No Rain on My Brain
Recently I was chatting with a friend of mine by cell-phone. Our topic of discussion was the new product from IMPaX World Inc known as delta-E. Steve wanted to know two things: “Are you using delta-E personally?” And “Is it just another energy drink like so many on the market today?”
My response was, “I take delta-E every day.” As Gary W. Arendash, PhD, Research Professor at Florida Alzheimer’s Research Center, put it: In order to optimize brain function over your lifespan, high amounts of brain nutrients are required from both food and supplements.
“Second, I don’t consider delta-E an energy drink. There’s a huge difference between doing something to strengthen your brain function as compared to a taking a stimulant that simply binds to receptor molecules in the brain and makes the person think he/she has more energy. Most energy drinks, so-called, trigger a high followed by a low. This roller-coaster effect does nothing to improve brain function and may result in negative outcomes for some in the long-term.”
Our conversation reminded me of college days when some of my classmates routinely downed No Dose tablets in an effort to stay up all night cramming for exams and/or to avoid falling asleep during the actual test. They may have been “awake,” but many of them would crash like clockwork at the end of test week in absolute exhaustion. On top of that, a goodly number of them would come down with a cold or other illness that negatively impacted their school break.
And it isn’t just college kids. Many people take a variety of stimulants in an effort to help them keep going or to enhance their alertness. Unfortunately, many stimulants tend to suppress theta and alpha brain waves (an increase in alpha brain waves is considered an index of relaxation) while promoting beta waves. According to some sources, this can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depressed immune system function—not exactly what they were going for in the first place.
I understand their motivation—keeping the brain working optimally is not only desirable but also critical, especially as the brain ages and gradually loses energy. There is a better way. Enter L-theanine, a neurologically-active non-protein amino acid found in green-tea leaves. L-theanine is quite a player!
Studies and anecdotal observations have shown that L-theanine may:
· Reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Human studies with volunteers have demonstrated this calming effect within 30-40 minutes after ingestion, if not sooner.
· Promote a sense of well-being and confidence by increasing levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and serotonin, a transmitter associated with avoiding depression.
· Heighten mental acuity by producing an increase in alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Alpha brain waves are also associated with an increase in mental focus and creativity, as well as improved concentration—without causing drowsiness—which can lead to improved learning ability and memory functions.
· Strengthen nervous-system function through stimulating the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This protein not only increases growth of neuron dendrites but also is needed by cholinergic brain cells that use acetylcholine for signaling and retaining alertness.
So what’s the problem? L-theanine makes up only 1-2% of the dry weight of green-tea leaves. In the past that meant people needed to drink a great deal of green tea in order to realize the benefits from L-Theanine. In the process, they risked side-effects that often accompany the over-consumption of caffeine.
No longer! Working with scientists and specialists around the world, Greg and Brenda Im have developed a unique extraction process for L-theanine. And IMPaX World’s synergistic delta-E formula contains only 75 mg of specially prepared caffeine, about the amount usually found in half a cup of regular coffee. That’s good news!
“Nothing for the immune system?” asked Steve. “When you talk about the brain you usually mention the immune system, too.”
“There’s good news there, too,” I replied. “Generally what is beneficial for the brain tends to strengthen the immune system, as well. L-theanine has shown some antibacterial-like activity against disease-causing organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.”
And there may be more good news on the horizon. Current areas of ongoing research with L-theanine include it use:
- As an alternative to Ritalin
- In the treatment of PMS
- For mood alteration in depression
Anecdotal reports indicate some success in these areas, as well as in helping individuals who are showing signs of dementia to think more clearly. “Oh, I get it,” said Steve. “No rain in my brain!” I laughed out loud. But he was on the right track. The “green stuff” plus the “pink stuff” equals no rain in my brain.I have ever only endorsed two products. EnerPrime—with its green superfoods and salad of micronutrients—which has been part of my daily brain-friendly lifestyle for several years. And now delta-E. And, unlike the majority of amino acids, delta-E may be taken at any time, with or without food. That is a real boon when I’m traveling!These two nutritional products are part of my daily intake and go with me wherever I travel in the world. I believe they are helping me move toward my goal of living to be 120 years of age with good mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual function.
You may want to make them part of your brain-friendly lifestyle, too.
No rain in my brain . . .
For more information
delta-E - http://amzn.com/B00H6NGFPI
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