Tyrosine, a dopamine precursor:

Dopamine reuptake inhibition, expulsion

Cocaine and amphetamines inhibit the re-uptake of dopamine; however, they both influence separate mechanisms of action. Cocaine is a dopamine transporter blocker that competitively inhibits dopamine uptake to increase the lifetime of dopamine and augments an overabundance of dopamine (an increase of up to 150 percent) within the parameters of the dopamine neurotransmitters.

Like cocaine, amphetamines increase the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic gap, but by a different mechanism. Amphetamines are similar in structure to dopamine, and so can enter the terminal button of the presynaptic neuron via its dopamine transporters as well as by diffusing through the neural membrane directly. By entering the presynaptic neuron, amphetamines force dopamine molecules out of their storage vesicles and expel them into the synaptic gap by making the dopamine transporters work in reverse.

Cocaine has most effect on inhibiting reuptake, while amphetamine has most effect in increasing synthesis of dopamine.

For more on dopamine go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine

Article - Why dopamine freezes parkinson patients and drives drug addicts:http://www.physorg.com/news137429061.html

Methamphetamine and Dopamine video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7HvHp9V-e0

Serotonin

In the central nervous system, serotonin is believed to play an important role as a neurotransmitter, in the modulation of anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, sexuality, and appetite. Serotonin is known as the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that conveys the positive sensations of satiety, satisfaction and relaxation. It regulates appetite and when we are in the dark, it's converted to melatonin and helps us to sleep.

Biosynthesis:
L-Tryptophan - 5-HTP - Serotonin - Melatonin (Sleep)

Natural Serotonin Supplements:
L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP, St John's Wort , B6

Tryptophan occurs naturally in nearly all foods that contain protein, but in small amounts compared to the other essential amino acids. The following foods contain tryptophan: red meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, bananas, soybeans and soy products, tuna, shellfish, and turkey.

More about serotonin at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin

5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a naturally-occurring amino acid, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism. It is marketed in theEurope, United States and many other countries as a dietary supplement for use as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.

5-HTP occurs naturally on the seed of the Griffonia Simplifica plant that only grows in Africa.

GABA

GABA It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the "brain's natural calming agent" or "natural valium" By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may help promote relaxation and ease nervous tension. GABA stimulates the anterior pituary – HGH (Human Growth Hormone) production.

GABA is found in several food sources, with the highest concentrations being in fish (esp. mackerel) and wheat bran.

Gaba's Role in the Brain

GABA is made in brain cells from glutamate, and functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter meaning that it blocks nerve impulses. Glutamate acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and when bound to adjacent cells encourages them to “fire” and send a nerve impulse. GABA does the opposite and tells the adjoining cells not to “fire”, not to send an impulse.

Without GABA, nerve cells fire too often and too easily. Anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, seizure disorders, and numerous other conditions including addiction, headaches, Parkinson's syndrome, and cognitive impairment are all related to low GABA activity. GABA hinders the transmission of nerve impulses from one neuron to another. It has a calming or quieting influence. A good example to help understand this effect is caffeine. Caffeine inhibits GABA release. The less GABA, the more nerve transmissions occur. Think what too much coffee feels like: that is the sensation of glutamate without enough GABA.

The reason caffeine does this is that other molecules can bind to the neuron near the GABA binding site and influence GABA's effect. This is how tranquilizing drugs such as Benzodiazepines and barbiturates work. They increase or imitate GABA's effect, inhibiting nerve transmission.

Serotonin is another neurotransmitter and it enhances GABA. Therefore, as precursors to serotonin, Tryptophan and 5-HTP increase GABA action.

Theanine is an amino acid found in large amounts in tea. It is why a cup of tea can be calming despite the fact it contains caffeine. Theanine may increase glutamate transport [42] and increase GABA levels.

The vitamin B6 derivative pyridoxal phosphate is a cofactor in the synthesis of GABA. Some people have trouble converting Vitamin B-6 to pyridoxal phosphate and for those people taking this active B-6 may increase GABA levels.

For more on GABA and a list of drugs that act as agonists of GABA receptors go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-aminobutyric_acid

Brain Chemistry, Neurochemicals

Neurochemistry is the branch of neuroscience devoted to the study of neurochemicals. A neurochemical is an organic molecule that participates in neural activity. This term is often used to refer to neurotransmitters and other molecules such as neuro-active drugs that influence neuron function.

Examples of neurochemicals:

Neuropeptide oxytocin is involved in the control of maternal behavior. A large amount of oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus, transported to the posterior lobe of the pituitary and released into the blood stream by which it reaches target tissues such as the mammary glands (milk letdown).

Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter. Most neurons secrete with glutamate or GABA. Glutamate is excitatory, meaning that the release of glutamate by one cell usually causes adjacent cells to fire an action potential.

GABA is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Dopamine is another example of a neurotransmitter. It plays a key role in the functioning of the limbic system, which is involved in emotional function and control. It also plays a part in movement, alertness, and sensations of pleasure.

Serotonin plays a regulatory role in mood, sleep, and other areas.

Acetylcholine assists motor function and is involved in memory.

Malnutrition. Why take supplements at all?

Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when a person's body is not getting enough nutrients. The condition may result from an inadequate or unbalanced diet, digestive difficulties, absorption problems, or other medical conditions.

Malnutrition can even occur because of the lack of a single vitamin or a group of nutrients in the diet.

General malnutrition often develops slowly, over months or years. As the body’s store of nutrients is depleted, changes begin to happen at the cellular level, affecting biochemical processes and decreasing the body’s ability to fight infections. Over time, a variety of symptoms may begin to emerge, including anemia, fatigue, mental changes such as confusion, irritability, anxiety, depression, memory loss among many others.

Alcohol and drugs use may contribute to malnutrition.

The big question is:

Do we get enough nutrients from our daily diet and why should we take supplements at all?

The answer to the question is simple. We have so depleted our soils, contaminated our water, polluted our food & air, degraded our food supply and thus created much of the disease that now plagues us. By choosing to eat the right foods and nutritional supplements, and by making simple changes in your life style, you can prevent and even reverse far more disease than any doctor, any hospital, any drug, & any combination of medical treatment known to man.

That's both the good news & the easy bit. Not so easy is how to do it. The supplementation industry is now estimated to be worth US$30 billion a year so you can bet your life that there are a lot of snake oil salesmen out there, some of them bearing household names. But that's another story to come.

For more on this go to http://www.baliadvertiser.biz/articles/altvoice/2000/supplements.html

Note: the link above does't sell nutritional supplements.

Nutrients - Basic Information

A nutrient is a food or chemicals that an organism needs to live and grow. The effects of nutrients are dose-dependent. Healthy brain function (like any other human organ) depends on correct nutrient intake.

Organic nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins (or their building blocks, amino acids), and vitamins. Inorganic chemical compounds such as minerals; water and oxygen may also be considered nutrients.

A nutrient is essential to an organism if it cannot be synthesized by the organism in sufficient quantities and must be obtained from an external source. Nutrients needed in relatively large quantities are called macronutrients and those needed in relatively small quantities are called micronutrients or trace elements.

For a list of micronutrients check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_micronutrients

For a list of macronutrients check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_macronutrients