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Picamilon VS Phenibut: Dosage Benefits and Side Effects Reviewed

Stress is a part of everyday life. It can fuel productivity and in many ways is a natural part of the world. However, sometimes stress can become overwhelming and hard to deal with. After a long day at school or work, it isn’t always possible to relax what with worries about what the next day will bring.

Luckily, for those of us who experience excessive stress, there are a few supplements that may be able to help. Read on to learn more about Picamilon’s and Phenibut’s stress relieving properties.

Phenibut Review

Phenibut is a derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA. It is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and as a result is fast acting. GABA is the primary inhibitory chemical within the brain and is noted for having both anti-anxiety and nootropic properties.

One of the main benefits and chief uses of Phenibut powder is to help reduce anxiety. When combined with other Nootropic supplements, this effect can be amplified.

There is also some evidence that Phenibut may help to protect neurons from low oxygen levels and even help to stimulate the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.

Speaking of these Nootropic benefits, it appears that Phenibut may also result in increased attention, focus, and concentration. Phenibut is also helpful against insomnia, although some evidence suggests that this effect will wear off as a tolerance begins to build so this is a supplement that should be cycled. Most users take phenibut for three days then cycle off for two days; others simply take it every four days. This ensures that there is no tolerance build up and you can avoid any withdrawl.

Picamilon Review

Picamilon is known as a prodrug of GABA and used for a number of the same reasons as Phenibut. However, Phenibut’s mechanism of action is slightly different. What happens is that as Phenibut crosses the blood-brain barrier, the supplement splits into GABA and niacin as a result of hydrolysis.

This leads to a decrease in anxiety (due to the GABA) and also a powerful vasodilation effect. The niacin is able to widen the blood vessels by relaxing the smooth muscle cells in arteries and larger veins. As you might expect, the anti-anxiety effect is rather significant. However, this supplement also enhances learning and memory and is probably a bit more effective than Phenibut for this purpose.

Picamilon dosage also seems to directly correlate to specific benefits. For example, when taking 50mg three times a day, most of the effects are relaxing and anti-anxiety related. However, when this is increased to 100mg three times a day, nutritional stimulation and increased endurance occur, which is excellent news for bodybuilders and weight lifters.

Picamilon Dosage

When cycling any supplement into your diet, it is important to start with the smallest effective dose possible, so that you can gauge your body’s reaction and adjust accordingly. Typically, people who supplement Picamilon use anywhere from 50-300 mg per day split over several administrations. Most often, people prefer to split the administrations into a morning and an evening dose. It is best to take Picamilon on an empty stomach, and depending on your preference, you can buy it in powder or encapsulated form. The effects last anywhere from 2-4 hours, but it has been shown that Kava and Valerian have the potential to increase these effects.

Phenibut Dosage

The recommended Phenibut dose is 250mg. Phenibut should only be used as needed since this supplement can be addictive. If taking phenibut regularly, some withdrawal side effects may occur upon ceasing supplementation.

How to Find the Best Price

I spent a few minutes trawling the web to find the best prices for Picamilon and Phenibut from some of the largest supplement suppliers. Below are my findings.

Picamilon

Harvest Moon:

$35.99 for 18g (150mg capsules, 120 ct)

Phenibut

Hard Rhino:	$29.99 for 125g
Biovea:	$31.95 for 22.5g (250mg capsules, 90 ct)

Price obviously speaks for itself, but you should also concern yourself with quality as well. You don’t want to buy something just to discover it’s full of fillers.

Picamilon and Phenibut Final Review

If you are just looking for something to help with anxiety, then either of these would work. Try both and see which is more effective. On the other hand, if you would like something to help build more endurance and muscle, then Picamilon would be a nice option.

DMAE to Boost Mood

Overview:

DMAE is also known by its chemical name, dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate. It is a natural compound that has many uses including skin care and as a dietary supplement and nootropic. As a supplement, it is essential to the production of acetylcholine, a powerful brain chemical that helps nerve cells transmit signals and communicate with one another. What is DMAE and how does it help to boost mood? Are there additional benefits of taking a DMAE supplement?

