Nature Knows and Psionic Success
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Do Smart Drugs Work?
If you’re looking to make your brain work better, you have plenty of options. You can start sleeping better, invest in a juicer, spend time at a decent gym. Or—if you’re pressed for time—you can pop a bunch of pills. Amphetamine, in the form of Adderall, has been wiring people for years, as have Ritalin and newer drugs like Vyvanse and Provigil, each with their own special set of side effects. All of these drugs require a prescription, which does somewhat limit access to them. But in recent years, fuelled by the fervor of enhancement-obsessed online communities and an economic arrangement that incentivizes a perma-primed brain, a whole new class of nootropics has come to wider attention: some of these nootropics, like the class of drugs known as racetams, can be bought in many gas stations. The question hanging over all of these drugs—prescribed and over-the-counter—is: do they actually work? And if they do work, what (and who) do they work for? For this week’s Giz Asks, we’ve reached out to a number of experts to find out. Senior Lecturer in Transdisciplinary Innovation at University of Technology Sydney and Honorary Fellow in Philosophy at Macquarie University Smart drugs work, and many people use them. I do not mean the ones you purchase from an online store that claims to be based in Silicon Valley, with cringe-worthy names like Startup HD or Turbo Snort. Don’t waste your money. Forget the fake “nootropic stacks,” the phenylpiracetams, and other pretenders which carry labels with words like “nootropic,” “cognitive enhancement,” “smart drug,” and so on. There is little or no good evidence that any of those products work. They are money-making schemes. No solid, replicated scientific studies support their claims. When I say that smart drugs work, I’m talking about the real deal: […]
Your health: 12 plants and herbs for natural remedies
This flowering plant has traditionally been used as a liver tonic, useful for detoxification and improving liver function Horticulture experts at BillyOh.com have named 12 of the best natural medication which can help with ailments including asthma and anxiety. A kitchen essential, garlic also possesses antimicrobial properties and can be used for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. And while peppermint is predominantly used to flavour toothpaste and chewing gum, it can also help to soothe sore muscles when applied as a liquid or lotion. A spokesperson for BillyOh.com said: “Who knew that the pesky dandelion weed can also be used to improve liver function? So perhaps think twice before pulling them all up from your lawn this summer. “We’d always recommend speaking to a health professional before delving into the world of natural remedies, but there’s no harm adding a little extra coriander, ginger or thyme to your dishes next time you cook!” 1. Coriander Coriander boasts a unique flavour that people either love or hate, and is often used to garnish Mexican and Thai dishes. The seeds are also a prime ingredient in Indian curries. Research shows it’s also a powerful digestive aid and may even be capable of removing metals and other toxic agents from the body. 2. Peppermint Often used as the predominant flavour in toothpaste and chewing gum, when brewed as tea, peppermint may also relieve digestive discomforts such as indigestion and vomiting. It can also soothe sore muscles when applied as a liquid or lotion. 3. Dandelion This flowering plant has traditionally been used as a liver tonic, useful for detoxification and improving liver function. Dandelion is known as a stimulant that is typically used for kidney and liver disorders. It is also traditionally used to reduce the side effects of prescription drugs, as […]
Cancer in the workplace: Integrative and preventive healthcare
Cancer is no longer a death sentence. There are several ways to prevent, manage and even cure a disease that is rapidly increasing in prevalence. Knowing and understanding the disease can help take preventive steps or choosing the right curative path. The concept of preventive care has been around for a long time. As people are becoming health conscious, many healthcare practitioners are focusing on preventive measures and medicaments. What is preventive medicine? Dr. Chatchai Sribundit (M.D) from Akesis Life Bangkok, explains that the ideology of preventive medicine is to take pre-emptive measures to protect and enhance one’s health and wellbeing. The aim is to ward off any form of illness that can lead to incidence of disability or death. Doctors would normally focus on a patient as a whole and also look into the surrounding factors that may affect health related implications. Regular health checks and early detection also play an integral role for a lot of high risk diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Many