Building a Superbrain How Neurotransmitters Impact Your Cognitive Health
Neurotransmitters determine how you feel. These are the body’s “chemical messengers.” Dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and more all play a major role. If you can understand these different neurotransmitters, you’ll be able to optimize for each of them and build a “superbrain.” 🧠
Balancing The Dopamine System
Dopamine is known as the “motivation molecule.” It provides feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. The more balanced the dopamine system, the more motivated you’ll feel. You’ll want to jump out of bed, stop scrolling social media, and knock out your to-do list.
Most education around dopamine fails to explain the system as a whole. A synthesis of certain molecules and nutrients creates dopamine. It’s somewhat linear, but there are also nutrients, called cofactors, that help at each step. Here’s how it looks:
You can see that l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine are the two “raw materials” needed to start this synthesis. These amino acids are the first step in a very complex recipe. Eventually, they need cofactors and other nutrients – vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and TMG. The cofactors kickstart the chemical reactions at each stage. By giving your body these “raw materials” and cofactors, you’ll support dopamine production naturally.
Serotonin Production = Positive Mood
Serotonin sends signals between nerve cells, which dictates mood and even influences sleep. With balanced serotonin, you may feel happier on a daily basis.* Less will get on your nerves, and you may experience less stress.*
Serotonin production has a similar synthesis process to dopamine. However, serotonin needs l-tryptophan as the “raw material.” Along the route, cofactors like vitamin B3, magnesium, and zinc help create serotonin too.
How GABA Triggers Deep Sleep
Last but not least! The neurotransmitter GABA lessens the “communication” between nerve cells. That’s why GABA promotes a calming effect, limiting stress and supporting relaxation.* Most importantly, GABA induces sleep. If this system is balanced, you may be able to sleep better.*
Nutrients and herbs like l-citrulline, rosemary, grape seed, and of course gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) itself support the natural production process in the brain.* This allows your body to switch off at night, while promoting relaxation and sleep.*
What’s New In Health
Neuralink’s Human Trials
Last year, Neuralink was awarded the pass to recruit for human trials. Yes, the company that puts a chip in your brain! This device hopes to make a massive impact in treating certain medical conditions that have gone unsolved for years. Read the study brief here.
Serotonin In The Gut?
Although we tend to think of serotonin production happening in the brain, it’s not always the case. This article on the gut-brain axis explains the function of serotonin in the gut.
