Neurotransmitters And Hormones 101

Welcome to Neurotransmitters and Hormones 101! In this informative 2-Part Series, we’ll take a look and find out what neurotransmitters and hormones are and how they affect your workouts. Plus, I provide nutrition and supplement tips throughout to help you optimize your results. We’ll start with Neurotransmitters in Part 1, then move to Hormones in Part 2. Ready? Then let’s get started!

What Are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters can be defined as chemical messengers that help nerve cells signal or communicate with one another. How does that work? Your nervous system regulates the organs of your body. It literally has a part in nearly all of your daily bodily functions. Neurotransmitters have an important role in the functions of the nervous system.

Nerve cells fire nerve impulses by releasing neurotransmitters. These body chemicals then transport messages or signals to other cells. Neurotransmitters deliver these messages by traveling between cells. They then attach to specific receptors on the target cells. Each neurotransmitter attaches to a different but specific receptor. As an example, dopamine molecules will attach only to dopamine receptors. Once they are attached, they trigger an action in the target cell.

This process is important and, as we shall see, applies to both neurotransmitters and hormones(1, 2)

What Are The Functions Of Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are used by the brain to control numerous functions in the body. These functions include:

Muscle Contraction – This is listed first for a reason!
Mood
Concentration
Your Sleep Cycle
Heart rate
Breathing
Digestion
Appetite

Below you will find a list of the primary neurotransmitters and how they are impacted by nutrition and supplements. (1, 2)

Acetylcholine

While acetylcholine has strong cognitive benefits, it also has an additional benefit – supporting muscle contraction. Here’s how that works. It consists of choline and acetic acid and is released by motor neurons. Acetylcholine then binds to protein receptors on the muscle cells and causes these cells to release calcium. This in turn triggers muscle contraction.

Of course, there are more compounds involved in muscle contraction than just this neurotransmitter. For example, the electrolyte minerals magnesium and potassium play a major role in the process. Even so, if you can make the most of acetylcholine production, it can help you reach your peak in the gym.

As mentioned, acetylcholine supports cognitive function, in fact this is mainly what it is known for. Its cognitive benefits include memory, learning, and focus. You will often hear this neurotransmitter referred to as the “learning neurotransmitter”.

Nutrition & Supplement Tips

It’s clear that the cognitive benefits are important, and you will find effective doses of choline in all its variations in many pre-workouts and nootropic formulas. Choline, a member of the B-Compex vitamin family, promotes acetylcholine production.

In addition, it goes without saying how important effective muscular contractions are to your workouts. Since magnesium and potassium are electrolytes, you will optimize this benefit by making sure you are taking a pre and/or intra with a good hydration complex. Here are my suggestions:

Axe & Sledge The Grind – EAAs and Hydration

Panda Supplements Skull – Apha-GPC, a potent source of choline

Food suggestions for magnesium and potassium include bananas, brown rice, and yogurt. Foods high in choline include eggs, canned tuna, and kidney beans.

Dopamine

Dopamine is commonly called a “happy” neurotransmitter. That’s because it has an important part in the reward system of the brain. That’s a complex of brain processes which regulate motivation, desire, and cravings. Finally, Dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin and stimulates growth hormone secretion. There are two other neurotransmitters that tie directly to dopamine: epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Epinephrine

This neurotransmitter is also known as adrenaline. It’s actually believed to be both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. As you may know, epinephrine plays a major role in the fight-or-flight response of the body. Stress as well as fear cause this response. Of course, stress includes the physical stress of working out. This means you’ll have more strength and motivation while training.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is considered to be both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. Similar to epinephrine, norepinephrine helps get the body and the brain ready for action (the “fight or flight” response). Norepinephrine increases alertness, elevates attention, and enhances memory.

Nutrition & Supplement Tips

You can see how important these neurotransmitters can be for a great workout. There are several supplements that can help optimize their production. I suggest the following:

Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode – Contains high amounts of tyrosine, which stimulates the production of these neurotransmitters. Caffeine also stimulates them, and you will find that in both pre-workouts

Panda Supplements Rampage – Contains tyrosine and theanine, both of which stimulate these neurotransmitters.

In terms of food, as noted caffeine and choline stimulate these neurotransmitters. Therefore, coffee and tea are good choices. Also nuts, eggs, cheese, beans, and meats.

*GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid***)

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter whose functions relate mainly to emotions as well as mood. It also helps calm the body, thereby helping to promote a good night’s sleep. Of course, sleep is an important aspect of complete recovery. Finally, GABA is involved in GH production. GH supports both fat loss and muscle mass. (3)

Nutrition & Supplement Tips

I suggest the following:

NOW GABA – GABA can be bought as a standalone supplement.

SNS Sleep Support XT – It makes sense to take it as part of a sleep formula.

Foods that affect GABA include yogurt, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Summary

In Part 1 of Neurotransmitters and Hormones 101, we’ve looked at neurotransmitters, what they are, what their functions are, and what supplements and foods support their production. In Part 2, we’ll take a similar look at hormones. In the meantime, stop by illpumpyouup.com, you’ve got some shopping to do!

Neurotransmitters And Hormones 101 – Part 1!

What Are Neurotransmitters?