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
Friday, August 8, 2008
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.
Natural Endorphin supplement:
DLPA (DL Phenylalanine)
More about DLPA, a natural pain killer (Google books link):
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
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.
Dopamine reuptake inhibition, expulsion
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,
Good sources of tyrosine include dairy products, meats, fish, and beans.
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.
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,
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
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
GABA is found in several food sources, with the highest concentrations being in fish (esp. mackerel) and wheat bran.
Gaba's Role in the BrainGABA 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.
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.
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
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
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