Have a Brain that Behaves

Like a hamster on a wheel, our thoughts can take over our sleep and our productivity.

Sometimes we need support to calm a chattering brain.

Calm the Chatter

The Mail Delivery System

Brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters are messengers for the brain and spinal cord which makes up our central nervous system (CNS).

If our brain is a big city, the neurotransmitters are the mail carriers that carry messages to different parts of the brain and nervous system.

These messages are important because they help us do all the things like think, feel, and move our bodies. Different neurotransmitters carry different messages. Some neurotransmitters help us feel happy, excited, and focused, while others help us feel calm, relaxed and stops the unwanted chatter.

The Bouncer at The Nightclub

Just like a bouncer at a nightclub we have a system that protects our brain from rowdy and destructive substances and lets in the party people who dance all night and buys the drinks.

It’s called the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)

The BBB allows the passage of certain necessary molecules, such as oxygen and glucose, while blocking harmful substances, including toxins, bacteria, viruses and some drugs, from entering the brain.

This barrier is essential for maintaining the proper environment for the brain and helps protect it.

Toxins and high blood pressure can cause damage to the BBB. And when we have leaky gut (where the barrier of the intestinal lining breaks down) we often have leaky brain (were the blood brain barrier breaks down).

When the BBB breaks down, substances that may be toxic can enter the brain and cause damage.

But there are some natural substances that can cross into the brain and can help improve brain function and help heal a damaged brain.

“We need an intake blood brain barrier, the right neurotransmitters, in the right amount and sent to the right place, for our brain to function at its best.” Dr. Stacey

Calm the Chatter Brain

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become a part of our daily lives.

While there are many ways to reduce stress and calm the mind, including exercise, meditation, and therapy, natural supplements can also be effective in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Remember, when your primal brain detects danger (a charging rhino or a deadline or an argument or just stress in general) it will send you into fight or flight mode (also called a sympathetic state).

When this happens, your blood pressure increases to rush blood to your heart, lungs and muscles to run or fight.

If you don’t run or fight and if this is happening frequently, it can cause anxiety, loss of focus, fatigue, loss of sleep, inflammation and disease.

Here are some of the natural supplements that can help calm the brain:

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that has a calming effect without causing drowsiness.

50 mg has shown to increase alpha waves in the brain which is linked to creativity.

It decreases stress and anxiety and helps improve sleep.

It is also believed to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, which can improve mood.

Saffron is an herb that can help improve mood, memory and the ability to learn. It has great anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Steep 10 or so strands of high-quality saffron in a cup of hot water and enjoy.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and anxiety.

It can help regulate cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

Magnesium L-Threonate is one of the natural substances that can cross the blood brain barrier. Other forms of magnesium, like magnesium glycinate, cannot do this but are still important for muscle and heart function.

Magnesium L-Threonate decreases brain excitability, mind chatter and worry. Especially at night which is a great time to take it.

I suggest taking 3 capsules of Mag L-Threonate at night with 1 packet of MetaRelax. Then 3 tablets of Mag Glycinate during the day. All by Metagenics. This is based on a study that taking 550 mg of magnesium daily decreases brain shrinkage as we age and reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive disorders.

Curcumin is the active compound of the spice turmeric. The bright yellowish orange root that can stain your clothes if you are not careful. It is widely used in ayurvedic cooking for its amazing health benefits.

First and foremost it is an anti-inflammatory game changer. It has helped many of my patients with a variety of inflammatory conditions from skin rashes to irritable bowel syndrome.

It is a strong anti-oxidant. That means it can help protect against cancer and oxidative stress that can lead to heart disease.

Curcumin can improve blood flow to the brain and increase BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which keeps brain neurons healthy. BDNF is involved with memory and learning.

It is also a great anti-depressant.

Recipe for Golden Milk

Heat the following in a small saucepan:

1 cup of unsweetened light coconut milk or almond milk

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 pinch of black pepper

sweetener of choice (stevia, allulose, monk fruit, maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar)

Pour into a mug and enjoy!

Valerian root is a herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep.

It is believed to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

I often recommend Formula 303 as a natural muscle relaxant. It has both valerian and magnesium and is wonderfully effective.

It is also the absolute stinkiest supplement there is, so don’t open a bottle on an airplane… You’ve been warned!

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It is believed to work by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter GABA and promotes relaxation.

Brain 911

One of my favorite supplements for brain function is Ceralin Forte by Metagenics

Chock full of methylated B vitamins, Grape seed extract, Acetyl-L-carnitine and

N-acetylcysteine, this supplement is considered Brain 911.

It helps the brain heal, function, increase energy, and calm down.

Everything in it can cross the blood brain barrier.

Your brain uses a ton of energy (no wonder you are hungry at the end of the day after using your brain to figure things out, study, not blow a gasket!)

I recommend 3 capsules taken with a meal during the day

Side note: When taking any B vitamins keep these three thing in mind.

1. Do not take them on an empty stomach because it will make you nauseous and I will never hear the end of it.
2. Do not take them right before bed because the increase in energy may keep you up.
3. Your urine might turn bright neon orange. Don’t freak. It’s just a harmless chemical reaction.

It is important to note that while natural supplements can be effective in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

If you are experiencing severe or chronic anxiety, it is important to seek professional help.

Natural supplements can be an effective way to calm the brain and promote relaxation. If you are considering using natural supplements, be sure to do your research and talk to your healthcare provider to determine your personal mental magic formula.

I would like to help you create a healthy brain. If you would like guidance on choosing supplements and the dosages to take, make an appointment and we can zero in on exactly what you need for your specific brilliant brain.