DMAE Benefits:

DMAE is normally found in small amounts in the brain already. This important supplement has numerous benefits including the ability to help boost mood, improve intelligence, and even improve memory and learning. Research has also shown this supplement has the ability to stabilize and prevent the uncontrolled leakage of key enzymes within cells. More specifically, many researchers consider this type of enzymatic leakage to be a main trigger for aging as well as damage to connective tissues.

Most of the aforementioned benefits are explained by the effect that DMAE has on acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is one of the most powerful brain neurotransmitters. Once ingested, the DMAE supplement enters the bloodstream and begins the process of converting into this neurotransmitter. This transformation in turn helps to create or support many of the cognitive benefits listed above.

How DMAE Bitartrate Helps Boost Mood:

With an increase in the production of acetylcholine, mood is improved. This chemical is considered to be an excitatory neurotransmitter, making brain cells and neurons fire off rapidly. In other words, it is stimulatory and helps to make you feel good. This is especially true considering that the major parts of the brain affected by acetylcholine direct mood and movement. DMAE should also help to reduce any feelings of stress, nervousness, or irritability.

Another interesting fact about DMAE is that it is involved in the production and conservation of energy. Every time we move or contract a muscle, we use a little bit of DMAE. Supplementation actually helps to boost our energy levels without taxing the metabolism and this helps to improve or promote a feeling of general wellbeing.

DMAE Dosage:

While there is not any recommended dosage for DMAE, most experts agree that a good range to follow is between 100 and 300 mg per day.

NEWtrition 5-HTP Capsules vs. NEWtrition Melatonin Capsules

Overview:

Both 5-HTP and melatonin are known for helping in the areas of relaxation, mood, and anxiety. Anyone who is having trouble sleeping, relaxing, suffering from an inordinate amount of stress or anxiety, or even having struggles with mild depression has probably considered taking one of these supplements. NEWtrition is one of the leading providers of high quality 5-HTP and melatonin. But which product is best for each purpose? Could it be possible that these supplements may even be more effective when taken together as part of a stack?

NEWtrition 5-HTP Capsules Review:

5-HTP is an amino acid that can be found in the seeds of a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa (the Griffonia simplicifolia plant). It is also found in a number of foods like turkey, milk, potatoes, and pumpkin. It is thought to work by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where it is then converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin.

The increase in the release of serotonin is primarily responsible for most of the effects of 5-HTP. This is why the supplement is thought to be effective or at least helpful to issues as far ranging as obesity, PMS, migraines, anxiety, mild depression, and possibly even some types of addictive behavior.

NEWtrition Melatonin Capsules Review:

Melatonin is thought to be effective at restoring the natural circadian rhythms of the body. There is also evidence to suggest that it helps to regulate other hormones, including control of the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. This means that someone who works irregular hours or travels frequently and experiences jet lag could benefit from taking a melatonin supplement.

This supplement also has a number of additional common uses. It may help with anxiety, ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and even menopausal symptoms. There is even some evidence to suggest that it can help to reduce the effect of sunburn.

Overall Impressions:

5-HTP is an amino acid and melatonin is a hormone. However, there do seem to be similar crossover effects and benefits. For example, both supplements are used for help with anxiety, ADHD, depression, fibromyalgia symptoms, and frequent headaches. On the other hand, melatonin also seems to be more effective at helping to restore normal sleep patterns.

Ultimately, the supplement that you should take depends on your particular situation. If you are simply looking to help restore normal sleep patterns, then melatonin is best. On the other hand, if you are looking for extra support to help with stress, anxiety, and even a combination of issues, you should consider using both as a stack.

Synergistic Effects of DMAE and Alpha-GPC

In the supplement world today we are constantly introduced to new compounds and research that provide evidence that suggests certain supplements are best when paired with others. In fact, some supplements require the aid of another synergistic ingredient to have any significant effect at all. One such synergistic relationship that is being talked about in many circles today is the combination of DMAE and alpha-GPC. The synergistic effects of this pair have been linked to an improved state of mood, improved focus, attention, mental energy, and mental clarity. With that said let’s take a look at both supplements individually and break down just what it is that makes this combination so great.

