Natural Stacks (9)

Dopamine Brain Food™ is designed to promote the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential to the central nervous system. Research suggests that the compounds in Dopamine Brain Food™ can improve attention and learning, as well as movement and balance. The benefits include: ● Increased mental alertness● Increased drive to accomplish tasks● Support for athletic performance This natural formula contains all the necessary precursors and cofactors for optimal dopamine metabolism. What is “brain food”? Neurochemistry, the chemical patterns and processes that cause your brain to function as it does, is highly complex. It varies significantly between individuals, and is heavily influenced by a large range of factors. Your diet, exercise habits, sun exposure, social group and genetics all have a role to play in your brain’s chemical behaviour. Most of us do not get enough of everything we need every day to keep our brain function 100% optimized. That’s why supplementing with brain food can give you such an edge. Brain food are natural nutrients that act as fuel for specific neurotransmitters in the brain. They can be taken daily to boost various states of optimal performance. By addressing any deficiencies or imbalances in the delicate neurological system, you can increase your ability to concentrate, regulate your energy, and balance your mood. The importance of Dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with motivation, short-term memory, creativity and personality. It is metabolized into epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase alertness and attention. Abnormal dopamine levels can cause a wide range of diseases. Low levels are associated with Alzheimers, Parkinsons and depression. Getting your dopamine levels balanced and in an optimal range can have a profound influence on your health and quality of life. When your dopamine is being produced at the optimal pace, you will feel alert and engaged. Your mood will be stable and well balanced. You’ll feel calm and steady, while being able to think creatively and with total clarity. Complete Neurotransmitter Support The best way to optimize dopamine levels is to ensure that the necessary precursors and cofactors are available. These precursors and cofactors pave the way for your brain to produce and then use dopamine at an optimal rate. Dopamine Brain Food™ provides these essential compounds. It contains amino acid precursors (L-Phenylalanine & L-Tyrosine), dopamine metabolism cofactors and antioxidants (Vitamin B­6, Vitamin C, & Selenium), as well as specific nutrients to optimize the SAM cycle (Folate, Vitamin B­12, & Trimethylglycine). For Mental Alertness SUGGESTED USE: Take a serving of 2 or 3 capsules in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not take more than 3 capsules per day. Dopamine Brain Fuel works synergistically with CILTEP by ensuring that the increase in intracellular cAMP is supported for an extended period of time, leading to even more pronounced motivation and focus. U.S.A manufactured in a cGMP facility. Natural Stacks proudly uses only the highest quality ingredients. L-Phenylalanine As a precursor to dopamine, this essential amino acid is directly converted into phenylethylamine, an important neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. It is converted into L­tyrosine in the body by phenylalanine hydroxylase. It’s present in many foods such as eggs, meat and dairy. L-Tyrosine A non-essential amino acids found in many foods including meats and dairy that is converted by tyrosine hydroxylase into L-DOPA, the direct precursor to dopamine. Vitamin B­6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate) An essential vitamin that is also a necessary cofactor that is used by the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase to convert L-DOPA into dopamine. Vitamin C(Quali-C®) A familiar essential vitamin and antioxidant found in high amounts in fruits. It is a co­factor that helps dopamine β­hydroxylase convert dopamine into noradrenaline. Vitamin C speeds up this conversion process and plays an important neuroprotective role. Folate (Quatrefolic® L-Methylfolate), Vitamin B­12 (Methylcobalamin), & Trimethylglycine(TMG) These nutrients help turn homocysteine into SAM-E by acting as cofactors and substrates for the SAM cycle. Creating optimal amounts of SAM-E is important, as it is a precursor to the body’s natural production of many beneficial endogenous substances such as creatine. It also provides the methylation fuel that turns noradrenaline in to adrenaline. Selenium An essential vitamin and antioxidant that protects cells and helps keep the brain’s levels of dopamine producing enzymes at optimal levels. Quali-C® is a registered trademark of DSM. Quatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Dopamine Metabolism, by Abelard Lindsay Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is, among other things, associated with motivation, short-term memory, creativity and personality [1][2][3]. It is metabolized into epinephrine and norepinephrine to increase alertness and attention [4]. It must be properly balanced and metabolized