medical professionals state that preventive medicine plays a very important role in today’s patient care plans. Proper implementation of preventive medicine or preventive care can lower unnecessary medical bills, and most importantly avoid premature death. Different types of prevention Primary prevention targets patients who seek to prevent diseases before they occur. It is done by preventing or minimising exposures to hazards that cause disease. Examples are: – patient education to encourage health and safety; – laws to ban or control the use of hazardous products; – immunisation against infectious diseases. Secondary prevention aims to reduce the impact of diseases once they occur. This is achieved through detection and immediate treatment to halt or reduce progression, recurrence and prevention, by implementing programs to restore patients to their original health and functionality. […]
Probiotic from Penang: Malaysian cow’s milk bacteria strain exerts benefits for brain, URT, and liver
Related tags: Probiotics, Gut health, Brain health The probiotic strain, L. plantarum DR7 , was discovered during a collaboration between Clinical Nutrition Sdn Bhd and University Sains Malaysia in 2014. A number of human studies to examine its effect on the brain, upper respiratory tract infection, and gut began last year. Just in September this year, Spanish firm AB Biotics acquired the exclusive global licensing of the strain. At the Probiota Asia summit organised by NutraIngredients-Asia, Min-Tze Liong, professor at the school of industrial technology at University Sains Malaysia, spoke in detail about the findings and the biochemistry mechanisms involved. Enhancing the serotonin pathway DR7 was found to reduce stress and anxiety by enhancing the serotonin pathway. The strain was administered for 12 weeks in a double blind, placebo-controlled, and randomised human clinical trial involving 111 subjects with moderate stress. The treatment group had to consume 10 9 CFU of DR7 probiotics per day. Similar to previous animal model studies conducted, the strain was able to increase the level of serotonin, commonly referred as the “happy chemical”. The strain worked by increasing the expression of TPH, the enzyme responsible for converting tryptophan into serotonin, while reducing the expression of the enzyme IDO, which converts tryptophan into kynurenine. Kynurenine has been shown to increase in numbers in the blood levels of gene expression in adults who are stressed and depressed. In addition, the team also saw a slight prevention of conversion in dopamine in the human study, an observation which was not seen in the animal model. “We thus believe that DR7 may also have an effect along the dopamine pathway, we will need further concrete evidence on that. But for serotonin, the effect was quite clear,” Liong said. Effects on neurodegeneration Another human clinical […]
Neural engineering devices – Decoding the brain
Neural engineering – involving the design of brain implants connected with external technology based on restoration and augmentation of human function via direct interactions between the nervous system and artificial devices – is a rapidly evolving field. Currently, intensive research is underway to study the coding and processing of information in the sensory and motor systems so that it can be manipulated through interactions with engineering devices, including brain-computer interface (BCI) applications and neuroprosthetics. Neural engineering devices are deployed for specific applications such as the post-injury regeneration of peripheral nerve, spinal cord tissue, and retinal tissue. For developing these devices, neural engineers need to have in-depth knowledge of how the nervous system functions and malfunctions. They decode chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical signals responsible for extracellular field potentials and synaptic transmission in neural tissue. Signal processing techniques and computational modelling are used to understand the properties of neural system activity. To process these signals, the voltages across neural membranes are translated into corresponding code, a process known as neural coding. This involves analysis of the movement and sensory phenomena by understanding how the brain encodes simple commands in the form of central pattern generators (CPGs), movement vectors, the cerebellar internal model, and somatotopic maps. Correcting anomalies in central nervous system Neuroscience and engineering have come together to investigate the peripheral and central nervous system function and find clinical solutions to problems created by brain damage or malfunction. Recent years have seen tremendous advancement in biomedical technologies that can enhance or suppress the activity of the nervous system with the delivery of pharmaceutical agents, electrical signals, or other kinds of an energy stimulus to re-establish balance in the brain’s impaired regions. Advancements in technology have resulted in delivering and analysing these signals with increased sensitivity, biocompatibility, and viability in closed […]