DMAE Benefits

Abbreviated DMAE, dimethylethanolamine is a transparent, pale-yellow liquid that has many health benefits as a standalone supplement. A study conducted in 2003 by German scientists looked at the efficacy of DMAE in increasing vigilance and alertness in addition to having a positive influence on mood. The study concluded that supplementation of DMAE does result in a psychological state of better feeling of well being this conclusion is supported by both a subject mood analysis and the monitoring of electrical patterns in the subjects brain activity. Known as a “mind-health” compound this supplement acts an ant-aging device in that it reduces the buildup of what is known as the “age pigment”, a substance that is involved with cognitive impairment and decline with age. As if that wasn’t enough, DMAE has the ability to act as an anti-oxidant in the body protecting neurons and cells from certain types of oxidation.

Alpha GPC Benefits

L-alpha-glycerophosphocholin, or alpha-GPC for short, is a cholinergic compound that is an easy to absorb source of dietary choline. Alpha-GPC is known for its ability to increase physical output and cognition. Although alpha-GPC is found naturally in the brain and in milk, the compound is available as a nootropic dietary supplement. Research identifying the physical benefits that come with supplementation of alpha-GPC is published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; the results conclude that a dose 45 minutes prior to a training session resulted in an increase of post-exercise serum GH and peak bench press power. As for an increase in cognition, alpha-GPC works as a cognitive stimulatory agent through increasing the activity of protein Kinase C in neurons. You can buy alpha-GPC here.

DMAE and Alpha GPC Dosage

With the facts before you it is not hard to draw your own conclusions as to how these two supplements can work together to create unique health and wellness benefits. The compounds have a very beneficial synergistic relationship in that they are able to enhance and prolong the benefits that come with supplementation. It is important to note that these compounds are classified as nootropics, meaning dosage and supplementation is an important piece of the puzzle. I would recommend a dose of 300-600mg for alpha-GPC and DMAE dosage should start around 200mg while working up to but not exceeding 700mg. As always one should be attentive to his/her own personal response to any supplement and adhere to the dosage information provided on your products packaging/label.

Sources

http://examine.com/supplements/DMAE/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12844472
http://examine.com/supplements/Alpha-GPC/#summary_full
http://www.jissn.com/content/5/S1/P15
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8246681

Top 3 Mood Boosting Nootropics

Sulbutiamine

If you are searching for supplements for mood then sulbutiamine may be among the nootropics you should consider. Sulbutiamine’s beneficial effects on mood most likely stems from its ability to effect dopamine. Research has shown that sulbutiamine increases both dopamine receptor density in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine. The transmission problems of dopamine are often caused by mood disorders and anxiety, and this would explain the possible mood improvement effects sulbutiamine has on people who take the supplement. Studies have also shown that sulbutiamine has shown the ability to reduce the behavioral inhibitions in some people which are most commonly seen in people who have anxiety or mood disorders. Overall, sulbutiamine makes a very good case for anyone who wants to boost their mood but has not yet found the right supplement to do so. The properties of sulbutiamine show that potentially anyone can experience its mood enhancing effects but some people more than others.

Aniracetam Supplements

For people searching for mood enhancers who are wondering how to relieve anxiety, well aniracetam is another mood boosting nootropic that you may want to take a good look at. Aniracetam is a lot of people’s favorite mood boosting nootropic. There have been a lot of studies done and a lot of reviews that can attest to the mood enhancing effects of aniracetam powder. Although not everyone who takes aniracetam will experience the mood boosting effects as a result just as with sulbutiamine, for some people it may be a hit or a miss. However, aniracetam helps to increase energy and one of the side effects of mood disorders is that it usually causes people to feel lazy or tired. So by increasing energy levels alone aniracetam may be able to produce a subtle yet noticeable effect on a person’s mood. There aresome people who have said that aniracetam has been by far the most effective mood boosting nootropic for them and labeled it among the best.

