Category Archives: health supplements

Cocoa for a Healthy Brain?

Posted on by

Cocoa is so rich in health enhancing properties that it is kind of a wonder that it isn’t already considered an essential vitamin. Cocoa may even slow cognitive declines associated with aging. Some of these cocoa compounds reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and cancer. Now that is something to think about next time you’re contemplating dessert!
health benefits of cocoa

So what gives the cocoa bean its health enhancing potential? Perhaps the secret is in the high polyphenol content which is found naturally in the raw theobroma cacao seed. As a natural antioxidant, these polyphenols, (also found in apples, tea, and red wine) can slow the aging process by offering protection against environmental stressors that result in free radicals. Flavanols, or flavan-3,ols, are one of the Polyphenol compounds gaining attention these days. Among this class of flavonoids are catechins. (-)-epicatechin, shown to boost circulation which can increase the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. Although the (-)-epicatechin in cocoa is a potential memory enhancer, and may improve spatial memory, human trials are still needed.

The catechins in cocoa may help stop atherosclerotic plaques from forming by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and inhibiting the inflammatory response that causes platelets to clump together. Platelet aggregation can lead to atherosclerosis, the slow hardening of arteries which can be a risk factor in heart attack and stroke.

Over time, the health benefits of cocoa can really add up. Cocoa is also a mild diuretic and central nervous system stimulant thanks to its theobromine content. About 250 mg of theobromine can be found in 50 grams of dark chocolate.

Cocoa can also boost dopamine activity in the brain and release endorphins thanks its phenethylamine content which can, at times, simulate the intoxicating restlessness of infatuation. On the other hand, the flavanols found in cocoa just may be the cognitive enhancer you are looking for as it seems to have the ability to boost visual and searching attention, verbal fluency, memory, and attention in the elderly according to some studies. This could be good news for those suffering from mild cognitive impairment, which can include declines in language abilities, memory, judgment and thinking, and is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

The flavanols in cocoa seem to increase the bodies insulin sensitivity which not only lowers blood sugar, but may improve verbal memory and alertness.

How Much Cocoa Should I Eat?

This depends on many factors, but to give you an idea of what has been done:

Hypertension

The Kuna Indians who drink five cups of high-flavanol unprocessed cocoa daily have very low rates of hypertension.

Another study found that 1052 mg of cocoa flavanols per day significantly lowered blood pressure among participants with mild untreated hypertension.

A woman who lived to be 122 years old used to eat ten pounds of dark chocolate every month!

Risks and Side Effects of Cocoa

While a small bar of chocolate (1.5 ounces) may contain 50 mg of flavanols, a therapeutic dose of flavanols could require more than 10 ounces of dark chocolate per day, and at that point the fat and sugar content found in chocolate probably outweighs the benefits. So you may want to include apples and tea in your diet to diversify the source of your flavanols. And remember to include other healthful activities such as exercise to your health regime. Cacao may not be THE super pill that can do it all, but like any good vitamin, it plays a supporting role.

Processed cocoa will have far fewer flavanols than unprocessed cocoa. A little square of 70% cocoa may be all that is required to reap the brain benefits of cocoa. Flavanols are bitter, and while it might be an acquired taste, it is worth acquiring because that is where the health benefits lie. The lower the sugar content the better.

You might try making your own cocoa hot chocolate using unprocessed cocoa with a touch of honey, and maybe a touch of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous… but you’ll want to avoid using milk because it interferes with the health benefits of cocoa. So if you are partial to milk chocolate, remember that one is strictly for pleasure, not the health benefits.

Individual results will vary so be sure to discuss your cocoa prescription with your doctor.

References:
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/cocoa-may-help-sharpen-aging-brain
http://www.salon.com/2013/03/03/cocoa_could_be_the_new_brain_drug_partner/
http://www.medicinehunter.com/cocoa-health-miracle
http://naturalsociety.com/boost-improve-brain-function-dark-chocolate/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20090776

Alpha-GPC Nootropic Benefits

Posted on by

What is Alpha GPC?

Memory enhancing nootropic, Alpha-GPC, is a natural choline compound derived from soy phospholipids including lecithin. Alpha-GPC is a precursor to acetylcholine as well as phosphatidylcholine.

As one of our major neurotransmitters, acetylcholine is an important chemical messenger responsible for relaying the signals that serve as language between our nerve cells. Alpha-GPC also plays a role in the catabolic recycling of phospholipids.

Alpha GPC and Brain Communication

Neurons can relay information to other neurons using tiny pulses of electricity that must change into chemical neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, in order to cross the gap from one synapse to another. By increasing the brain’s available supply of acetylcholine, alpha gpc seems to have the ability to improve learning and memory by enhancing inter-cellular communication.

Boost Acetylcholine Levels with Alpha-GPC

Alpha gpc quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier much more effectively than most other choline supplements making it a great way to supply your brain with the choline it needs to form acetylcholine quickly.

Alpha GPC Dosage

Alpha-GPC dosage is usually taken orally, either by capsule or in a powder form that you can measure yourself with a milligram scale, and is easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa.

How much alpha-GPC to take can vary widely, however, the typical range is between 200mg-1500 mg/day. An RDI has not yet been established. Alpha-GPC is sometimes broken up into doses, such as 3 daily doses of 300-400 mg each. Some people like to start with just a single 300 mg dose to access how they are effected over the course of a month or two as it builds up in their system.

The Quality of Your Memories

In the brain’s cortex, a single neuron might have connections to well over 100,000 synapses. Some messages are excitatory while others are inhibitory. The more we think and expose ourselves to enriched environments, the more connections we make. The more we recall those memories, the stronger the memory links become, and the more synapses that will form between neurons…and the more neurotransmitters like acetylcholine will be required to carry out these communications. Different parts of a memory are held in many separate areas of the brain, and strong connections are needed for total memory recall, otherwise we become forgetful and our memories may fade or become selective.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Stroke

As a dietary supplement, Alpha GPC, also known as L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, can enhance cognitive processes, because it supplies the chemical messengers necessary for nerve cells to relay information. Alpha-gpc may also be a useful treatment in conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and stroke where nerve damage has occurred.

Alpha-GPC Growth Hormone (hGH)

Studies suggest alpha-GPC increases growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) which may make it beneficial in a variety of applications ranging from stress reduction to anti-aging treatments and even some of the cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other disease states.

Further Study Required to Explain Abeta Plaques

However, per usual, further study is needed, and some in vitro studies with vivo and postmortem brains have actually indicated some negative effects of increasing GPC concentrations in the brain as it might play some role in the deposition of Abeta plaques in the phospholipid head-group region of membranes in the brain’s of people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Other substances that break down phospholipids other than alpha-GPC were not found to have the same effects, so it will be interesting to follow the research in upcoming years.