Coffee Alternative Boosts Mental Focus
Reprinted with kind permission of LifeExtension Sometimes you need a way to clear afternoon brain fog. Coffee can do the trick, but for many people, drinking coffee later in the day can interfere with sleep, upset the stomach, lead to a jittery feeling, and result in a later “crash.” There is an herbal alternative. Scientists have identified a unique spearmint extract that, like coffee, helps the brain focus. It even boosts short-term working memory. But it’s stimulant-free and won’t cause any of coffee’s common side effects. Available in a convenient, instant spearmint tea, this extract contains high levels of phenolics, health-promoting compounds found in plants, particularly rosmarinic acid. And this spearmint extract goes beyond offering a mental boost. A recent, clinical study demonstrated that it also enhances the ability to quickly initiate unplanned changes in direction or speed. This can help performance during exercise or sports, and lead to fewer falls in the elderly. Staying Mentally Sharp A majority of Americans are very concerned about staying mentally sharp. While many turn to coffee for a daily boost in focus, attention, and concentration, almost two-thirds of consumers report that they are trying to limit their caffeine intake. In fact, a whopping 64% of men and women in the U.S., and 74% of those over 55, drink coffee daily, in part for the short-term increase in focus it provides. Researchers recognized the need for a drink that enhances mental focus as quickly as coffee, while being free of caffeine and other stimulants. Role of Memory in Mental Focus Working memory is the part of short-term memory that stores information and allows it to be used even while you’re engaged in another mental task. It plays a crucial role in other cognitive abilities that include problem solving and decision making. If your […]
The ultimate guide to face signs of Aging
Healthy Aging Healthy aging is the process of aging without getting old. It is about aging to perfection. It is to find out a way to become better with aging and to reduce the effects of aging on the body. Healthy Aging Science has made a lot of progress, but still there are a lot of questions remain unanswered even today. Healthy Aging is one of them. New discoveries are being made daily on aging and new secrets are being revealed. What are the common signs of aging? How they affect us? What are the external causes of skin aging? Is there something we can do to slow it down? And moreover, is there anything that gets better as we age? These are the common questions, we all think about healthy aging every day. Let’s try and find the answers to these questions. Before we start, let’s know what is aging and how does it affect us? Aging refers to the effects of the biological process of growing older. Aging refers to the effects of the biological process of growing older. As per the Biological Aging Definition , starting from a cell, aging affects the total organism of any living thing. The process goes on and over the entire life span. People are living longer than ever these days. It is due to the availability of better medical aids. Education, technology, good food, and sanitary conditions also play a role in a long life span. That doesn’t impact the aging process. It goes on and on. Before we understand it in-depth, let us talk about the effects of aging. We can also call them the common signs of aging . Gray, dull and thinner hairs and hair loss Spotted skin and frequent bruises Gaunt face and hands and Sore […]
101 Clever Gifts With 5-Star Ratings On Amazon Prime When You Don’t Know What To Give
The clock is ticking and you’re totally out of gift ideas for the person — or people — on your list. Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing, and you can’t sleep at night. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but it’s enough to cause you a little panic, seeing as the gift-giving part of your brain seems to have gone completely dark. Not to fear; I’ve rounded up some gifts on Amazon Prime that are so good, you can put your brainstorming totally to rest. The products on this list are what I like to call "no-fail" gifts. They’re almost universally likable, so you don’t have to stress if you’re clueless as to what someone does or doesn’t like. They’re also all highly-rated, which means you can rest assured that you’re getting high-quality products… instead of crossing your fingers hoping they don’t fall apart as the recipient is tearing open the wrapping paper. And one more very crucial thing to mention: all the products you’ll find here are available on Amazon Prime; that means they’ll be delivered in two days — a godsend when you’ve already lost too much time racking your brain for gift ideas. What a relief. 1. A Hoodie That’s So Soft, You’ll Never Want To Take It Off Give the gift of a new favorite hoodie with this hooded pullover made from soft and cozy terry. The lighter-weight material, dropped hem, and crossover neckline give this comfy classic a chic update, so it’s perfect for running around town and lounging at home. It’s machine-washable and available in colors, like olive, rose, heather gray, and black and white stripes. Available sizes: XS-XL 2. These Bath Bombs That Relax The Body And Soothe The Mind These colorful bath bombs are fun, but they’re also pretty […]
