Why Our Bodies Need More Phosphatidylserine
What Is Phosphatidylserine
Before we get into why we need Phosphatidylserine, let’s define what it actually is. Phosphatidylserine or PS is a naturally occurring phospholipid. It is found within every cell in our body, but its highest concentration is in our brains. Phosphatidylserine is responsible for regulating many functions of our cells, particularly those related to our cognitive functions.
Phosphatidylserine is a type of “Nootropic”, which are drugs or supplements that enhance our brain’s cognitive functions. Phosphatidylserine is great for anyone looking to maintain their brain’s health. In healthy individuals, Phosphatidylserine can sharpen our mental focus, balance our mood, and increase our ability to learn.
In some studies, prolonged use of Phosphatidylserine has been shown to slow down the negative effects of aging on the brain. In healthy individuals, it may prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. In people already suffering from Alzheimer’s, Phosphatidylserine has been shown to improve and alleviate symptoms of the disease.
Though Phosphatidylserine occurs naturally in our bodies, it often isn’t enough to have a significant impact on our brain health. We can easily get more Phosphatidylserine from foods such as cow brains, chicken hearts, and pig spleens. However, most people no longer eat this type of food, so supplements are needed. There is only about 60 grams of naturally occurring Phosphatidylserine in our bodies. The average recommended dosage is 300 mg per day. This amount is needed if you want to see any of the benefits associated with increased levels of Phosphatidylserine.
Why Do We Need Phosphatidylserine
Now that we know what it is, we can start exploring why we need it in the first place. Since the brain naturally produces PS, many experts agree that it is absolutely vital to our overall brain health. It is essential to the upkeep and restoration of nerve cell membranes. PS has been shown to increase the number of synapses and improve the communications between brain cells. Phosphatidylserine also keeps cell membranes fluid, which improves neural processing.
The main benefit of Phosphatidylserine is that it increases our memory and boosts our brain’s cognitive functions. When a person is healthy, using PS can help increase mental focus and concentration. The effects of PS are believed to be long term and may prevent some of the consequences of aging on the brain. Phosphatidylserine may have some restorative properties and it can alleviate the effects of head trauma and stroke.
It Can Be Used To Treat A Number Of Mental Disorders/Diseases
There have been many studies on the effects of Phosphatidylserine on people who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Though it isn’t a cure, it may help reverse some of the effects of these diseases. Prolonged use by patients with Alzheimer’s has shown to increase memory retention of both old and new information. PS increases the production of acetylcholine, which is something that Alzheimer’s patients lack.
Phosphatidylserine is also widely used as an alternative to Ritalin and Adderall, which treat ADD/ADHD. PS improves focus and helps ADD/ADHD sufferers improve their learning ability. Since Phosphatidylserine helps balance moods, it’s great for reducing hyperactivity. PS balances cell metabolism, which in turn helps to regulate energy levels in patients with ADD/ADHD.
PS increases the production of Dopamine, which helps balance our mood. This is a great help to people suffer with anxiety and mild symptoms of depression. Phosphatidylserine also regulates cortisol, which is released through high levels of stress. One of the main symptoms of anxiety is the over production of cortisol. PS helps eliminate this excess cortisol and rebalance your brain’s chemistry.
It Can Be Used To Prolong Brain Health
One of the most studied benefits of Phosphatidylserine is on the prolonged benefits of its use. Since PS regulates so many of our brain’s cognitive functions, not only can it improve these aspects of our mental health, but it can also be used to prevent damage to our brains from old age. As we age, our mental cognition declines. Our natural production of Phosphatidylserine significantly decreases and many of our brain’s abilities grow weaker.
Cell membranes become more rigid as we age, and communications between brain cells slow down. Phosphatidylserine may prevent too much cell membrane damage by keeping them fluid for longer. This will help to reduce memory impairment and cognitive decline. PS may help keep your levels of acetylcholine balanced, which will protect you against memory loss and diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. An increase in Dopamine production can help prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
While Phosphatidylserine isn’t going to cure us of all these diseases or completely reverse their symptoms, PS can slow things down and help alleviate many of the negative aspects of these diseases. An increase in Phosphatidylserine is not only beneficial, but also necessary to maintaining good brain health. Prolonged use will not only improve our mental acuity, but it will also help balance our mood. Phosphatidylserine provides us with clearer and sharper minds, which will help us to live healthier and longer lives.
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://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-992-phosphatidylserine.aspx?activeingredientid=992
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nootropic
http://smartdrugsmarts.com/faq/nootropics/
http://nootriment.com/phosphatidylserine-dosage/