Noopept

Noopept is another great choice if you are searching for supplements for anxiety and it is also similar to aniracetam. It is said that noopept and aniracetam are effective on similar dopamine and serotonin receptor sites. If you were to try both then one may work better for you than the other but you could also like them the same. Noopept has been reported to have anxiolytic effects in some people and also have better overall effects on the general feelings of people’s well being. Many people have stated that it gives them a desire to get up and get things done.

Sources:

Inositol to Boost Mood

Boosting your mood may seem like an elusive task but rest assured there are supplement options that can accomplish just that. One supplement in particular, inositol, has shown to be very effective in elevating ones mood among other health benefits.

If you’re like me and have those days where you just can’t seem to get out of the house or even the bed, then inositol may be for you. A double-blind controlled study done by the Yehuda Abarbanel Mental Health Center in Israel looked at inositols potential for improving mood disorders. In this study the experiment group’s participants received 12g of inositol daily for four weeks and showed significant improvement in scores. The control group received a placebo and saw little to no change.

While I am not claiming in any fashion that inositol is the end all be all answer to mood disorders, it has shown to have mood elevating properties. So where does this supplement come from and how should you dose it effectively to boost your mood?

Inositol Defined

Inositol is a naturally occurring substance that is found in human cells and a number of fiber-rich foods that we eat every day including beans, brown rice, corn, wheat bran, and sesame seeds. Although a natural substance, inositol can be made in the lab and is available in supplement form. So now we have an idea of where it comes from but how exactly do we dose it effectively to boost our mood?

Inositol Dosage

Dosage is dependent on what your individual goals are in regards to taking inositol. There are two forms of inositol available in supplement form, powder and tablets with powder being the more expensive option. Also, with the powder form it may be more difficult to gauge your dosage. The tablet form is only slightly cheaper but it does make it easier to know exactly how much you’re taking. For those looking to take inositol in larger doses (upwards of 3000mg) the powder form is recommended as opposed to those just starting on the supplement in which case I recommend the tablets. In any case, dosage should be based on the information on your supplements packaging and individual response.

Whether you have social anxiety or are just feeling down in the dumps and need a pick me up, inositol may be that answer. No, it is not some miracle supplement for low moods or feeling sad but there is solid research behind the claims that inositol has the ability to raise one’s mood in a significant manner. With little to no side effects inositol deserves your attention if you are constantly seeking something to help with the everyday struggle that is life. You don’t have to take my word for it, there are plenty of inostiol reviews on the web.

Sources

Schisandra to Boost Mood and Relieve Anxiety

Schisandra Berries

Many times we are faced with the dilemma of taking a supplement that can enhance our mood but may bring along anxiety and other unwanted side effects. So obviously the rational decision to make is to find a supplement that does not come burdened with such adverse effects or better a supplement that relieves anxiety as well as boosts your mood. This is where the schisandra berry comes in, a natural remedy for many common ailments throughout history, anxiety among them. So, where does this mysterious fruit that is also referred to as the five flavor berry come from, and what exactly is at work here to create such an effect?

The schisandra berry grows on the schisandra chinensis vine which is mainly found in eastern Asia. The bioactive components can be found throughout the plant but are most concentrated in the berries; therefore they are what we will focus on in this analysis of the fruit. No, nobody expects you to fly half way around the world (depending on where you are located!) to obtain the schisandra berry just as nobody expects you to import such a delicate fruit from some foreign country. Rest assured, the extract of this berry is what we are after and can be found fairly easily in most regions of the world.

Schisandra Benefits

Research surrounding schisandra is fairly conclusive in the fact that it is a powerful anti-anxiety supplement in addition to its ability to boost ones mood through lowering stress levels and enhancing performance in many facets of life. The Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Natural Products concluded through animal research that regular ingestion of the schisandra extract lead to a reversal in stress-related anxiety as well as an increase in cognitive function in subjects. The schisandra berry is a classic example of a fruit that demonstrates adaptogenic activity, which means it is completely safe, non-toxic and specifically reduces both mental and physical stress. This is the good stuff, just what we are looking for in a natural remedy to one of life’s age old problems. It doesn’t stop there though; the schisandra berry has been shown to improve coordination, concentration, and even endurance. Sometimes when we begin to break down the science behind ancient Chinese culture and herb usage we reach the point where the benefits are just be too good to be true, but they are true and there is a reason these powerful supplements have been used for thousands of years.