Bad eating habits that cause weight gain
( Natural News ) It can be challenging to lose weight, but one of the most effective ways to do so is through exercise and proper nutrition. However, this may be difficult if you have bad eating habits . Unhealthy eating habits and food choices People overeat for different reasons, but if you want to improve your diet and maintain a healthy weight, you need to understand the difference between eating habits and food choices. Eating habits or style indicate various practices that you’ve developed over time, like how much you eat, the timing of your meals, and how fast you eat. Your eating style may be influenced by choices you make or family culture or environment. On the other hand, food choices are the foods that you prefer to eat as a snack or during meals. Review the list of bad eating habits below and consider making changes to your own eating style that can help you avoid gaining weight. Eating in front of a computer or television When you eat while doing something else, you’re not paying full attention to how much you’re eating. Don’t eat lunch while you’re working on your computer or watching a TV show. Mindless eating Not paying attention to your meal can make you overeat. Savor each bite. There are plenty of flavorful, nutritious meals you can eat to help you avoid binge-eating and late-night snacking. Consuming too much high-calorie or high-fat foods If you often ate greasy, high-fat foods as a child and continue to do so to this day, it’s time to change your eating habits. Consume everything in moderation, even healthful foods. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this free ebook : Written by popular Natural News writer Vicki Batt, this […]
Why sleep is the best medication
Image Credit: In the screen-lit bustle of modern life, sleep is expendable. There are television shows to binge-watch, work emails to answer, homework to finish, social media posts to scroll through. We’ll catch up on shut-eye later, so the thinking goes — right after we click down one last digital rabbit hole. Brain research, which has pushed back hard against this nonchalant attitude, is now expanding rapidly, reaching beyond the laboratory and delving into exactly how sleep works in disease and in normal cognitive functions such as memory. The growing consensus is that casual disregard for sleep is wrongheaded – even downright dangerous. Preschoolers who skip naps are worse at a memory game than those who snooze, even after the children “catch up” on sleep the next night. An alarming new line of research suggests poor sleep may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, as even a single night of sleep deprivation boosts brain levels of the proteins that form toxic clumps in Alzheimer’s patients. All-nighters push anxiety to clinical levels, and even modest sleep reductions are linked to increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness. The research is changing policy in some areas, with school officials, for example, considering whether to push back school start times to better match teenagers’ sleep cycles. The National Sleep Foundation will hold its first consumer expo in March, with offerings ranging from mattresses to sleep trackers – a visible sign of the burgeoning sleep industry. Meanwhile, a growing number of scientists, not normally known for being advocates, are bringing evangelical zeal to the message that lack of sleep is an escalating public health crisis that deserves as much attention as the obesity epidemic. “We’re competing against moneyed interests, with technology and gaming and all that. It’s so addictive and so hard to compete […]
Probiotic from Penang: Malaysian cow’s milk bacteria strain exerts benefits for brain, URT, and liver