Acetylcholine and Heart Rate

Acetylcholine neurotransmitters also communicate with our muscles, facilitating the coordination of movement. Acetylcholine, for example, is released by the vagus nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system which acts to slow down the heart rate, balancing the effects of norepinephrine which speeds up the rate of cardiac output.

Alpha-GPC Reviews

Some Alpha GPC reviews have indicated an improvement in muscle functioning and balance. Alpha gpc is also marketed as a growth hormone, especially among body builders, as a supplement to take to enhance muscle growth and repair. But these growth hormone effects perhaps have the most pronounced benefits in the elderly.

Alpha GPC Side Effects and Toxicity

Negative side effects from alpha-GPC are quite rare, but may include headache, insomnia, nausea, heartburt, and vomiting. If side effects occur, you should decrease or discontinue taking alpha gpc.

Alpha-GPC powder: what does it taste like?

Alpha gpc powder is noticeably sweet. Some people wonder what alpha gpc is supposed to taste like and are surprised to find that the powder form is quite sweet and may even wonder if they have been duped into buying a placebo. Alpha gpc powders are sweet because they contain maltose to prevent moisture absorption, which would otherwise turn the alpha gpc into a sloppy mess because it naturally draws moisture from the air.

What other supplements do people take with alpha-GPC?

Many people like to take piracetam along with alpha-GPC to enhance the nootropic effects of each. Some people may also take phosphatidyl serine, and other mental enhancement products such as neurozyme.

Natural sources:

A tiny amount of alpha gpc is found naturally in cow’s milk, as well as cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. Supplements are usually derived from soy phospholipids including lecithin and structurally are made up of choline, phosphate, and glycerol.

Alpha GPC Reviews and Potential Uses

Alpha-GPC is commonly used as a choline supplement to enhance the nootropic benefits of piracetam. It is more expensive than other choline supplements, but it’s ability to cross the blood brain barrier makes it a popular choice among those who can afford it. It seems alpha-gpc has many health claims and individual results will undoubtedly vary, which is to be expected considering no two brains are exactly the same. One long term insomnia sufferer said taking just one 300 mg capsule each day helped her sleep better. While other reviewers have complained of the opposite-that taking alpha-GPC too late in the day can make sleep difficult as they are unable to suspend their conscious awareness. Other claims include the diminishment of grey hair (anti-aging benefits), better balance and coordination, and improved recollection of names and faces. Alpha-GPC may also enhance speaking abilities, improve memory and enhance concentration and focus.

The Effects of Increasing Dopamine

Posted on by

Monitoring Dopamine Levels in the Brain

Have you ever wondered about the effects of increasing dopamine levels or how your dopamine levels compare to that of your friends and family? Or imagined how great it would be to start your day with a quick brain scan to monitor the state of your brain’s chemistry?!? Ok ok, so if you’re like most people, you probably haven’t given much thought to your own brain chemistry let alone anyone else’s, but you can humor me, for now, as I imagine how exciting it would be to learn the state of our neurotransmitters and receptors, and the quantities and areas of their availability in the brain. But why should we care about any of this?

Dopamine Levels Affect Quality of Life

Dopamine affects our brains in so many ways and some of the symptoms that result from too little or too much dopamine can seriously impact the quality of our lives.

Parkinson’s Disease and Loss of Dopamine Receptors

Take Parkinson’s Disease for example, which is associated with a loss of dopamine receptors in the substantia nigra making dopamine less available for areas that require it. (Don’t worry too much if you don’t know what all these words mean, you can just “blah blah” over them for now, and refer back later if you want to know more.)

Does Dopamine Effect Creativity?

Quite possibly, increasing dopamine levels in the ventral tegmental area of your mesolimbic pathway could help you feel a little more like a creative genius… or maybe just schizophrenic, but at least you would KNOW, right?

Dopamine and Depression

And if you or a friend was feeling sluggish and depressed, that brain scan just might give you a clue if it was dopamine related.

Unfortunately, brain scan technology isn’t as cheap or common as the average toothbrush, so it’ll probably be a while before we can monitor the effects and function of our dopamine systems, but in the meantime, here are some of the questions I have been researching.

If you wanted to increase dopamine levels, how would you do it? Would you go the drugless route and boost dopamine by adjusting your diet? Would you supplement with a dopamine precursor such as l-tyrosine? Or would you go to your doctor to learn if increasing dopamine with the latest smart drug or antidepressant is best for you? With a busy day ahead of you perhaps a little extra dopamine is just what you need to stay motivated and energized (and to the students reading this, get through that research paper) …or is it?

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is an important catecholamine neurotransmitter needed by Dopaminergic neurons located in the arcuate nucleus, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental areas of the brain. The ventral tegmental area of the midbrain is involved in rewards, motivation, and is associated with intense emotional states. The arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus is involved with lactation and issues like amenorrhea in women. In the substantia nigra, dopamine is linked to addiction, reward, and physical activity. Parkinson’s Disease is linked to the death of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra, but more on that below.

Dopamine is also the precursor of two other catecholamine neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) both used in the fight-or-flight response to trigger the release of glucose. Catecholamines, including dopamine, increase the blood supply to major organs like the heart and brain. This causes the heart rate to accelerate, blood pressure to rise, and makes you feel stronger and more mentally alert. Interesting to some, being cold can also cause catecholamine levels to rise, which may explain why some people do crazy things like take a cold plunge in icy waters in the winter (which by the way could be very dangerous if you have a heart or blood pressure issue…or don’t know how to swim..)

Dopamine Effects and Function

So what does dopamine do? Basically, dopamine is like the brain’s motivation/reward messaging system because it kick starts your ambition and makes you want to do something in this world. It’s a bit like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, or watching a cat chase a string. When pleasure or something desirable is almost within reach, it creates this expectation that it could be obtained if we just did something, i.e. …”it’s right there, just a little further… one more surprise pounce and Aha! It’s victory for you my friend!” In this way, dopamine can help us stay motivated to achieve our goals.

Dopamine, as a chemical reward mechanism, is reinforcing because it encourages you to go after the types of things that felt good in the past, while reminding us to steer clear of undesirable outcomes. Examples of this could include avoiding a food that made you ill, making sure you don’t run out of gas on your way to work, or avoiding certain individuals.

Dopamine is strongly involved with food and sex. It can be the incentive that helps spur the direction of your desires and cravings-such as reminding you of grandma’s eggnog pie motivating you to clean the attic in search of that secret recipe.

A dopamine rush is what your kid was experiencing when he lost track of time playing that video game until 2 in the morning. And your daughter, what does she see in that guy? Has she lost her mind? Or maybe it’s just a little too much dopamine in the ventral tegmental area of her midbrain…ah youth…

Meanwhile, perhaps you’re thinking about the benefits of a promotion, retirement, exotic vacations to your favorite tropical island, or the new house you’ll buy someday when you get out of debt and have more money. In addition, dopamine naturally declines when a novel stimulus becomes highly available, and tends to decrease with age. One can only eat so much ice cream in a day and a game only thrills for so long before the novelty fades, which is usually right around the time the next big thrill arrives on the scene. Humans seem always to be in search of that happy ending- the thing that will bring us a little closer to “happily ever after.” In this way, dopamine can be a wonderful curse.

Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine also use the brain’s dopamine reward system, which is one reason they are so addictive-it’s a way of getting an intensely rewarding feeling without having to work for it. Addiction can be viewed as a form of misguided motivation. Unfortunately, this tends to make it more difficult to enjoy lesser everyday pleasures, which feeds into the cycle of addiction and is unsustainable and exhausting for the brain and body.

Dopamine is involved in many other functions as well such as dreaming, mood, working memory and learning, as well as sexual arousal.

Risks of Dopamine Imbalance

Schizophrenia, a splitting of mental functions that affects cognition, emotion, and behaviors causes a variety of attention and memory problems. It is a condition often associated with too much dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway which is part of the ventral tegmental area of the brain. The nucleus accumbens, which is part of the striatum and innervated by dopaminergic fibers from the ventral tegmental area is also implicated. When these areas are destroyed in rats they seem to lose all motivation to work for a reward. In humans, the striatum seems to be where dopamine is associated with desire and pleasure. Additionally, high levels of dopamine in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex may be linked with planning and a willingness to work harder for rewards. In Schizophrenia, there seems to be a loss of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in strategic problem solving, adaptation, impulse control, attention, and socially adaptive regulation of the expression of intense emotional states.

The mesolimbic pathway furthermore includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Schizophrenia can sometimes be treated with drugs to inhibit dopamine production, though one concern is the current lack of drug specialization to reduce dopamine in only the problem areas of the mesolimbic pathway without furthering a deficit in other areas, such as the prefrontal cortex. The best drugs of the future will need to find a way of addressing these chemical imbalances with more precision.

Decrease Latent Inhibition, Increase Creativity?

Now be patient with me on this one because I do not fully understand all of the implications myself, but here goes: latent inhibition is a normal adaptive process which is the learned ability to ignore unimportant information from one’s environment-typically that which previously proved inconsequential, and thus allows the mind to focus on more relevant stimuli. But if you increase dopamine levels in the ventral tegmental area of the brain this is thought to decrease latent inhibition which has, in some cases, been associated with an increase in creativity. So why is this? Perhaps it is because a brain tasked with making sense out of an intense amount of information requires a creative approach to synthesize it all.

A lower density of D2 receptors in the thalamus (responsible for consciousness, sleep and alertness) also seems to be correlated with less information being filtered before moving onto the cerebral cortex. More info on D2 receptors here.

Some brains seem better equipped to handle this information overload than others, and this can sometimes mean the difference between creative genius and mental impairments, like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, dispositional and environmental factors play a key role in this, and the complex interplay of other neurotransmitters like glutamate, acetylcholine, and serotonin are relevant as well but not fully understood.

I’m curious how introverts and extroverts compare and vary in their response to dopamine and conditions of latent inhibition. Could they be affected by informational overload in different ways? And how do we compare internal versus external stimulus and the associated filtering of information which affects our attention and focus? For example, if introverts are more sensitive to the external environment in general, is it because they have decreased latent inhibition (more dopamine and thus more difficulty suppressing irrelevant external stimulus) than extroverts? In which case, perhaps extroverts require more dopamine to feel creative and reduce latent inhibition? Whereas an introvert either needs to increase latent inhibition (tune out irrelevant external details, decrease dopamine) or keep their dopamine levels constant, but have access to a less stimulating environment in which to finish processing all that buzz if things get overwhelming?

I was going to share a story about Einstein’s absentmindedness and forgetting what city he was going to, but according to Snopes that story looks like a fake. Similar concept though to what I am wondering… so would someone like Einstein be really good at latent inhibition, and thus waste less attention on the external world? Or did he have low latent inhibition, and actually take in more from the environment, thus experiencing a different, more creative interpretation of it? Food for thought.

Dopamine Deficiency

Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s Disease, the degenerative impairment of movement seems to be caused by the degeneration of dopamine secreting neurons in the substantia nigra. Levodopa is often prescribed as a dopamine booster.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) makes it difficult to focus and that is associated with a loss of dopamine activity. ADHD can sometimes be treated by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain. Ritalin is a psychostimulant that has been prescribed for this purpose.

Depression

Depression can be described as a lack of energy and enthusiasm for life, a gloomy melancholy accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. If depression is due to low dopamine levels, antidepressants may be beneficial in increasing dopamine levels, allowing the brain to experience rewards for the body’s efforts.

DRD4 Dopamine Receptors

The long variation of the DRD4 dopamine receptors are suspected to be linked with sensation and novelty-seeking exploratory risk taking personality types; however there are many other environmental and genetic mediating factors which can drastically tone down the effects.

How to Increase Dopamine?

Dopamine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so if given as a drug, it would act on the sympathetic nervous system increasing blood pressure and heart rate, but not affecting the central nervous system. In the body, synthesis usually takes place in the medulla of the adrenal glands which also produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.

To increase dopamine in the brain, it must be synthesized in the brain from one of its amino acid precursors.

Dopamine precursors include: L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine, and L-DOPA.

L-Phenylalanine → L-Tyrosine → L-DOPA → Dopamine → Norepinephrine → Epinephrine (adrenaline)

(You can learn more about  dopamine’s complete metabolic pathways and coenzymes on wikipedia)

How to Increase Dopamine levels without Drugs

Did you know there are foods that increase dopamine levels? You can easily increase dopamine with L-Tyrosine, a natural dopamine precursor, through your diet. Some good sources of dietary protein containing l-tyrosine include eggs, spirulina, and avocados  as well as salmon. Low body temperature and low blood pressure, possible signs of an under-active thyroid, can also indicate a deficiency in l-tyrosine.

How to Increase Dopamine with L-Tyrosine

The brand of L-tyrosine I sometimes take as an occasional supplement recommends taking one 500mg capsule per day with water. Other sources suggest a typical dose is between 500-1000mg of L-Tyrosine 30 minutes before a meal 1-3 times per day. Personally, I have never exceeded 2,000 mg of l-tyrosine in a day and not for more than a day at a time. I find that it is quite energizing and I feel more outgoing and interactive, but individual results will vary with body size, diet, current levels and needs. It is always recommended that you communicate to your health care provider any supplements you wish to take prior to starting as they can offer personalized advice bearing in mind your medical history and health goals.

Risks of Too Much L-Tyrosine

Too much L-Tyrosine could cause nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and diarrhea.

Risks of Too Much Dopamine

Too much dopamine can be problematic because it increases the temptation to be impulsive, takes risks, or seek instant gratification.

Five Simple ways to Increase Dopamine for Memory Benefits

1) Ginkgo Biloba shows great promise as a brain supplement because of its ability to boost dopamine levels, increase oxygen flow to the brain, and improve memory while reducing stress.