for optimal benefit. Too much dopamine can result in manic states [5] and too little can cause depression and lack of motivation [6]. Dopamine metabolism can be metaphorically compared to a factory process where raw materials such as L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine, which are amino acids present in foods, are transformed by various workers (enzymes) who use various materials (cofactors) in each transformation step. The intermediate products of this metabolism are used to transmit signals through the body and the brain [7]. Unlike a regular factory, the intermediate products are the useful aspects of production and are used primarily in signaling. At the beginning of dopamine metabolism, the dietary amino acid L-Phenylalanine is converted into L-Tyrosine by phenylalanine hydroxylase, and L-Tyrosine into L-Dopa by tyrosine hydroxylase. Studies suggest that tyrosine hydroxylase is upregulated by phosphorylated CREB, which is activated during cAMP/PKA driven long-term potentiation [8]. This is one of the theorized mechanisms of action of CILTEP. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity is the rate limiting step in this metabolic process [12]. Further down the metabolic chain from L-Tyrosine is L-Dopa, which is also available as a drug and in the supplement mucuna pruriens [13]. L-Dopa’s synthesis into dopamine is supported by the active form of vitamin B6, known as pyridoxal phosphate, commonly abbreviated as p5p , and the enzyme dopadecarboxylase [14]. Some intermediate products of dopamine metabolism act as an agonist at the TAAR1 receptor [15]. This receptor is primarily targeted by ADHD drugs [16]. It causes increases in cAMP levels in the cell [17]. Unlike forskolin, the aforementioned ADHD drugs cause efflux of stored dopamine into the synaptic cleft via modulation of the dopamine transporter protein known as DAT [18][19]. This efflux leads to increases in dopamine in the synaptic cleft, producing fast increases in arousal. From reading through a lot of anecdotal experiences and research, that it appears to be undesirable to rapidly raise neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic cleft above a given baseline, as it can lead to excessive arousal and unbalanced cognitive effects. It’s better to help the “factory” produce optimally by supplying cofactors and optimally helping and directing each intermediate reaction and postsynaptic metabolic pathways. Another place that products from dopamine metabolism operate is in the dopamine receptors themselves. The D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 receptors all respond to dopamine in the brain and have various cognitive related effects. D2 receptors modulate prolactin, [20] which some studies suggest is linked to the male sexual refractory time [21]. Direct agonists for these receptors are usually in the class of dopamine agonist drugs that are sometimes prescribed for Parkinson’s symptoms [22][23][24]. D1 and D2 are involved in novelty detection [25] and sexual desire [26]. While D1 and D5 are involved in memory formation [27], D2 and D3 are associated with addiction [28] and compulsions [29]. D4 is involved with cognitive performance [30]. The various mood, addiction, compulsion and sexual influencing effects of dopamine agonists in the brain and various accounts of socially undesirable behavior under the administration of direct dopamine agonists [31] (usually in Parkinsons treatment) leads me to avoid the direct stimulation of these pathways. It appears that it is better to provide cofactors to aid and assist in metabolism along dopaminergic pathways than to directly activate receptors with agonists. However, direct agonists certainly have their uses. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a cofactor via the enzyme dopamine b-hydroxylase. That is further converted to epinephrine via phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase with SAMe as a cofactor. You can read more about SAMe in an earlier essay “The SAM Cycle And The Brain”. Dopamine can also be converted to the TAAR1 agonist 3Methoxytyramine via the enzyme COMT [32]. COMT inhibition is an interesting area of exploration in cognitive enhancement. There is a gene polymorphism, the val158met polymorphism, that influences the rate at which dopamine is processed into further metabolic intermediates via the COMT enzyme. The quick processing polymorphism is called val/val and the more slowly processing polymorphism is called met/met. In one study, participants with the val/val gene had lower scores on a memory test known as dual n­back [33]. Another study suggests that those with the met158 allele have better cognitive performance. To quote the study “The low activity met158 allele has been associated with improved working memory, executive functioning, and attentional control, but also with a higher risk of anxietyrelated behaviors” [34]. It is interesting to note that Luteolin is a substrate for COMT [35], so variations in the COMT allele might account for different anecdotal effects of Luteolin from artichoke extract. How we metabolize dopamine is a core contributor to mood and cognitive function.