Related tags: Probiotics, Gut health, Brain health The probiotic strain, L. plantarum DR7 , was discovered during a collaboration between Clinical Nutrition Sdn Bhd and University Sains Malaysia in 2014. A number of human studies to examine its effect on the brain, upper respiratory tract infection, and gut began last year. Just in September this year, Spanish firm AB Biotics acquired the exclusive global licensing of the strain. At the Probiota Asia summit organised by NutraIngredients-Asia, Min-Tze Liong, professor at the school of industrial technology at University Sains Malaysia, spoke in detail about the findings and the biochemistry mechanisms involved. Enhancing the serotonin pathway DR7 was found to reduce stress and anxiety by enhancing the serotonin pathway. The strain was administered for 12 weeks in a double blind, placebo-controlled, and randomised human clinical trial involving 111 subjects with moderate stress. The treatment group had to consume 10 9 CFU of DR7 probiotics per day. Similar to previous animal model studies conducted, the strain was able to increase the level of serotonin, commonly referred as the “happy chemical”. The strain worked by increasing the expression of TPH, the enzyme responsible for converting tryptophan into serotonin, while reducing the expression of the enzyme IDO, which converts tryptophan into kynurenine. Kynurenine has been shown to increase in numbers in the blood levels of gene expression in adults who are stressed and depressed. In addition, the team also saw a slight prevention of conversion in dopamine in the human study, an observation which was not seen in the animal model. “We thus believe that DR7 may also have an effect along the dopamine pathway, we will need further concrete evidence on that. But for serotonin, the effect was quite clear,” Liong said. Effects on neurodegeneration Another human clinical […]
Improve your sleep quality within 1 week by quitting this harmful habit
( Natural News ) One in three Americans have trouble sleeping, but a recent study has revealed that avoiding one habit can help improve it. European researchers found that avoiding the use of gadgets, like phones, tablets, and computers, is key to getting better sleep . Previous research has shown that exposure to blue light – the kind of light found in gadgets – has negative effects on sleeping patterns. The recent study, which was a collaboration between researchers from the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience , the Amsterdam University Medical Center , and the Dutch International Institute for Public Health and the Environment , was a randomized controlled trial involving Dutch adolescents aged 12 to 17. The researchers studied the participants’ screen time use, aiming to find out how adjusting blue light exposure may affect sleep. There were two groups of participants: frequent users (with fours hours of average screen time use) and infrequent users (who only look at phones for an hour or less). The participants reported the effects on their sleep when they did the following before bed: used their phones as usual; wore light-blocking glasses; and refrained from using their phones at all. After five weeks, researchers found that using light-blocking glasses and refraining from using phones altogether resulted in the participants sleeping 20 minutes earlier than usual. Moreover, the participants reported positive results after just one week. There was a reduction in symptoms of sleep loss and better sleep quality overall. The researchers presented their findings at the annual European Society of Endocrinology meeting, ECE 2019, in Lyon, France. They hope to conduct studies on adult participants as well and see if their findings could apply to them as well. Discover how to prevent and reverse heart disease (and other cardio related events) with this […]
Healthy habits for a healthier body: 13 Reasons to choose nutrient-rich whole foods over processed junk foods
( Natural News ) People consume processed food because it’s convenient. However, snacks made with artificial ingredients and various chemicals are bad for your health. If you’re still on the fence about consuming more whole foods, here are 21 reasons to add them to your regular diet and boost your overall well-being. What are “whole foods?” Whole foods refer to real, single-ingredient food. Real food is nutrient-rich, mostly unprocessed, and doesn’t contain chemical additives. Processed foods can be eaten on the go, but you sacrifice nutrition for convenience whenever you eat them. It is better to follow a real food-based diet to improve your health. Here are 13 reasons to eat more whole foods. They’re full of essential nutrients Whole animal and plant foods contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimal health. For example, eggs and liver are rich in choline , an essential nutrient for brain function and development. Meanwhile, plant foods like a cup (220 grams) of red bell peppers or orange slices contain over 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C. Various kinds of whole foods are full of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They’re a great source of fiber Dietary fiber has many health benefits. Fiber improves digestive function and metabolic health, and it keeps you feeling full for longer. This helps prevent snacking. Below are some whole foods that are rich in dietary fiber : Apples Avocados Bananas Beans Blackberries Broccoli Carrots Chia seeds Flaxseeds Legumes Oranges Strawberries They’re full of good fats A lot of naturally occurring fats are good for you. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is beneficial for your heart health. Plant foods like avocados , nuts, and seeds are rich in healthy fats. Discover how to […]