2) Enjoy foods rich in antioxidants.

3) Get plenty of sleep as this gives your body a chance to repair and replenish its natural dopamine supply while consolidating the informational patterns you have experienced throughout your day.

4) Take a good B-Complex that includes Vitamin B6, which increases mental clarity. Elderly people with dementia are often deficient in Vitamin B6. It can also help with depression. Do not exceed recommended amounts though as too much could damage the brain and nervous system.

5) Consume a healthy diet. While high calorie high fat meals may temporarily boost dopamine levels, there is often a steep crash afterwards which can lead to exhaustion.

Increase Dopamine Levels with Drugs

Bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban) is sometimes prescribed in the treatment of depression because it blocks the reuptake of dopamine and increases dopamine activity in the brain.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) has been taken to treat ADHD with its associated hyperactivity and impulse control issues. Children with ADHD often have less activity in the mesocortical dopamine system and Ritalin may assist with attention by boosting dopamine levels.

Depression, Addiction & Motivation

There is a tendency for too little dopamine in the striatus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex to be associated with a lack of desire to engage in work, especially work that involves little reward. This lack of motivation has been implicated in ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia. Neuroscientists and postdoctoral student Michael Treadway of Vanderbilt University found in a study that young adults with a tendency to choose the easier, less rewarding button pushing tasks (versus the harder task which offered a greater reward for pushing the button with the pinky finger) actually had higher dopamine sensitivity in their Anterior Insula, which is an area that monitors things like hunger, thirst, cold, and pain. High levels of dopamine in the Anterior Insula may therefore effect what a person focuses on. In this study that seemed to imply the cons rather than the pros of the harder task. Focusing on risks rather than rewards can sometimes be linked to depression.

However, I don’t want to undermine that being cautious can also be advantageous in certain contexts and it is important not to over-generalize. There are legitimate reasons to exert caution in some instances and to weigh the pros and cons by asking questions such as, “In what ways will this reward contribute or detract from the quality of my life?” or “How will I feel looking back on this decision next week? In 2 years?” If it is likely to significantly increase stress with only marginal benefits, for example, choosing the “reward” may not be worth it. However, thoughtful and intentional decision making is clearly not what is going on in the case of a serious dopamine imbalance. If there is a chronic tendency to avoid rewarding challenges, there could be a medical reason for it.

Dopamine is also a factor in sociability, though the brains of introverts and extroverts respond to dopamine in differing ways. More research is required on that subject, however, if we are to appreciate the strengths of both personality styles. If you still want to increase your dopamine levels, I bet a brain scanner is starting to sound pretty useful!

Cure Dehydration with Electrolytes and Relaxing Himalayan Salt Baths

Posted on by
red himalayan salt for dehydration

Himalayan Bath Salt

Are you Dehydrated? 

You could be dehydrated and not even know it. My only symptom was light headedness. Dehydration is more than just needing to drink more water, it can also result from electrolyte depletion.

My Story: How I Learned I was Dehydrated

Little did I know when I took a day off work to check out The Healthy Living Expo in downtown Minneapolis, that I would spend the next several weeks learning about Himalayan salt as a means to cure dehydration and replace electrolytes. I was offered a chance to use the MERIDIAN McPulse for free. The McPulse was designed to provide a Pulse Wave Analysis of your body’s arteries to give you a sense of how well you are aging from the inside. Although I confess, I am somewhat at a loss as far as how this non-invasive technology works, what stunned me most was the interpretation of the results which indicated I was not just a little, but SEVERELY dehydrated….

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is defined as a deficiency of fluid that disrupts metabolic processes. It can be caused by a loss of electrolytes or water.  Isotonic dehydration is most common, which is a mixture of electrolyte loss and water. This is interesting because it means that water alone isn’t always enough to rehydrate a severely dehydrated individual. While many of us have heard of electrolyte replacement drinks, these are often expensive processed sugar water concoctions containing artificial ingredients that more health conscientious individuals prefer to avoid.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration:

Dehydration can cause headaches, low blood pressure (hypotension), increased heart rate, fatigue, swelling of the tongue, constipation, lightheadedness, dimmed vision, fainting, loss of appetite and dry skin, and delirium or death if water loss exceeds 15%.

Causes of Dehydration:

Here are some of the many possible causes of dehydration: diabetes insipidus (caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone leading to excessive thirst and urination), hypernatremia, hyponatremia, diarrhea, vomiting, stimulants such as methamphetamine or amphetamine, weight loss, fasting, alcohol consumption, prolonged exercise and sweating, diuretics, hot dry environments, infectious diseases such as cholera or gastroenteritis, and food borne illnesses such as bacillary dysentery resulting from water polluted with feces.

I drink a fair amount of water and/or tea in a day, and learning that I was dehydrated was an unexpected result, but also explained some of the lightheadedness I had been experiencing.  I decided to try a homemade Electrolyte Drink, which I’ll admit tasted quite awful. However, in a pinch, perhaps it could be made more palatable by adding it to another beverage such as juice?  I combined the following in a mason jar, drank about a 1/4th cup serving (which was all I could really force down) and put the rest in the fridge never to drink again:

How to Cure Dehydration with an Icky Homemade Electrolyte Drink:

  • 1 Qt water
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp No Salt (potassium based) sodium free salt alternative (which contained: potassium chloride, potassium bitartrate, adipic acid, silicon dioxide, mineral oil and fumaric acid)
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar

Benefits of Himalayan Salt

I wasn’t sure what kind of salt would be best to use in the yucky electrolyte drink – table salt enhanced with iodine vs. sea salt? And so my research continued. I learned that Sodium choloride (table salt) is refined and often contains additional ingredients, and while sea salt would be a good option, it is often refined also because our oceans have become so contaminated with mercury and other toxins even the salt is polluted. So, it would seem that when it comes to salt, the benefits of Himalayan salt is the crème de la crème because it comes from pristine deep mountain deposits which haven’t been touched in millions of years. As an added benefit, Himalayan crystal salt may contain up to 84 trace elements and minerals (including calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium and iron), however you’ll have to supplement your iodine another way such as kelp or a liquid extract.

It’s funny how one thing leads to another then another… so next thing I knew, I was researching Himalayan Sea Salt, and wondering if the “vibrational components” were too hoaky or if there might be a grain of truth to the anecdotal energy benefits to the body. I’m all for extra benefits, especially if I can get them through a bath so I don’t have to drink a yucky electrolyte drink!

Himalayan Salt Replaced Electrolytes and Helped me Cure Dehydration

Fortunately, I found a much easier way to get the electrolytes I needed-and all I had to do was take an occasional relaxing bath with Himalayan bath salts!