The focus of this analysis has been on the anti-anxiety and mood boosting effects surrounding the schisandra berry but the benefits do not stop there. While some may be so bold as to try the schisandra berry in its raw form others should opt to explore other options when it comes to supplementing the super fruit. Extract in powder form is the most common and easily accessible form and is what I recommend for any that may be interested in adding schisandra to your stack. As always pay attention to your body’s individual response and always read the packaging information on your particular supplement for more information on dosing.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20374974

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21757327

Schisandra Chinensis to Boost Mood

We have all experienced days that we felt irritable, angry, or sad. If these feelings are allowed to persist and build, our mental and physical health could suffer as a result. Depression, along with numerous other mood disorders, affects millions of Americans each year. If we had the ability to improve our state of mind and subsequently improve our mood, we could live more productive and fulfilling lives. While many things can contribute to our mental health, such as diet, proper exercise, and positive personal relationships, there are different supplements which can help us to achieve and retain balanced moods. One such supplement, Schisandra Chinensis, offers numerous benefits to help bring us peace of mind and body.

What is Schisandra Chinensis?

First studied as a natural healer possessing adaptogenic properties [3], the supplement Schisandra Chinensis [1] is derived from a vine native to far east Russia and Northern China. Originally integrated into traditional Chinese culture, the berries are dried and used in various remedies including being used to create a strong tea. Traditional dictated [1,2] that Schisandra Chinensis was effective in fortifying the kidney, calm feelings of anxiety, and, when consumed as tea, could quench seemingly insatiable thirst.

How can Schisandra Chinensis help?

When we experience prolonged periods of stress, depression and mood swings can take control of our daily lives, relationships, and livelihood. With a supplement of Schisandra Chinensis, our body has an increased ability to stabilize and retain positive moods. The supplement [2,3] performs these mood enhancing functions by drastically decreasing acetylcholinesterase, the breakdown of the beneficial compound acetylcholine. When the body has adequate amounts of acetylcholine, the communication between neurotransmitters in the central nervous system is greatly improved. Schisandra Chinensis enables these communication pathways to correctly function as to enable our body and mind to perform to the best of their ability. When these synapses are not firing in a productive way, our moods and the body’s level of stress rises.

One study [2] reported that when subject received an oral dose of the supplement, Schisandra Chinensis was able to address the rises in cortisol and other various catecholamines. Additionally, the levels of adrenaline and serotonin brought on by the increase of stress were also noted to be better moderated and controlled. Stress not only contributes to our moods, but also to the overall condition of our body. In a recent study [2] rats battling anxiety displayed a higher risk of tumor growth and formation, but when the study introduced the rats to the supplement, the natural health markers found in non-cancerous rats began to reappear.

Sources:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schisandra_chinensis#Uses

2. http://examine.com/supplements/Schizandra+Chinensis/

3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024

5 HTP Review for Relaxation and Mood Support

5-HTP (Griffonia Seed Extract)

Do you experience high levels of stress on a day to day basis? Does your busy schedule, demanding job, or the pressure of daily living perpetually keep you in poor spirits? Do you find it hard to relax after a long day? If you said yes to these questions, you may be suffering from depression or anxiety, which contribute to mood swings and insomnia. In this instance, a supplement of Griffonia Seed Extract, more commonly known as 5-HTP, can help to improve your mood and bring you the relaxation that you deserve in a safe and natural way.

