Almost everyone wants to feel better. This includes feeling happier, more alive, and even having a better mood and attitude.
While no supplement is able to guarantee and promise ALL of these effects, there is one that does come close.
Many people have been using Beta-Phenylethylamine as a way to enhance their overall mood.
What is B-Phenylethylamine (PEA)?
What is Phenylethylamine? B-Phenylethylamine, often shortened to PEA, is a substance found naturally in chocolate. In fact, there is a lot of science behind this being the main reason as to why we receive such a natural “boost” or feel good effect after eating chocolate. It is a derivative of the amino acid Phenylalanine.
There is also much evidence to suggest that part of the reason for its effects have to do with this supplement being able to increase dopamine levels within the brain. This is important because dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter (this is how nerve cells “talk” to each other).
While dopamine plays many roles within the brain, one of the key functions is triggering reward-motivated behavior. Every time you receive a reward (any kind whether it is a complement on a job well done or a trophy for a sport) your dopamine levels spike.
In addition to this, it is also thought that Beta-Phenylethylamine helps to block the action of dopamine transmitters, so it really works on both ends of the spectrum. What this means is beta phenylethylamine not only increases dopamine production, but it also blocks it from getting absorbed too quickly.
Experts also think that the supplement helps promote the release of acetylcholine, another powerful brain chemical which helps to support memory and cognition.
So not only will Beta Phenylethylamine improve your mood, it can also boost your brain power!
Beta Phenylethylamine (PEA) Supplement Online
There are numerous online suppliers of PEA. However, here are a few I found in my brief search:
Supplement Direct | 100g for $19.99 | No alternate variant |
Pure Bulk | 100g for $5.60 | 500g for $21.87 |
Pure Bulk offers multiple options (even more than I listed above if you are looking to buy in bulk) while Supplement Direct only gives you one.
They also offer a third party lab tests upon request, so you know for certain you are getting what you ordered. Their website was also much easier for me to navigate, but that is merely an aesthetic.
As far as appearance goes, this supplement is normally found in a crystallized salt format. It is water soluble and has a bitter taste. In powder form, it is advised to mix with juice.
PEA (Phenylethylamine) Supplement Benefits
The major benefits related to this supplement are mood enhancement and an overall feeling of well being. Due to the release of circulating levels of dopamine and acetylcholine it is even possible that some users may experience a feeling akin to a natural “high.”
In addition to this enhanced feeling of well being, users may notice a slight elevation of their blood pressure. Many people report that this is a similar experience to feeling like they are in love.
As your mood becomes enhanced, this leads to a number of additional effects. For example, users have reported a much greater amount of mental energy, clarity and focus.
It has also been noted that supplementation with Beta Phenylethylamine may help to reduce stress and even help reduce symptoms associated with ADD and ADHD (those who suffer with these conditions typically have low levels of B-Phenylethylamine in their systems).
Beta-Phenylethylamine (PEA) Dosage
As is normally the case, it is recommended to start with a lower dose of around 100 mg and work your way up to between 500-1,000 mg. This can be split into one or two daily administrations.
What to Stack with Phenylethylamine
The efficacy of PEA and and the length of time that you feel the effects can be considerably increased by stacking it with other supplements.
The Hordenine and PEA stack
PEA is quickly metabolized by MAO-B, which causes it’s short term of effects at around fifteen minutes. This is where hordenine comes into play.
Since hordenine is a temporary MAO-B inhibitor, it decreases the metabolism of phenylethylamine and increases PEAs effects for up to 30 to 60 minutes.
Phenylethylamine with Quercetin
Quercetin is another MAO-B inhibitor, so it acts in the same way as hordenine when stacked with PEA. However, quercetin isn’t as effective at inhibiting MAO-B with PEA and the effects won’t last as long as the hordenine stack.
Caffeine with PEA
Caffeine supplements or coffee pair well with PEA. These two stimulants work together to enhance the euphoric effects. Be sure to keep your caffeine dosage to 100mg or less (or about one cup of coffee) in this stack so that you don’t risk overstimulation. Too much stimulation will hinder concentration and focus.