My idea of a relaxing getaway often includes a visit to one of my favorite hot springs. A plethora of healing benefits have been indicated in countless testimony, so I am not alone in this hot spring yearning. Soaking in hot spring mineral pools has been said to benefit almost every condition and health problem imaginable from respiratory problems, fatigue and detoxification, to skin problems, rehydration, and stress reduction.

How much Himalyan Salt to use in your bath?

Do-it-yourself Hot Spring Bath with Himalayan Salt Crystals

For a do it yourself hot spring bath at home, I’ve personally enjoyed dissolving this mixture in my hot bath water:

himalayan salt bath detox

Relax with a Red Himalayan Salt Bath

Soak 20-30 minutes and I think you should get the majority of the benefits..or tweak the time and measurements to your own needs and preferences. While most baths are dehydrating, the Himalayan salt in this bath is supposed to be absorbed into the upper layer of your skin actually helping your body retain some of that water rather than losing it.  I’m hoping it will help me replenish some of my electrolytes.

More Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt

Other possible Himalayan salt benefits of a sole saturated salt water solution, observed by some, include a more stable heart beat, improved circulation, the elimination of aches and pains, and potentially even the regulation of blood pressure (but remember, it is important to replace lost fluids that you may lose through sweating or your blood pressure could increase. When it comes to blood pressure, it’s all about having the proper balance of water and electrolytes.)

Osteoporosis and Dehydration

I’ve also come to understand that osteoporosis results from a salt and water shortage in the body and that bones are 22% water, so it’s important to maintain the proper levels to keep our bones and other connective tissues healthy and strong.

Electrolyte Replacement Drinks vs. Himalayan Salt Bath???

My Conclusion: It is good to have options!

Replenishing our electrolytes (especially with mineral rich Himalayan salt) can help prevent dehydration while increasing the quality of our lives in so many diverse ways, and fortunately, there are many electrolyte replacement drinks that actually taste good so getting your electrolytes replenished need not be a chore anymore!

Thiamine to Energize the Brain, Improve Memory

Posted on by

What are the benefits of Thiamine and can it improve your memory? Understanding thiamine benefits is an important question and there is still much to be gained from future Thiamine research, because I think thiamine could be beneficial for memory. Thiamine, or Thiamin, is a B vitamin, also known as B1, an essential water soluble nutrient which is used by and sometimes necessary for the synthesis of certain enzymes, such as alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (which helps prevent neuron loss), transketolase, pyruvate dehydrogenase (an autoantigen of oxidized protein from inflammatory responses), as well as neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. It helps create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the production of which slows down with age and is adversely affected by stress. ATP is crucial for glucose metabolism, the most important source of energy for brain cells. The brain requires a continuous supply. It also protects cells from free radicals created during cell metabolism so Thiamine is an important antioxidant for both the mind and body. It helps protect our blood brain barrier while supporting the myelin sheaths of nerves cells.

Thiamine deficiency can lead to problems such as brain fog, dizziness, and vision impairment. Also, low glucose utilization in certain areas of the brain have been indicative of mental impairments. The brain requires nearly 1/5th of the body’s energy supply to function! Areas, such as the cerebellum have one of the highest glucose requirements. It is involved in language, attention, motor abilities, and the regulation of fear and pleasure. The mammillary bodies, another energy intensive area, is involved with memory and smell recognition.

Thiamine is an “anti-neuritic” vitamin. Neuritis, which involves inflammation of the nerves, can cause many health complications depending on where the nerve inflammation is located.

Inflammation of sensory motor neurons may cause the sensation of stabbing pain, while inflammation of motor neurons could cause weakness or even paralysis. Neuritis can also cause circulation issues. But what happens when neuron inflammation occurs in the brain? Could mental impairment result? It seems probable. The presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, also known as dendritic or amyloid plaques, indeed can be an indication of Alzheimer’s Disease. The cause is still unknown but the condition can be exacerbated by any number of environmental, mechanical, metabolic, and allergic reactions. Sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease tend to have low levels of thiamine diphosphate, or TPP, a thiamine derivative important for glucose metabolism.

As the population continues to age, many more people will be affected by Alzheimer’s Disease in the coming years. Thiamine supplementation may not be the panacea, but its inclusion in a healthy aging regimen seems like a wise start. More research on the anti-neuritic properties of Thiamine is certainly in order.

Do You Have a Thiamine Deficiency?

Beriberi:

Type 1: Wet Beriberi-symptoms: cardiovascular disease, heart failure, congestion in lungs

Type 2: Dry Beriberi symptoms: muscle atrophy, leg cramps, nerve pain

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome stymptoms: abnormal eye movements, confusion, and coma. Vitamin B1 deficiencies linked with alcohol abuse increases the risk.

Not getting enough Thiamin can lead to all kinds of health complications from anxiety, to lack of appetite, weakness and fatigue, to beriberi and psychiatric disorders. The body’s ability to absorb Thiamine and other b-vitamins decrease with age so many elderly people are at an increased risk of deficiency and may require more than the standard 1.1 mg/day.

Regular alcohol consumption, diabetes, stress, diarrhea, or kidney disease can also put a person at risk of Thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency can make it harder for the body to digest carbohydrates, increasing pyruvic acid levels in the body which is associated with a loss of mental vigor.

Certain medications, such as Loop diuretics including Edecrin, Bumex, Lasix, and Demadex may also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb Thiamine, especially those used to treat heart conditions. If any of these risk factors apply to you or you think you may be experiencing Thiamine deficiency symptoms, be sure to discuss Thiamine supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Thiamine Dosage

Brewer’s yeast, which comes from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungus, is a good natural source of thiamine. A 2 tablespoon serving of brewer’s yeast can provide about 1.2 mg of thiamine depending on your source.

Decades ago, giving just 3 mg of Thiamine per day (versus a typical diet containing just 1 mg) to growing children at an orphanage demonstrated measurable improvements of up to 40% on memory and mental tasks and quickened response times after just six weeks compared to their peers who had only received the placebo. However, other studies have shown interesting, but mixed results and results are not conclusive as there are other mediating factors such as diet and the time of year of the study. Taking thiamine, especially in the winter, when diets lack, may be especially beneficial.

Because Thiamin is water soluble and absorption is dependent on a number of factors which may vary, it may be advisable to take Thiamine in small doses throughout the day rather than one large dose.

50-100 mg/day of Thiamine is a common supplemental dose.

Thiamine Toxicity: How Much Thiamine is Too Much?

While an upper intake level of Thiamine has not been established, up to 200 mg/day over an extended period of time appears safe. The current RDA of Thiamine for women is just 1.1 mg/day, which does not seem like nearly enough in my opinion. Beware that very large intravenous doses could cause anaphylactic shock. But probably the most likely risk of taking too much Thiamine, under normal circumstances, is creating an imbalance in other important b vitamins. B vitamins work synergistically to produce energy and reduce anxiety, all of which are beneficial for the brain, so it is a good idea to take a high quality vitamin b complex, even if you are taking Thiamine separately. Very high doses might also cause an upset stomach.

