The first part of this article was about outlining the relationship between our gut and brain and the important connection that is there, to understand that a healthy brain needs a healthy gut to function at its highest.
We also dove into the four main neurotransmitters and I included a link for you to take an actual test to see what neurotransmitters in your brain are doing and what levels they are at. Here is the link to Part I if you missed it or want to re-read it and take the Braverman Test.
Let's move onward...
These four main neurotransmitters are extremely important, as without them, I don’t think there would be much of you. The mind frame and the network that is you are built with these main neurotransmitters in it. You would be doing yourself a favour by learning more about your brain and taking action toward achieving a better, balanced brain.
GABA
When it comes to the GABA neurotransmitter, this is all about Zen. This is the calm, relaxed, yet focused state of mind.
This is a neurotransmitter that can be directly influenced and changed within 10’s of minutes. For anyone experiencing anxiety, restlessness, nervousness and discomfort feeling within themselves, this would be a clear-cut sign of a deficiency in GABA.
What you can start supplementing with is L-Theanine.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is excellent at passing through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and effectively turning into GABA. This is my favourite supplement to take that I have felt does the best job of calming me and reducing any anxiety I have. Not to mention, the calming effect does not and should not make you feel sleepy. If you pair L-Theanine with caffeine, you’ll enjoy a perfect symphony of mental calmness and laser-like focus with a touch of adrenaline drive. A great tool for getting work done, or the gym, or learning something mentally or physically.
A few other supplements and methods that can help produce GABA are Magnesium, Valerian Root, Passionflower, Glutamic Acid and a solid B Complex vitamin. A meditation practice that is daily, as well with Mindfulness practice daily, can contribute to improved levels of GABA and calmness.
SEROTONIN
Next up is, the Serotonin neurotransmitter; the satisfying happiness and enjoyment of being YOU state. Feelin’ good and feelin’ solid.
Serotonin is largely developed and produced in the gut, at about 75-90%, depending on the individual. This is a clear sign that the health of one’s gut will be directly related to this neurotransmitter’s levels. Serotonin helps the body rest, recharge and recover. Serotonin is related to an individual and their ability to connect with mind and body, as well, balanced levels of serotonin allow the person to experience the “moment or present state” much more effectively. The ability to enjoy one’s self in all circumstances, be comfortable with trying new things and have an attitude of enjoyment is what the capacities of serotonin provide.
Persons who are depressed and unhappy, undoubtedly are lacking in serotonin. Serotonin can be easily depleted by partying too hard, staying out late after sundown, participating in massive adrenaline-dumping activities and other things that provide that total moment of being present and nowhere else, state of mind.
However, one can replenish their levels of serotonin by supplementing with 5-HTP. An incredible supplement that acts directly in producing new levels of serotonin and helping to keep balance.
Other supplements and methods that help to produce and create serotonin are Vitamin B6, Zinc, Tryptophan, Magnesium, Fish Oil and Melatonin (used only at night before bed.) A good night’s sleep, with a consistent sleep schedule not too late after sundown, is effective in restoring serotonin levels.
ACETYLCHOLINE
The third neurotransmitter and one of my favourites is Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is all about cognitive function, performance and ability.
This is what most people would think about when it comes to the brain; how intelligent are you, memory recall, uptake of information, reaction time, etc. Acetylcholine seems to be a neurotransmitter that many people should take seriously in improving; the reason is because the onset of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia and the like that we seem to be seeing more of, are associated with a huge deficiency in the levels of acetylcholine, as well, among a myriad of other deficiencies.
Acetylcholine controls brain speed and reaction time, it is the direct power of electrical processes going on in the brain and connecting throughout the body. If you want to improve your ability to think faster, longer, and more efficiently; if you want to learn new things better, improve memory, and memory recall and just have a better mind-to-body connection, this is the neurotransmitter you need to improve and keep in balance.
Some methods and supplements to improve this neurotransmitter are Alpha GPC, Choline Bitartrate, Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylserine, DHA (fish oil component), Huperzine-A, Korean Ginseng, Ginko Biloba, and B Complex Vitamin. Daily meditation, reading, puzzles, problem-solving, colouring, and drawing among other activities all contribute to balancing and improving acetylcholine.
DOPAMINE
Lastly, we have Dopamine. The dopamine neurotransmitter is often described as the in-the-zone, in-the-flow mindset or mentality, which is the result of achieving something.
For example, dopamine is the motivation and reward chemical produced from doing something. So, when someone is focused and in the zone, they are present in the moment of obtaining a goal or desire. Dopamine is produced in many different actions and activities most people take part in, especially after workouts and sex.
However, the balance of dopamine with the other neurotransmitters should be looked at in order to keep a balanced brain. Dopamine individuals are fast and quick-witted, function well under stress, are self-confident, rational and more so comfortable with true figurative facts than feelings and emotions.
People with excess dopamine levels that outweigh the other neurotransmitters tend to be violent, controlling, possessive, and have an immense sexual drive that is close to uncontrollable, which can affect their relationships. Meditation would do the person well, to enable more self-control and balance off increasing GABA toward the wanting of dopamine hits.
Supplements and methods to improve and balance dopamine levels are Tyrosine – an Amino Acid, B Complex Vitamin, Rhodiola, and Phenylalanine, as well, as balanced sexual activities, workouts that involve weightlifting, solving complex problems, writing, and creativity.
To recap, the four main neurotransmitters are:
GABA
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
These neurotransmitters are directly correlated with quality of life and overall human functioning. The key is to balance these neurotransmitters as best as possible on a daily basis. Everyone is different in their own ways, so people will be dominant in different neurotransmitters than others. The best thing to do is to figure out what neurotransmitter you are dominant in, as well figure out what deficiencies you have. (The Braverman Test will help.)
This way, you can harness your strengths and help improve and bring to balance your deficiencies. Overall, this will create and build a better brain for yourself, which in turn will improve your life 10x. I guarantee your self-awareness will skyrocket, and once you get a taste and feel for how much better your brain and body improve, you will continue to keep healthy levels of your neurotransmitters.
As a reminder, you must always work on healing the Gut, as these neurotransmitters plus other ones, hormones and other chemicals are produced right in the Gut.
If you have not yet heard of my guidebook, The Gut Friendly Lifestyle Guide, please do me and yourself a favour and pick up your copy today off Amazon Marketplace.
Healthy Gut, Healthy Brain, Healthy Life = HAPPIER YOU! …. Simple.
Start building a better brain today.
- SD
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