Nutritional Yeast: Benefits, Nutrition Facts & Dangers
This delicious cooking ingredient is loaded with essential nutrients and gut-friendly fiber. It can support your immune system and rev up your energy, but it’s not for everyone. Read on to learn the pros and cons of nutritional yeast, how to choose the right product, and how to get the most out of it. Nutritional yeast, also known as nooch or “hippie dust,” is a single-cell fungus with incredible nutritional value. It’s made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , a type of yeast used in brewing and baking [ 1 ]. Manufacturers grow S. cerevisiae , deactivate it using heat, and dry it to get the final product. They can select and culture specific strains of yeast for desired nutritional value and properties [ 2 ]. Nutritional yeast is a popular cooking ingredient, especially in vegan dishes as a cheese substitute. People also use it to boost their immunity, energy levels, and intake of essential nutrients [ 3 ]. Nutritional and brewer’s yeast are close relatives: they both contain S. cerevisiae , but they slightly differ in the production process, nutritional value, and uses. Brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of the beer brewing industry, usually grown on hops or grains. People use its dried and deactivated form as a nutritional supplement. Depending on the growth medium, brewer’s yeast may contain gluten [ 4 ]. The food industry grows nutritional yeast for its dietary uses only. The growth medium is glucose or molasses, which makes the final product gluten-free [ 2 ]. Unlike nutritional yeast, brewer’s yeast is naturally rich in chromium , which can help lower blood sugar levels. As such, brewer’s yeast might be a better option for people with diabetes. Nutritional yeast is usually fortified with vitamin B1 2 and thus more suitable for vegans, who can be at […]
14 Rhodiola Rosea Benefits + Dosage, Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen with a long history of traditional use against stress, fatigue, and more. Does the science back it up? Learn more here. What Is Rhodiola rosea ? Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant that grows in very cold climates and at high altitudes. Its root has been used in traditional medicine in the Caucasus Mountains, Scandinavia, China, and Russia, where practitioners believe that it can improve focus and endurance in both body and mind [ 1 , 2 ]. Other species closely related to R. rosea are also used in traditional medicine. These include Rhodiola imbricata, Rhodiola algida, and Rhodiola crenulata . Together, these herbs are best known as adaptogens: substances that help combat stress. However, Rhodiola roots and extracts are also being investigated for other potential cognitive and physical benefits [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Rhodiola has many other names: in China, it is called hóng jǐng tiān. Elsewhere, it may be called rosenroot, rose root, Arctic root, golden root, or king’s crown. In French, it is l’orpin rose [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Proponents: May reduce stress and fatigue May boost the immune system May improve mood May increase fat burning May improve sexual function Skeptics: Possible dangerous drug interactions Clinical research lacking for many purported benefits Salidroside Salidroside, also known as rhodioloside, is considered to be the most important bioactive molecule in Rhodiola rosea . It is likely responsible for Rhodiola’s effects on the brain [ 11 , 12 ]. Rosavin Rosavin has many of the same properties and mechanisms as salidroside, but seems to require a higher dose to produce the same effect [ 13 ]. Tyrosol Tyrosol is present in standardized Rhodiola rosea extracts, but it often goes unlabeled […]
9 Pterostilbene Health Benefits + Dosage & Side Effects