Synthetic and Other Forms of Thiamine

Sulbutiamine is a synthetic Thiamine derivative that can cross the blood-brain barrier more rapidly than regular Thiamine. It appears to be beneficial for the memory, and has been used to treat chronic fatigue, known as asthenia, by acting as a cerebral stimulant. 12.5mg/kg according to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulbutiamine is considered a therapeutic dose, though no more than 600 mg/day is advised by one manufacturer.

AlliThiamine is a fat soluble form of Thiamine preferred over the water soluble forms in cases of Thiamine deficiency. It is naturally occurring in garlic.

Benfotiamine, another synthetic derivative of Thiamine, marketed as an antioxidant, may be useful in diabetic retinopathy, which left untreated may result in blindness, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) but further study is still needed.

10 Tips for a Healthy Aging Brain

Posted on by

I’m writing 10 Tips for a Healthy Aging Brain because of the implications for improving memory. Many millions of people will develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of mental impairment or memory loss in the upcoming years. Cognitive declines can affect our ability to form new memories, remember names and faces, remember recent visitors, and can also impact our mood and ability to make good decisions. While the risk of cognitive declines increase with age,I hope to demonstrate by sharing some of these healthy brain tips that a strong quality of life is still possible, especially when we take steps to care for our aging brains. Mitigating environmental risk factors is one way to improve your brain’s odds, while brain nourishing supplements may further increase our chances for a mentally healthy and memorable old age. Then, of course, there are the added brain boosting benefits of having strong social connections and supportive people in our lives, which can help reduce stress and have far reaching health benefits.

Ten Healthy Brain Tips for a Youthful Tomorrow

healthy brain tips for an aging brain
1) Avoid consuming diacetyl, artificial butter flavor, which may cause amyloid tangles in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

2) Include saturated fats, such as coconut oil, in your diet to help prevent the inflammation that can lead to insulin resistance. Inflammation in the brain can manifest as dementia symptoms. How much to take varies widely, anywhere from 1 tsp/day to 6 tablespoons.

3) Supplement with 20-500 mg of Resveratrol daily to help delay telomere shortening, extending cell life while slowing the aging process by improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

4) Move around during the day, do not sit for extended periods of time.

5) Allow a little bit of “stress” in your life because a little bit of stress, or novelty, actually facilitates learning and increases the plasticity of your brain.

6) However, you want to find ways to mitigate chronic never ending stress which leads to damaging tau protein in the brain. Good friends, a healthy relationship, meditation and exercise are a few examples of stress mitigating techniques.

7) Supplement with 100-400mg of Phosphatidylserine per day. This phospholipid may increase memory recall while reducing depression in the elderly.

8) Take a B-Complex supplement, including B12, to help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and brain shrinkage.

9) Get your Omega 3’s from a supplement or from cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel.

10) Get your beauty rest and make time for dreaming. This is important for memory formation and can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

For more healthy brain tips and brain supplement information continue reading:

What is Hydergine: Hydergine Side Effects and Dosage Is it Right for You

Posted on by

Hydergine is the trade name for a smart drug mixture of three methanesulfonate salts developed in the 1940s by Albert Hofmann (the same guy who discovered LSD by the way).

It actually comes from an extract of the toxic ergot fungus found in rye. Consumption of this fungus historically led to convulsive and gangrenous ergotism, which killed many thousands of people before the cause was discovered. The condition was nicknamed “holy fire” because of the burning pain and superstitious belief that it was a punishment from god. It’s rather interesting that an extract of this deadly toxin would find a second life as a “smart drug.”

The original patent on hydergine has expired, so there are now many generic versions available, such as Hydroloid-G (based on ergoloid mesylates), Hydergina, Cicanol, Niloric, Gerimal, Redizork, Alkergot, Redergin and dehydrogenated ergot alkaloids…. but hydergine is still the most popular formulation.

Hydergine and the Brain:

ergoloid mesylate hydergineDifferent nootropics can effect the brain in different ways. Some memory enhancers make certain enzymes, neurochemicals, or hormones more or less available to the brain, while others encourage the growth of new nerves or increase the brain’s oxygen supply. Hydergine has been studied extensively over the years and has been shown to boost the oxygen levels in the brain, which may slow the aging of the brain by protecting it from free radicals.

In addition, by reducing lipofuscin, some evidence suggests that hydergine may assist the brain’s synapses in transmitting information between nerve cells, especially serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin influences mood, appetite, sleep, memory and learning. Meanwhile, dopamine helps convey feelings of reward which is a helpful incentive when it comes to learning.

Side note: extroverts tend to have higher levels of dopamine activity which seems to encourage them to more actively seek out rewards. Many highly addictive drugs also act directly on the dopamine system. Hydergine may act as a stimulant-something to bear in mind when choosing your dose.

By stabilizing glucose metabolism, hydergine can increase the availability of ATP facilitating focus and your ability to remember what you have learned. Cerebral microcirculation is also enhanced. Plus, hydergine works as a protective antioxidant against damage caused by free radicals.

Will You Benefit from Hydergine?

In the U.S., hydergine has been FDA approved for people over the age of 60 as a treatment for mental declines. The Physicians Desk Reference defines this as an impairment of mood, self-care, cognitive or interpersonal skills. Cognitive insufficiency of unknown origins such as those suffering from primary progressive dementia, senile onset, and multi-infarct dementia may also benefit. Those with mild to moderate mental declines are more likely to show improvement than those with greater declines.

Hydergine might be beneficial for an aging brain suffering from narrow blood vessels resulting in chronic senile cerebral insufficiency or similar conditions. Insufficient blood flow may manifest itself as short term memory loss, confusion and depression.

In Europe, hydergine is commonly prescribed for stroke, drug overdose, shock, and accidents likely to lead to brain damage.

Even though hydergine was once commonly prescribed to patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, the FDA never approved it for this purpose.

Hydergine is Not For Everyone

Those suffering from delirium, primary neurological disease, mood disturbances and psychosis should not use hydergine.

Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved hydergine (or any other drugs) for enhancing cognitive function, and some of the possible side effects may simply not be worth the risk. Always do your own research and consult your health care provider when possible.

What is the Recommended Hydergine Dosage

A typical dose of hydergine used in clinical studies is 3 milligrams per serving three times per day, for a total of 9 mg of hydergine. One to three months of treatment is often required for benefits to be observed.

While 9 mg/day is not uncommon an uncommon dose in Europe, the highest dose approved for use by the FDA, in the U.S., is just 3 mg per day (1mg three times/day).

Additionally, many doctors prefer to err on the side of caution and recommend starting with only 1-2mg/day to assess your reaction.

Meanwhile, patients receiving 4.5-6mg/day seem to show the most improvement in cases of senility and cerebrovascular disease, which means the FDA approved limits may prove insufficient.

