Category Archives: Brain

Mental Function and Dehydration

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Robert Barrington

A reasonably large body of evidence from the literature shows a correlation between the hydration level of the subject and physical performance. As dehydration reaches about 5 %, performance drops off significantly. Athletes have known this for some time, and … Continue reading →

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Glycine and Sleep Quality

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Robert Barrington

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid in human nutrition. This means that the cells of the body are able to synthesise glycine from other amino acids and in this regard there is no requirement to provide a dietary source. The … Continue reading →

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Acetylcholine and Choline

Posted on December 7, 2023 by Robert Barrington

A number of dietary substances are required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters in humans, and this links the diet to the brain. Choline is a dietary factor that is present in a number of foods including eggs, meat, fish and … Continue reading →

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L-theanine: Psychotropic Effects?

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Robert Barrington

L-Theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine) is a non-essential non-proteinaceous amino acid that is found in its free form in tea. Evidence suggests that L-theanine from tea or in supplements is able to cause relaxation by induction of alpha wave states in the brain. … Continue reading →

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Effects of Fruit on Mental and Cognitive Health

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Fruit consumption has been shown to confer a number of health effects to the consumer. This may relate to the beneficial phytochemicals within fruit which includes high amounts of fibre and antioxidants. One particular health effect that may occur with … Continue reading →

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Spirulina and Brain Health

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Spirulina is a filamentous cyanobacterium which inhabits fresh water, and following harvesting it is freeze dried and manufactured as a food supplement. Evidence suggests that spirulina has significant therapeutic effects. One interesting aspect of spirulina is evidence that supports its … Continue reading →

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Choline for Memory

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Choline is an essential deity component sometimes grouped with the B vitamins. Choline and its metabolites are required for normal cell signalling, and choline can be metabolised to betaine, which is required for homocysteine metabolism and is an important methyl … Continue reading →

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Glycine and Glutamate Bind to the N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Robert Barrington

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is present in the central nervous system where it has an excitatory effect on neuronal activity. A number of ligands exist for the NMDA receptor, and two of these include glutamate and glycine. Glutamate can bind … Continue reading →

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Shilajit: Cognitive Effects

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Shilajit, also known as salajit, shilajatu, mimie, or mummiyo is a black powder that excudes from rocks in high mountain regions. A number of organic substances in shilajit have been identified including the compound called fulvic acid, which may give … Continue reading →

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Branched Chain Amino Acids and Brain Function

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Branched chain amino acids are amino acids with a structure that contains a branch. In this regard they are structurally unique amongst the amino acids. Branched chain amino acids are found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and their main … Continue reading →

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