They say it’s better than resveratrol. They call it dragon’s blood, or even the fountain of youth. Does science back up the hype? What are the limitations and risks? Find out here. What is Pterostilbene? Pterostilbene is an antioxidant found in many plants, including almonds, grape leaves and vines , blueberries and related Vaccinium berries , peanuts , dracaena plants , and Indian kino . Blueberries are the richest dietary source of pterostilbene; some trees produce it in “dragon’s blood,” a red resin with a long history of traditional use [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Some supplements are labeled with “trans-pterostilbene” rather than just “pterostilbene.” This compound actually has many names, one of which is trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4′-hydroxystilbene [ 8 ]. In chemistry, the word “trans” tells us that certain atoms (or groups of atoms) are on opposite sides of a molecule’s physical structure. The word “cis” tells us that those atoms are on the same side of the molecule. Both trans-pterostilbene and cis-pterostilbene are found in nature , though the trans form is more stable [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The word pterostilbene alone , without a modifier , refers to the trans form by default . The cis form will always be called cis-pterostilbene [ 11 , 12 ]. Pterostilbene is part of a class of compounds called phytoalexins: in plants, these compounds defend against microbes and parasites. It is very similar to a better-known phytoalexin antioxidant, resveratrol . However, pterostilbene is about four times easier to absorb from the gut into the body; in theory, that could make it multiple times more effective than resveratrol, but this has yet to be confirmed in any formal study [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Proponents: May support […]
Benefits of Lemon Balm + Side Effects
Lemon balm may help with anxiety and cognitive performance. In addition, it has other potential but insufficiently investigated health benefits, including helping with hyperthyroidism, reducing pain , and weight loss . Read this post to learn more about the potential health benefits of lemon balm. What Is Lemon Balm? Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is a lemon-scented herb known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. The main active constituents of lemon balm are [ 1 ]: Volatile compounds – geranial, neral, citronellal, and geraniol Increases GABA in the brain by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down GABA (GABA transaminase). GABA produces a calming effect, improves mood , and reduces stress [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Binds to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in the brain. Both types of receptors are activated by acetylcholine and play roles in enhancing memory and alertness [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Prevents the formation of blood vessels by inhibiting VEGF -A, which may combat obesity and help treat cancer [ 8 , 9 ]. Activates the proteins caspases-3 and-7, possibly causing cancer cells to self-destruct [ 10 , 11 ]. Lemon balm supplements are claimed to help with several conditions, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, diabetes, and infant colics. However, none of these uses is approved by the FDA due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. You may try lemon balm if you and your doctor determine that it may help in your case. Lemon balm has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in rats. By increasing GABA levels, lemon balm reduces anxiety, increases calmness, and improves mood [ 3 ]. Lemon balm reduced anxiety in 2 pilot trials on 32 people with stress [ 4 , 14 […]
16 Phenibut Uses + Side Effects, Dosage & Natural Alternatives
Phenibut is a GABA -acting psychotropic drug with anti- anxiety and nootropic effects. In Russia, it’s used for PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia , depression , and alcoholism. In the US, phenibut is classified as a supplement. But it’s also used recreationally and can cause addiction. Read more below to learn about its effects, side effects, and natural alternatives. Disclaimer : By writing this post, we are not recommending this drug. Some of our readers requested that we commission a post on it, and we are simply providing information that is available in the scientific and clinical literature. Please discuss your medications with your doctor. We also included a section about natural alternatives, as there are a variety of natural, potentially safe ways to boost GABA and achieve similar effects without the health risks . Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA) is a synthetic drug similar to the calming neurotransmitter GABA . It boosts GABA activity in the brain and stimulates dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. By boosting GABA, serotonin, and dopamine – three crucial neurotransmitters in the brain – this drug can have profound effects on cognition, mood , and energy levels [ 2 ]. Phenibut was developed in Russia in the 1960s and has since been clinically used to relieve tension, fear, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and insomnia. It’s also used to enhance intellectual function in various mental disorders. All of these approved uses are limited to Russia [ 4 ]. It’s often used recreationally to ease social anxiety and induce euphoria, which earned it the nickname “the happy drug” across online forums. Many people self-medicate with phenibut to ease fear and anxiety, boost cognition and positive feelings, and even to enhance physical endurance and libido. Students and entrepreneurs use it as a nootropic and […]