Better For Your Brain*Formulated to outperform any other marine oil product on the market, Antarctic Krill Oil contains more DHA to achieve the optimal EPA / DHA balance for brain health.*Better For Your Heart*Astaxanthin is a rare but powerful natural ingredient produced by sea algae. Antarctic Krill Oil contains 700% more Astaxanthin than most krill oil products, helping to deliver superior heart health benefits.*[25]No AftertasteEach softgel of Antarctic Krill Oil is completely flavorless and made from fresh, high-quality oil. No after-taste. No rancidness. And no fish burps.Delivers a superior dose of Omega-3s for brain, heart, and joint health*Experience the gift of being able to move better, think better, and feel better. Omega-3s are present in all longevity-driven diets. However, we can rarely get enough in our standard foods. That’s why fueling the brain and body with key fatty acids primes it for optimal focus, memory, and cognitive function with each passing year.*A scientifically-proven superior option to fish oil [24]Don’t settle for the inferior choice. Your brain deserves only the best. Krill oil contains both DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin. This makes it the superior option compared to fish oil supplements. These antioxidants support the brain directly and deliver premium support for healthy aging.*

Found in cells throughout the brain and body, Vitamin D plays an integral role in regulating the neuromuscular and immune systems [1,2], as well as mood and sleep [3]. It’s also a critical hormone precursor that supports new cell growth [4] and bone formation [5,6]. Vitamin D is essential to maintaining health and optimizing performance. Unfortunately it’s only found in a few foods and often in very small amounts. Because of it’s vital importance and lack of dietary sources, humans evolved to be able to make Vitamin D on their own. Ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation from sunlight penetrates uncovered skin and naturally gets converted into Vitamin D. Season, time / length of day, cloud cover, smog, sunscreen, and darkness of skin all affect the amount of UV exposure and rate of Vitamin D synthesis [7].  It’s been shown that cloud cover and pollution can reduce UV energy by up to 60%, and UV-B radiation doesn’t penetrate glass so exposure to sunlight through a window does not produce Vitamin D [8]. It’s estimated that 1 billion worldwide suffer from Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency [9]. Symptoms of inadequate levels of Vitamin D include bone pain and muscle weakness, but the symptoms can be subtle and go undetected in the initial stages. Deficiency has been associated with increased risk of autoimmune, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases [10]. Natural Stacks™ Vitamin D3 provides the highly bioavailable form of natural Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol). To ensure optimal absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin we suspended it in the healthiest fat on the planet - organic cold pressed coconut oil. The natural fatty acids in coconut oil aid the transport of Vitamin D into the bloodstream for fast and effective results.   Vitamin d, neurocognitive functioning and immunocompetence. Vitamin d and the immune system: beyond rickets. Vitamin d deficiency may play a role in depression. Vitamin d’s role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Effectiveness and safety of vitamin d in relation to bone health. The role of vitamin d for bone health and fracture prevention. Benefits and requirements of vitamin d for optimal health: a review. The photobiology of vitamin d and its consequences for humans. Vitamin d: evolutionary, physiological and health perspectives. Vitamin d deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences. PERFORMANCE ESSENTIAL Suggested Use: Take 1 softgel per day, preferably in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Each softgel features 5,000 IU of the most bioavailable form of natural Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is absolutely essential for optimal performance and health. Organic Coconut Oil Certified organic coconut oil is the perfect addition to Vitamin D3. Fat-soluble vitamin D is suspended within the coconut oil allowing for maximum absorption.   When studying the relationship between vitamin D levels and cognition, researchers found that “the high vitamin D group had significantly more correct responses than the low vitamin D group”. [1] A meta-analysis of 18 independent randomized controlled trials (total 57,311 participants) found that “Intake of ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements seems to be associated with decreases in total mortality rates”. [2] An extensive 2007 study on 2,160 healthy women concluded that “higher vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer LTL, which underscores the potentially beneficial effects of this hormone of aging and age-related diseases”. [3]  A rodent study investigating the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D discovered it’s ability to mitigate inflammation, making it “a useful therapeutic option to alleviate the effects of aging on cognitive function”. [4] Dr. Rhonda Patrick recently discovered that “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis”. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. [5]   A study examining the cognitive performance, mood, and physical performance of 80 older adults found that “vitamin D deficiency was associated with low mood and with impairment on two of four measures of cognitive performance”. [6]   Vitamin D and executive function: a preliminary report. Vitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Higher serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomere length in women. Vitamin D mitigates age-related cognitive decline through the modulation of pro-inflammatory state and decrease in amyloid burden. Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. part 1; relevance for autism. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low mood and worse cognitive performance in older adults.  

