cells from growing; those with highest melatonin levels had the lowest risk of
cancer. Research shows that meditation increases levels of melatonin.
PHenYlalanine—Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, which is a
precursor to tyrosine, another amino acid. Phenylalanine, after its hydroxylation to
tyrosine, is also the precursor of dopamine, and of norepinephrine and epinephrine,
hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla. Melanin, the black pigment of skin and
hair, is also derived from tyrosine.
Phenylalanine prevents the breakdown of the brains morphine like painkillers
enkephalins which inflate mood and depress appetite. Increases alertness and
assertiveness, suppresses appetite, and is an effective antidepressant. Helpful as a
daytime GH releaser.
The neurotransmitter Dopamine increases feelings of well-being, alertness,
sexual excitement and aggression; and reduces compulsive behavior. Tyrosine is a
natural amphetamine and precursor to adrenaline. Tyrosine might create headaches
so DL-Phenylalanine is better. L-tyrosine is the first breakdown product of and
similar in many effects to L-phenylalanine, but less likely to affect blood pressure. As
a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormone, it may help some
types of depression, increases well-being and reduces compulsivity. Phenylalanine
can be found in the following foods: soybean protein, frozen tofu, dried and salted
cod, shellfish, lean meat, organ meat, skin-free chicken, cheese, milk, eggs, many
seeds (watermelon, fenugreek, roasted soybean nuts), and chocolate.
PHosPHatiDYlserine—The lecithin extract phosphatidyserine (PS)
supports acetylcholine and improves motivation, initiative and socialization. PS
is a phospholipid that occurs naturally in all cells of the body, with particularly
high concentrations in the brain. Brain cell survival is highly dependent on the
availability of DHA to facilitate the incorporation of phosphatidyserine into its
membranes. PS has cognitive-enhancing properties probably due to its ability to
sensitize acetylcholine receptors. It is an essential cell membrane component for
nerve cells; playing a key role in communication across synapses between nerve
cells, and reverses loss of membrane fluidity associated with age-related mental
decline. PS also ameliorates elevations of stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol)
and helps prevent memory loss and other cognitive decline. PS is a cortisol receptor
sensitizer, resulting in improved levels and efficient use of cortisol. It is also a
very effective antidepressant due to its ability to normalize the adaptive homeostat
(HPA-axis). The normalizing of prolactin receptors may contribute to the many
positive benefits of phosphatidylserine.
PiracetUm—Wakes up your brain, boosts intelligence and stimulates the
central nervous system. It promotes the flow of information between the left and
right hemispheres of the brain, leading to increased creativity. Best taken with
hydergine and choline. It appears to have a regenerative effect one nerves, and
might increase the cholinergic receptors in the brain. Enhances cognition under
hypoxia and has been used as an anticonvulsant in epilepsy. ANIRACETAM, 1-
anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone, is a more potent, longer-lasting, fat soluble analogue of
Piracetam. It has proven to be one of the best nootropics currently available.