Top Amino Acids For Brain Health

What is the top amino acid for brain health? Is there even such a thing as that? Read on to find out.

Foods rich in amino acids

There are several things said to affect brain health and or of such are the nutrients amino acids. It is said that an adequate amount of the accurate protein-derived amino acids provides unprocessed raw materials needed to make neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals used by nerve cells for communication. For instance, if you desire to heighten attention and alertness, increase your wellbeing, and assist in warding off stress effects you need to increase the level of a top in acids known as tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into noradrenaline and dopamine, alerting neurotransmitters and also the adrenaline hormone. Another name for adrenaline is epinephrine. The collective name given to these types of molecules is catecholamines. 

The neurotransmitter called dopamine is responsible for making you feel good. They work with the brain’s reward center to generate enthusiasm and optimism. Dopamine along with other types of catecholamines facilitates the regular function of the nervous system and also assists in reducing fatigue and maintaining a constant energy level. Adrenalin, for example, works alongside other hormones synthesized by the gland adrenal to sustain sugar in the blood. The brain extremely depends upon these sugars to carry out its function. 

How Catecholamines Works

The reason why catecholamines can maintain energy is that adrenalin and noradrenalin are particularly anti-inflammatory. 

By being able to combat this inflation they permit the mitochondria which are in charge of generating energy to continue their work. This is the key to having a healthy nervous system and brain. 

The shutting down of energy production by mitochondrial is key in certain disease development like Parkinson’s, ALS, or Alzheimer’s. The reason for this is that when brain cells are not able to produce the energy they die. In Parkinson’s, catecholamines and dopamine, in particular, are no longer produced in the brain.

The sustenance and/or release of catecholamines are actually why drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, or some specific antidepressants cause feelings of energy, mood improvement, or exhilaration. The problem with these substances is that they do not replete or build catecholamines reserve this causing dependency. 

Tyrosine provides a natural means for your body to produce catecholamines.

Top Amino Acids

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid required for the production of melanin and thyroid hormones. Melanie is a color pigment found in the hair and skin and is virtually present in almost all proteins in the body. 

This amino acid is part of the essentials because it is obtained from the amino acid phenylalanine. And although this protein deficiency results in tyrosine deficiency, it is a rare occurrence in developed countries. There can still be a huge difference between having sufficient amounts to prevent symptoms and getting optimum results through raising its level. 

Foods rich in protein like poultry, nuts, seeds, fish, and dairy proteins help along with tyrosine supplements to boost blood levels especially when you take it hungry or when the other amino acids which compete with it for absorption are absent.

Though there are claims that supplements of tyrosine are ineffective, it does not make much sense and the claim is inconsistent with observed results so far.

B Vitamins and Acetyl-Carnitine

Dopamine alongside acetylcholine neurotransmitter is very necessary for memory and learning. They can be increased by the consumption of (ALCAR) Acetyl-Carnitine.

Even though both ALCAR and L-Carnitine, its sister compound is produced from the body’s supply of amino acids, their structure is very close to B-vitamin. Just like other B complex vitamins they also play serious roles in metabolism, energy, and the nervous system. 

ALCAR does not only raise acetylcholine and dopamine brain level, but they also permit better utilization of oxygen and improves energy and mitochondrial function. It performs with the support of other substances like coenzyme Q10 and Alpha-Lipoic. 

In summary, ALCAR can protect and energize the brain. There is also research on its role in slowing down Alzheimer’s progression. It is also shown to free the body from ammonia. Increased levels of ammonia can damage brain function. 

Your brain does not have to malfunction before you can benefit from ALCAR. Anyone who desires better memory, attention, alertness, and learning can use ALCAR. You can take up one to two grams of it daily. The effects are more noticeable when used on an empty stomach, although it might be some time before they appear, like ninety days. 

Tryptophan 

Those who would want more relaxing and calming effects may try out tryptophan. The body metabolic neurotransmitter serotonin from this amino acid and also the melatonin hormone. 

Turkey is one food that has high tryptophan levels, now you may understand why most people go to their bed after having holiday dinners and they get drowsy.

Tryptophan functions best when taken with carbohydrates. It increases insulin levels and causes the other type of amino acids to get stored but leaves tryptophan to freely roam the blood. Tryptophan is then converted to melatonin and/or serotonin. However the co-enzyme or active form of the B6 vitamin, pyridoxal 5 phosphates must be available for this conversion to be done.

Enzymatic conversion like this carries out a myriad of vital metabolic functions in the nervous system. It directly involves gene modulation, methylation, energy production, and many more. 

The first symptoms of deficiency in vitamin B include insomnia, fatigue, restless limbs, and nervous twitches.

This is necessarily interpreted to mean that these vitamins will erase all these symptoms magically but any attempt to address the issue should cover them first. This first administered a sufficient supply of them.

Summary 

We see that tyrosine and tryptophan are the top amino acids needed for brain function. Some foods have high amounts of these amino acids, you can try them out if you desire. However, we will advise that you first consult your doctor before doing so. Too much of both amino acids may result in some ugly health conditions that you would rather avoid.

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