Cognitive function in healthy young volunteers showed enhanced cognitive function with 12 mg per day. However, stroke patients demonstrating mental impairment showed the most beneficial effects with 6 mg/day.

Hydergine has a low bioavailability and so the FAS “Facilitated Absorption System” form of hydergine tablets is preferred by many to slow the release ensuring greater absorption. Otherwise, another option would be to pair your non FAS hydergine tablet with bioperine. Bioperine is a black pepper extract that increases the bioavailability of nutritional supplements.

Hydergine Toxicity and Side Effects

Hydergine is reportedly nontoxic, with the most common side effect being gastrointestinal upset or headaches. This can often be avoided simply by starting with lower doses.

However, a little preliminary web research indicates that prolonged daily use could be associated with peritoneal fibrosis, cardiac valvular fibrosis, ergot alkaloids, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, rash or flushing, blurred vision, and nasal congestion. Also watch out for heart palpitations, arrhythmia, nausea, or any other sign of discomfort if you take Hydergine just to be on the safe side, and always bear in mind individual results may vary.

Thanks for reading. If you know someone who would benefit from Hydergine or other brain supplements please share this with them.

Books for Further Reading:
1) Mind Food and Smart Pills by Ross Pelton
2) Disease Prevention & Treatment 4th Edition by Melanie Segala

Magnesium L-Threonate Supplements May Boost Memory, Attention Span, and Concentration

Posted on by

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an important mineral because it is required for many biochemical reactions within the body as well as maintaining normal brain function. Magnesium L-Threonate is a special form of magnesium designed to cross the blood brain barrier more effectively than other forms of magnesium.

Magnesium Deficiency and Mental Confusion

Low levels of magnesium can cause mental confusion, heart irregularities, insomnia, headaches and muscle cramping. And as many as half of all elderly people in the developed world are believed to be magnesium deficient!

This is especially noteworthy for those experiencing mental impairments, but those who drink often, use diuretics, and women who take birth control pills are also at an increased risk of magnesium deficiency which could have future ramifications.

Magnesium for Sleep Regulation and Brain Function

Additionally, because magnesium is a powerful antioxidant needed to help the body make energy and for nerve function, being deficient can be problematic in many interconnected ways. Taking magnesium supplements can also sometimes improve sleep, help prevent headaches and even improve brain function.

Magnesium L-Threonate for the Brain

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency in the brain is one of the commonalities of Alzheimer’s Disease patients. Magnesium l-threonate (MgT)is a magnesium compound capable of increasing magnesium levels in the brain.

But because it is difficult to boost brain magnesium levels with normal oral supplements, Guosong Liu, Director of the Center for Learning and Memory at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China along with a team of researchers at MIT developed the new magnesium compound, magnesium-L-threonate.

Magnesium L-Threonate MIT

Magnesium L-Threonate MIT Study

Once in the brain, it seems to have the ability to reduce amyloid deposits in the frontal cortex (the command center, decision making) and hippocampus (responsible for memory and spatial orientation) while protecting the dentate gyrus (formation of new memories) from synapse loss.

Studying magnesium l-threonate using rats demonstrated a correlation between protecting synapses and improved memory. Dr. Liu states in his 2010 study: “We found that increased brain magnesium enhanced many different forms of learning and memory in both young and aged rats.”

Magnesium l-threonate crosses the blood brain barrier making magnesium more available to the brain. It is hoped that the neurons will neither be over stimulated (leading to burnout) nor under stimulated.

It is a supplement that requires further study in human test subjects, but holds promise for students, the elderly, and pretty much anyone who wants the ability to focus productively for long durations. Animal studies have already indicated that magnesium l-threonate improves memory, mood, and learning.

Magnesium L-Threonate Dosage?

Because human studies are still required, magnesium brain supplement dosage remains a matter of guesswork. However, one brand of magnesium l-threonate capsules that I know of contains 670 mg/capsule, and recommends taking 2 capsules in the morning (1.34 grams), and 1 capsule in the evening (670mg).

Magnesium vs Magnesium L-Threonate on Supplement Labels

The labels may seem slightly confusing as they indicate different amounts of magnesium than magnesium l-threonate. The above, for example, contains 670 mg magnesium l-threonate but just 48 mg of magnesium per capsule.

Magnesium L-Threonate is also available in powder form. One source indicates the serving size contains 144 mg of magnesium and 2,000 mg of magnesium l-threonate. This suggests a starting point of 2000-2010mg of magnesium l-threonate per day and 144 mg of magnesium.

Anecdotal evidence indicates it may take 3000 mg/day to start perceiving the brain benefits we are hoping for.

Other Forms of Magnesium for the Body

Magnesium is also sometimes taken specifically because of its health benefits for the body and another form that does not need to cross the blood-brain barrier can be used instead of the more expensive magnesium l-threonate for these other purposes.

Other common forms of magnesium include magnesium citrate and magnesium aspartate. When supplementing with magnesium citrate or magnesium aspartate the recommended dose is usually between 320-420mg/day. The upper limit still considered safe is 750 mg/day.

Magnesium works best in conjunction with vitamin A and calcium. You may also receive some of the health benefits of magnesium by taking a bath with epsom salts because it contains magnesium sulfate. This can be a very relaxing way to wind down at the end of the day.

Food Sources of Magnesium

Some good sources of magnesium include: organ meats, nuts, seeds, tofu, dark green veggies, figs, and bananas. However, today, soil is often depleted of magnesium and many people do not eat organ meats, so it is a common deficiency and supplementation may be necessary for those at risk.

Magnesium L-Threonate Toxicity and SIde Effects

While magnesium toxicity is rare, too much magnesium l-threonate may cause the following side effects: nausea, throwing up, low heart rate and difficulty breathing.

Understand Risks and Benefits of Taking Choline With Piracetam

Posted on by

I stumbled upon choline and piracetam on my quest to learn about brain supplements because of their potential to enhance learning and memory. After learning about a nootropic called piracetam, I have heard repeatedly that piracetam works much better when paired with choline.

Some of the information on choline has been a bit contradictory so this is my attempt to understand the risks and benefits of taking choline with piracetam.

First of all, Choline, considered a B vitamin, is one of the rare substances that can cross the blood brain barrier. It helps maintain healthy synapses and membranes in the brain which tend to deteriorate with age.

It’s also needed to form phosphatidylcholine, the main phospholipid of cell membranes. When extracellular supplies of choline are inadequate, these membranes can be drawn upon to supply the choline needed to produce more acetylcholine.

choline function in the brain
Choline is the precursor for acetylcholine, the chemical neurotransmitter (or fuel) necessary for learning and memory support. The way I understand it is that piracetam increases the usage of acetycholine in the brain and therefore, people taking piracetam use up choline at a much faster rate, because it has to keep replacing the acetylcholine that is lost by all that extra brain activity you are doing…

How Does the Body use Choline to Improve Brain Function?