Benefits of Beta-Alanine + Side Effects & Dosage
Beta-alanine is a popular amino acid supplement used to enhance exercise and athletic performance. It improves heart fitness and reduces muscle fatigue and acid build-up. Read ahead to learn how beta-alanine may improve your health and what are the risks associated with its use. Beta-alanine (β-Alanine) is an amino acid naturally found in muscles and the brain. Together with histidine , it forms carnosine , which helps reduce acid build-up during exercise. Despite mixed evidence of success, it is sold as a performance-enhancing supplement under names like Carnosyn and its slow release version, SR CarnoSyn [ 1 ]. Beta-alanine is most effective during anaerobic exercise (intense and exhaustive exercise that causes lactic acid to accumulate in the muscles), such as high-intensity interval training or sprinting. Most notably, it delays fatigue during repeated bouts of intense exercise with short recovery periods [ 1 ]. Women and vegetarians have lower amounts of muscle carnosine than men and meat-eaters, respectively. Furthermore, body carnosine naturally decreases with age. These groups may particularly benefit from beta-alanine supplementation [ 2 , 3 ]. The only confirmed side effect is tingling. However, lower or time-released doses can reduce this effect [ 4 ]. Beta-alanine is an amino acid formed in the liver or by gut microbes [ 5 , 4 ]. It binds to histidine in muscles and the brain to form carnosine. Beta-alanine increases carnosine in muscles and the brain , and helps muscles resist acid build-up [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. It also acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator. For instance, beta-alanine inhibits the uptake of the amino acid taurine in cells; this can cause oxidative stress , cell damage, and respiratory problems [ 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, beta-alanine is a competitive GABA antagonist (blocker) that also inhibits nerve […]
Potential Lithium Orotate Benefits + Side Effects
Trace amounts of lithium seem to make people more peaceful and friendly. Lithium helps with bipolar, anxiety, and depression. It also appears to support the immune system and protect the brain. But what’s the difference between lithium carbonate and lithium orotate? How effective are high doses, low doses, and microdoses? Read on to get to the bottom of the lithium controversy. Lithium is an alkali metal, naturally present in trace amounts in minerals, water, soil, fruits, vegetables, and other plants that are grown in lithium-rich soil [ 1 ]. Lithium is classified as an essential micronutrient, which means that all humans require it in small doses for good health [ 1 ]. This comes as a surprise to most people. Some scientists think that lithium is an unfairly overlooked nutrient, mostly because it is associated with high-dose prescription formulations for bipolar disorder. At high doses, lithium can cause a long list of side effects [ 1 ]. We humans have adapted to getting trace amounts of lithium from food and water, and it seems that getting a bit more might make people more friendly and peaceful. Popular blogs claim that lithium has a number of benefits unrelated to its use as a high-dose pharmaceutical. But what does the science say? Despite the hype, there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of lower lithium doses . However, early research shows some promise. Basic biology suggests that many enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and growth factors require lithium to work. Lithium also appears to support the immune and nervous systems. Scientists are investigating whether it promotes the regeneration of cells. Some suspect that it might even increase telomeres and prolong lifespan, but this hypothesis remains unproven [ 2 ]. The modern boom of lithium supplements started with lithium orotate. Lithium orotate is […]
The Power Within by Corey Daniels book available for only $2.99
Mind has both conscious and subconscious halves. These are likened to a driver and the truck he drives. The driver plans the destination and observes road conditions, while the truck provides motive power. Your subconscious mind is like the truck and it only goes in the direction in which is a steered. This can be the road or off a cliff. Likewise, the consciousness paints a picture of what the world is and what your goals are and the subconscious acts on them through emotion, physical response and energy, whether these are correct, rational images or false negative ones. The subconscious is also like an emotional reservoir which your body and mind draw responses from to external stimuli.
The Power Within lays out a method of programming your subconscious and tapping into the Holy Spirit, God voice or what the Greeks called the daimon (godman).