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from the seed of the wooly shrub Griffonia simplicifolia [1]. Griffonia plants are indigenous to regions in West and Central Africa. The 5-HTP organic compound is essential to the body’s creation of the mood and health enhancing compounds melatonin and serotonin [3]. 5-HTP works with the essential amino acid tryptophan to create these compounds through a process called metabolization [2]. This supplement easily crosses the blood -brain barrier unlike other naturally occurring compounds. This attribute is what makes 5-HTP an effective solution to different obstacles by simply enabling the brain to create increased amounts of these beneficial compounds.

5-HTP for Mood and Relaxation

Because 5-HTP has been shown to increase the body’s production of serotonin, studies indicate the supplement has benefits outside simply curing insomnia. When 5-HTP metabolizes and subsequently releases serotonin and melatonin, the compounds are directed to different systems of the body to help regulate their functions.

Through the use of a 5-HTP< supplement, melatonin levels increase to help regulate the circadian rhythms, the sleep-to-wake cycle, of humans. Other studies have shown that many individuals who suffer from mood swings and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and depression benefit from increased melatonin due to 5-HTP. Other functions of melatonin include:

Treatment for those with severe headaches
Functions as a powerful antioxidant
Metabolism and weight control
Possible beneficial properties in the battle against Alzheimer’s [4]

Studies indicate low levels of serotonin are linked directly to anxiety and depression [5], two things closely associated with a heavy workload and the ever increasing demands of life. The increased production of serotonin with a 5-HTP supplement counteracts the effects of depression and mood swings by better transmitting and relaying messages between nerve cells. The improved nerve cell communication contributes to the following:

Improved sleep patterns
Increased attention/alertness
Memory
Regulate digestive processes
Improved mood

Sources

GABA Supplement Benefits: Reduce Anxiety and Elevate Mood with GABA

Imagine you just left the grocery store. You have too many bags to handle and you try carrying them anyway. You may be able to, but you feel off-balance, unstable, frantic and scared you may drop something. Have you ever experienced this? How about in your mind? Have you ever felt like there was just too much going on in your brain? The stresses of daily life and unusual circumstances can weigh heavily on a person and create a lot of mental stress, anxiety andconfusion that can sometimes be too much to bear. Sure, you may be able to make it through, but at what cost? Going back to the grocery bag analogy, wouldn’t a grocery cart make it easier? What if you had someone from the store help you carry the bags out and limit the amount of bags you had to carry at once? You can do the same thing with your mind when you’re feeling anxious, stressed out and overwhelmed

Inside the brain there are receptors and neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters transport signals from one part of the brain to the other and the receptors receive the signal. These pieces serve many functions in the brain, but one noticeable function is the stress response. When you are under stress or feeling anxious there are a lot of stress signals being sent and received in the brain. And, as anyone that’s experienced stress or anxiety knows, the effects can compound. For instance, you get stressed about your job, then other situations that may be seemingly innocuous become stressful as well, then you’re worked up into a state of anxiety that shows no signs of slowing. Luckily, there are neurotransmitters in the brain that inhibit, or slow down, the neurotransmitters that cause stress. The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system is GABA (γ-Aminobutyric acid). GABA can be synthesized in the brain and can also be taken in through supplements[1].

GABA Supplement Benefits

GABA helps regulate the excitement of neurons in the nervous system [1]. To revisit the grocery store analogy again, imagine your brain trying to carry all the baggage from the day, GABA comes out with a cart and helps relieve some of the stress you feel from that baggage so you can cope in an effective manner. GABA is a popular supplement for regulating anxiety, helping depression, improving mood and treating ADHD. The benefits of GABA come as a results of a calming effect it provides. In clinical studies has been shown to be effective in relaxing patients and reducing anxiety within one hour of administration [2]. GABA is also used in the health and fitness community to promote lean muscle growth, reduce body fat and improve immunity under stressful conditions[2][3].

GABA Supplement Dosage for Anxiety

An effective dosage of GABA depends on many factors including age, weight, stress level and overall health. Recommended dosages range from 500mg to 1 gram spread equally throughout the day, with some doctors more specifically recommending GABA in 200 mg doses four times daily [4].

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Aminobutyric_acid

[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16971751

[3] http://www.webmd.com

[4] http://www.livestrong.com