| NEUROSCIENCE | PEER-REVIEW
using IV PS demonstrated blunting of ACTH and cortisol response to physical stress. Some studies show that the response is dose-dependent and not as prominent when a dose of less than 800 mg is used. However, another study17
did show a significant decrease in cortisol peaks for doses of 600 mg.
L-Theanine L-Theanine is an amino acid that increases dopamine, serotonin, and glycine in the brain. One cup of black tea has approximately 20 mg of L-Theanine. Low-dose L-Theanine can also have excitatory effects, suggesting a dose-dependent action. It can also induce alpha brainwave activity, which correlates with a relaxed state of the brain. Another study18
demonstrated that theanine
administration caused a dose-dependent relaxed, yet alert, state of mind without sedation, beginning approximately 40 minutes after oral dosing. Another study19
determined that low doses of L-Theanine can also
induce alpha wave activity on electroencephalography (EEG). In another study20
, stress was induced by a math
cognitive function adversely. Symptoms may range from lack of concentration, difficulty focusing, and impaired memory. In addition, individuals commonly complain of malaise, troubled sleep, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. Serious health problems, including fatigue, can occur when neurotransmitter levels are either too high or too low. Environmental and biological factors ® including
stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, or genetics ® can cause imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. These imbalances can trigger or exacerbate fatigue. Most pharmaceutical medications used to treat fatigue and CFS actually focus on other symptoms. For example, many address sleeping difficulties, cognitive problems, pain, and additional symptoms that correspond with CFS. These medications primarily support neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenaline, and GABA. Neurotransmitter function can also be supported with
nutrient-based programmes. Neurotransmitters are made from a variety of components found in the food of a normal, healthy diet. Increasing the amounts of these dietary constituents can help to maintain normal neurotransmitter levels.
Literature review Cortisol modulators Phosphatidylserine According to some studies14
Fish oil
supplementation of 7.2 g daily has been shown to abolish the
, long-term phosphatidylserine
(PS) can modulate stress induced stimulation of the HPA axis and buffer the over-production of cortisol and ACTH. In one double-blinded study15
using 800 mg of PS daily
versus placebo for 2 weeks, researchers were able to show decreased post-exercise cortisol levels, less muscle soreness, and less psychological depression usually associated with overtraining. Another study16
cortisol and adrenaline spike.
test and the effect was measured by heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A IgA levels. It was demonstrated that the acute stress effect was reduced by using 200 mg of theanine.
Fish oil Fish oil supplementation of 7.2 g daily has been shown to abolish the cortisol and adrenaline spike. In addition Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are also seen to lower noradrenaline in students experiencing stress as a result of exams.
Alpha-lipoic acid Lipoic acid has been shown21
to prevent the accumulation
of catecholamines in cardiac tissue secondary to stress and enhance elimination of catecholamine degradation products. Alpha-lipoic
acid can partially hydrocortisone-induced suppression of T-cell activity.
Neurotransmitters Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. It mediates pre-synaptic inhibition of primary afferent fibres in the motor system. GABA acts like a ÔbrakeÕ during times of runaway stress. Low GABA levels are associated with a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders; including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines work on GABA receptors, inducing relaxation. A small preliminary study22
of six subjects found
gabapentin (structurally similar to GABA; increases brain GABA levels) to be effective for panic disorder. Natural therapies that produce relaxation also act, at least in part, by enhancing GABA levels. A controlled pilot study23 found brain GABA levels were significantly increased after a single 60 minute yoga session compared with a 60 minute reading session. Another study24
found
valerenic acid, an active component of valerian, modulates GABA receptors. In a study25
comparing
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