How Does Phosphatidylserine Work?

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that occurs naturally in the human body. PS is found in every cell of our bodies, but is heavily concentrated in our neural tissue. It is primarily found in the cell membranes of neurons. Phosphatidylserine is believed to make up as much as 10% of our brain’s neuron cells.

Phosphatidylserine is “Nootropic”, a type of supplement that enhances cognitive functions. Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea coined the term Nootropic and to qualify as a Nootropic, a supplement must meet five criteria. As a Nootropic, Phosphatidylserine enhances memory, our ability to learn, and increases our focus. Phosphatidylserine must also be safe and produce few side effects. In the studies that have been done on Phosphatidylserine, all toxicology reports have been clean and there are only a handful of mild side effects.

Phosphatidylserine is believed to have many positive effects on our cognitive functions. It can aid in memory recall, increase our mental clarity, and even balance our moods. So how exactly does Phosphatidylserine work?

One of Phosphatidylserine’s greatest functions is that it is a key building block of our brain cells. It has been known to actually increase the number of synapses in our brains, thus enhancing the quality of communications between brain cells.

Phosphatidylserine is particularly useful for elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. In the elderly in general and especially in those with Alzheimer’s and impaired cognitive functions, brain cell membranes become rigid. This impairs brain cell communication and is responsible for the slow memory recall and delayed mental functions in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Phosphatidylserine helps to keep cell membranes fluid, thus ensuring quality communications between brain cells.

In healthy individuals, especially young people, Phosphatidylserine can be used to slow down and prevent the decline of mental functions. In elderly patients with Alzheimer’s, Phosphatidylserine can increase the fluidity of cell membranes that have been damaged by the disease. PS rejuvenates these cells and they are able to communicate effectively again.

Though Phosphatidylserine is present in our bodies, it is only a small amount; about 60 grams at any given time. We can get more Phosphatidylserine through the foods we eat. It can be found in foods like soy, chicken livers, and cow brains. In the west, these aren’t foods we typically eat, so Phosphatidylserine supplements are needed to see any type of positive effect on our brains.

After we consume Phosphatidylserine, either through food or supplements, PS is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. It is able to directly travel to the central nervous system, where it has the most impact on our bodies. Once it’s in our bodies, as a phospholipid, Phosphatidylserine binds with neurotransmitters and enhances the brain’s ability to metabolize glucose. This helps to make our minds sharper and increases our focus.

Phosphatidylserine also increases our brain’s production of Acetylcholine. More Acetylcholine means enhanced cognitive ability, especially in regards to memory, focus, and analytical abilities. Acetylcholine levels are also linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia. People suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia tend to have much lower levels of Acetylcholine. Since Phosphatidylserine aids in producing more Acetylcholine, it may slow down or even reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. In some studies, PS has been shown to improve the memories of patient’s suffering from these diseases.

Phosphatidylserine has also been found to increase the production of Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate our mood. Because of the positive effects it has on Dopamine production, people suffering from anxiety often use Phosphatidylserine.

Another thing that Phosphatidylserine helps regulate is the body’s production of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps your brain respond to external stimuli. It is released during feelings of duress, especially during exercise and bouts of anxiety. Excess amounts of cortisol in the body for prolonged periods of time can lead to weight gain, low energy, and memory impairment. Phosphatidylserine is quickly becoming known as one of the best natural cortisol blockers. PS is able to find and eliminate the excess amounts of cortisol in the body and restore balance.

Not only do people suffering from anxiety use Phosphatidylserine for blocking excess cortisol, but so do athletes, especially bodybuilders. When they work out hard, their body releases more cortisol and creates muscle loss and fatigue. Phosphatidylserine helps stop their bodies from producing too much cortisol. It also helps to prevent unwanted muscle loss from over training.

Phosphatidylserine is a safe supplement that virtually anyone can use. It has so many positive effects on our brains and bodies. Taking Phosphatidylserine is a natural way to improve our cognitive functions. For people who are healthy and young, Phosphatidylserine will help to slow down the ravages of old age on the mind. Phosphatidylserine is great for improving the mental functions of elderly, even those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Sources:

http://nootriment.com/phosphatidylserine/
https://www.mymodafy.com/benefits-phosphatidylserine-nootropic/
https://examine.com/supplements/phosphatidylserine/
http://nutritionalengineering.org/phosphatidylserine-vitamin-memory.htm
http://smartdrugsmarts.com/faq/nootropics/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-992-phosphatidylserine.aspx?activeingredientid=992