Choline has many purported uses. It may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, but some studies are controversial.

It may help reduce anxiety, and it may be especially beneficial for those with memory problems. Some evidence suggests an association between low levels of choline and anxiety, but taking too much may backfire leading to depression.

While no toxicity issues are currently known, that does not mean choline supplementation is without side effects (these are discussed in more detail below).

A really old study from the early 1980’s demonstrated behavioral memory benefits for rats given 100 mg/kg each of piracetam and choline over taking only one supplement by itself. Doing it like that (this is for research purposes only, not an endorsement), a 150 lb human lab rat (68 kg) would be given 68kgx100mg=or approximately 6,800 mg each of piracetam and choline…

But today, we also know that the Tolerable Upper Intake level of choline, for adults, has been set at 3.5 grams (3,500 mg) per day. Above 3,500 mg, adverse side effects may include low blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fishy body odor, blood thinning, and depression.

So, in other words, taking the amount of choline that was given to the rats in the 1980s would be a bad idea because it is almost twice as much as the upper limit set for choline intake.

To put this into perspective, a large egg contains about 112 mg of choline. According to that, you would have to consume more than 31 eggs to reach the upper limit, (or 1 pound 13 ounces of beef liver…which is rather a lot I’ve been told…) so if you are overdosing on choline, it is probably from over supplementation rather than food sources. And if you are depressed, don’t take it out on the chicken.

But…because the quantities of choline found in foods tend to be so minimal and because cooking can even destroy choline, I think supplementation is probably a good idea, but that gets us back to the question:

HOW MUCH CHOLINE SHOULD I TAKE WITH PIRACETAM?

Answering that question has proved a challenge. I read that lecithin, although a source of choline, does not contain very much of it – you would need to take more than a cup?!?! That seems like a ridiculously high amount.

Sometimes after taking just a teaspoon of lecithin with piracetam I would get a really tired heavy feeling in the head, but would usually feel better after a nap. But who knows, maybe I just wasn’t getting enough choline.

I’ve also read many different testimonial claims about what works for people on an individual basis when it comes to supplementing choline and it’s important to remember that individual requirements vary, but brain fog and headaches when taking piracetam is likely an indication that you are not getting your choline needs met.

According to Quick Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements by Helen Pensanti M.D., a usual dose of choline should be between 200-500mg/day. However, that implies normal usage, which does not take into account the additional needs of a brain on piracetam, so, 800-1600 mg of choline is probably a better estimate range, and still safely below the upper intake limit of 3,500 mg/day.

Another option which I am seriously considering is to take alpha GPC at 500 mg/day instead. It is a little more spendy, but stronger so you can take less. Alpha GPC is derived from highly purified soy lecithin and is a natural source of choline rapidly delivered to the brain.

Some trial studies have already demonstrated statistically significant cognitive recovery for those suffering impairments after taking alpha GPC for 6 months. The usual dose of alpha GPC is between 300-1,200 mg/day according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-GPC.

Would you try a simple 5 minute a day brain exercise that could improve your memory, grades or even income?

increase short term memoryIn this free video Gary Busey (sorry not the actor) chief researcher at Altius Life Labs shows a little brain trick that can double your short term memory capacity.

We think if you combine this memory booster with your daily nootropic regimen the sky’s the limit. Of course results may vary and all that but take a look at the vid, try the simple exercise and let us know how it works for you.

Brainy Benefits of Piracetam: Dosage and Potential Side Effects

Posted on by

Piracetam is a strong nootropic drug which has been improving the efficiency of the human brain since its discovery in the 1960s. It can boost brain functioning by stimulating the corpus callosum, allowing the two hemispheres of your brain to better communicate with each other, which improves the functioning of the central nervous system. This appears to result in a number of brain enhancing benefits, discussed in more detail below. Also, by reducing the accumulation of lipofuscin in brain tissues, piracetam seems to have the potential to reduce the oxidation from unsaturated fatty acids that lead to cell damage.
piracetam dosage and side effects
Piracetam is a brain supplement which is available without a prescription has been used safely for many years, by many people, and for many different reasons. It holds special promise for those with memory impairments, but has also been used by college students and others who want the ability to boost their focus.

Piracetam can increase recall, clear headedness, long term memory, reading ability, and even dream recollection.

Piracetam Helps Brain Use Oxygen

Piracetam has been used by people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, dyslexia, vertigo, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, peripheral vestibular disorders, cerebral ischaemia, and cerebral palsy. It is useful for alcohol withdrawal delirium because it has the ability to enhance oxygen utilization in the brain.

Using Piracetam after a Stroke

Some stroke sufferers have shown signs of improvement after using piracetam, especially when suffering from language related difficulties such as asphasia. Piracetam may help with asphasia because it improves cross hemispheric communication in the brain. And better communication can result in additional benefits such as improving mood and decreasing depression, which is common after a stroke.

The memory boosting effects of piracetam might be even more pronounced when used in conjunction with other nootropics such as hydergine or Acetylcholine enhancing substances, like choline, and alpha-GPC.  Acetylcholine can significantly boost the overall memory enhancing benefits of piracetam while decreasing mental declines commonly associated with aging. So this is definitely an exciting discovery for those who wish to optimize their brain power longer!

By increasing blood flow to the brain, piracetam seems to increase EEG brainwave activity which is the natural state of mind associated with being alert and ready to learn.

Recommended Piracetam Dosage

Piracetam is taken orally and is commonly sold as a powder. This means you will need a good scale to measure the piracetam dosage that is appropriate for you.

How much you take will vary person to person, but a typical daily dose of piracetam ranges between 800mg and 2,400mg (2.4 grams) per day. But I have heard of others who take between 2,400-4,800mg/day which is divided into 3 daily doses of between 800-1,600mg/serving.

Many agree that it is often necessary to take a higher initial dose between 4-6g (4,000-8,000mg/day) for the first couple days to start noticing the effects, but that should be reduced to your maintenance level thereafter.

Peak results generally occur within 1.5 hours and the half life is 5 hours.

Effects and Side Effects of Piracetam:

Piracetam side effects are rare, however, low levels of Ach (acetylcholine) can cause headaches which is another reason to take a choline or lecithin supplement along with your piracetam.

The effects of using piracetam can be anywhere from subtle to dramatic. Generally, the more impairment you suffer, the more dramatic your results will be when using piracetam.

If you have tried piracetam we’d love to hear your experience in a comment below. The more personal information we gather the better we’ll all be in determining the benefit of nootropics.

Would you try a simple 5 minute a day brain exercise that could improve your memory, grades or even income?

increase short term memoryIn this video Gary Busey who is chief researcher at Altius Life Labs shows a little brain trick that can double your short term memory capacity (look for it a couple minutes in). If you combine this memory booster with your daily Piracetam intake you could see some great results. Of course results may vary and all that but take a look at the vid, try the simple exercise and let us know how it works for you.