Inflammation - the silent killer Inflammation is a natural response to stress, injury, or illness as part of the body’s normal recovery process.  However problems arise if you’re constantly in an inflammatory state.  Inflammation is the #1 performance robber.  It can negatively affect your joints, brain function, and gut health on a daily basis. Unfortunately, in today’s world it’s impossible to completely protect yourself from inflammation.  Things like exposure to wireless internet signals, too much artificial light, not getting enough sleep, and consuming too much sugar or processed foods are all causes of inflammation. And the negative side effects of inflammation are cumulative.  It may go un-noticed until you experience things like minor joint pain or occasional brain fog, but then it can develop into serious health problems.  In fact, chronic inflammation is the common link among the leading causes of death in developed nations.  It’s the root factor for 7 of the top 10 causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. (1) Reducing inflammation is essential for performing at your highest level every day and living a long, healthy life.   Curcumin - fight inflammation and live optimal The root of the turmeric plant has been used has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions.  The natural phenol of turmeric responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties is called Curcumin. Curcumin is capable of interacting with a number of different molecular targets involved in inflammation.  It modulates the inflammatory response by down-regulating the activity of enzymes such as lipoxygenase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) - the target of the pharmaceutical drug Celebrex®.  It also inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin (IL) -1, -2, -6, -8, and -12, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP), and migration inhibitory protein.  This multi-pronged attack on inflammation is the key to its effectiveness.  Numerous studies over recent decades have substantiated the exciting mental and physical performance boosting benefits of curcumin.  It’s has been shown to: Reduce inflammation and lower disease risk (2,3) Increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) (4,5) Increase insulin sensitivity (6) Reduce symptoms of depression and increase mood (5,7) Speed recovery (8) Protect against neural degradation (9) Increase testosterone and boost muscle growth (10,11) However, curcumin powder has very low bioavailability…. The downside for curcumin - and the reason it hasn’t (yet) become a health superstar - is that it has very low oral bioavailability, resulting from poor solubility in the aqueous phase of the digestive fluids, limited intestinal uptake, rapid metabolism, and urinary excretion. (12) Our goal with Natural Stacks Curcumin was to change that. The science is too convincing and the benefits are too life-changing to simply throw curcumin away due to “low bioavailability”. Creating a superior curcumin supplement Unlike regular curcumin powder, we start with a standardized 95% curcumin extract - purified and concentrated from raw turmeric root.  We use the patented NovaSOL solubilisation technology to suspend the curcumin extract in microscopic spheres called micelles which transform the dense and opaque extract into a body-ready liquid form.  The liquid micelles are completely stable at gastric pH and are so microscopically small that the curcumin is readily absorbed and passed directly into the bloodstream. A human clinical trial showed that NovaSOL Curcumin is 185X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than regular curcumin powder and 10X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract.  It was also shown to be long lasting, remaining in blood plasma for up to 24 hours. (13) To take it a step further, we combined the liquid curcumin micelles with organic coconut oil for superior bioavailability. Anti-Inflammatory SUGGESTED USE: Take 1 serving per day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. U.S.A manufactured in a cGMP facility.  Natural Stacks proudly uses only the highest quality ingredients. NovaSOL® Curcumin Each serving contains 1,000 mg of NovaSOL curcumin, shown to be 10x more bioavailable than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract.  The unique micelle structure is completely stable at gastric pH allowing for rapid absorption, making it very effective at much lower doses. Organic Coconut Oil Certified organic coconut oil is the perfect addition to curcumin, allowing for maximum absorption. NovaSOL® is a registered trademark of Aquanova AG. Sources: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/table/T1/ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899306027144 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432812006997 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X0901571X http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26540017 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26552010 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1524-475X.1998.60211.x/abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746179 Sharma, R. A., Steward, W.P., Grescher, A. J., Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of curcumin. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 2007, 595, 453-470. http://novasolcurcumin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NovaSOL-Curcumin-Clinical-Study.pdf NovaSOL Curcumin 185X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than curcumin powder and 10X MORE BIOAVAILABLE than a fully standardized (95%) curcumin extract. According to scientists conducting independent research, “the liquid micellar formulation of curcumin significantly improved its oral bioavailability” and “Consumers will benefit dramatically from consuming relatively low doses of NovaSOL Curcumin (about 80 to 90 mg per day) as that is the bio-equivalent dose of 12 to 15 grams of curcumin powder.” [1] Anti-Inflammatory / Pain Relief / Tissue Healing High doses of curcumin improved tendon healing, lowered inflammation markers, and led to a faster and more complete recovery [2] “Curcumin is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in normal conditions.” and “In conclusion, curcumin is capable of promoting nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in diabetes mellitus, highlighting its therapeutic values as a neuroprotective agent for peripheral nerve injury repair in diabetes mellitus.” [3] Lowers risk of and treats commons diseases of inflammation “This agent has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases” [4] including: Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, Cerebral Injury, Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, Arthritis, HIV/AIDS, Allergies, IBS/Crohn's, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Depression.[5] Mental Performance Curcumin increases Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - the growth hormone responsible for neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) [6] “Curcumin treatment had positive effects on mitochondrial membrane potential.” [7] “Curcumin better than Prozac at lowering symptoms of depression with none of the alarming and unwanted side effects.” [8] Metabolic Disorders & Diabetes A 2009 Study from Auburn University published in Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications showed that “Curcumin is literally 400 times more potent than Metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating AMPK which improves insulin sensitivity which can help reverse Type 2 Diabetes.” [9] Muscle Growth / Recovery Curcumin exhibits strong anti-catabolic properties - protecting muscle from excessive damage during eccentric training and preventing muscle loss during periods of no weight training. [10] The anti-estrogenic effects of curcumin increase ratio of testosterone:estrogen, promoting increased lean muscle mass [11] Webinar replay Discussing inflammation and the scientifically proven benefits of curcumin (link to webinar replay after Thursday 1/21) Sources: http://novasolcurcumin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/NovaSOL-Curcumin-Clinical-Study.pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26540017 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26552010 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/table/T1/ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432812006997 http://www.jpreventionalzheimer.com/all-issues.html?article=39   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X0901571X http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1524-475X.1998.60211.x/abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15746179