In Part 1 of our exclusive 3-Part Series How Hormones And Neurotransmitters Can Help You, we covered the basics of hormones. Then, in Part 2, we looked at specific hormones and gave you tips to maximize each one. In Part 3, we’re looking into neurotransmitters, and what 5% Nutrition supplements help you get the most from them. 

Neurotransmitters Defined

Neurotransmitters are actually similar to hormones. They are chemical messengers that help nerve cells communicate with each other. Here’s how it works. The nervous system controls the body’s organs and plays a role in nearly all bodily functions. Nerve cells, also known as neurons, and their neurotransmitters play important roles in this system.

Nerve cells fire nerve impulses by releasing neurotransmitters. These chemicals carry signals to other cells. Neurotransmitters relay their messages by traveling between cells and attaching to specific receptors on target cells. Each neurotransmitter attaches to a different receptor. For example, dopamine molecules attach to dopamine receptors. When they attach, it triggers an action in the target cells. ^(1,2)

Functions

The brain needs neurotransmitters to regulate many necessary functions. These include:

• Muscle Contraction
• Mood
• Concentration
• Sleep Cycle
• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Digestion 
• Appetite

There are over 40 neurotransmitters. The following are the main ones you can affect by supplements.^(1,2)

Acetylcholine

This neurotransmitter consists of choline and acetic acid. Motor neurons release acetylcholine. When acetylcholine binds to protein receptors on muscle cells, it causes the cells to release calcium. This triggers muscle contraction. To be clear, there are more compounds involved in muscle contraction than this. Two examples are the electrolyte minerals magnesium and potassium. Still, making the most of acetylcholine production will allow you to perform at your peak in the gym.

Plus, acetylcholine supports cognitive function. That’s such a vital benefit of this neurotransmitter that you will find effective doses of choline in all its variations in many pre-workouts and nootropic formulas. Of course, 5% Nutrition is no exception. 

Tip: It goes without saying how important effective muscular contractions are to your workouts. 5% Nutrition’s new Hydrate Stks provide maximum hydration. Plus, the electrolyte minerals in Hydrate Stk support muscular contractions. Our pre-workouts also have electrolytes. Also, you’ll want to optimize ingredients such as choline and Alpha GPC because they stimulate the production of acetylcholine. Kill It Reloaded has choline, while 5150 has both. Another good source of both types of choline is Core Nootropic.

Dopamine

This is one of the “happy” neurotransmitters and plays a key role in the brain’s reward system. That’s a group of brain processes that control desire, motivation, and cravings. It’s involved in creating two other neurotransmitters: epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Also, Dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin and stimulates growth hormone secretion. 

Epinephrine

This is also known as adrenaline. It’s considered both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It plays a major role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. Fear and stress can cause this response. This, of course, includes the demanding physical stress of working out. This means you’ll have more strength and motivation while training.

Norepinephrine

Like epinephrine, norepinephrine is considered both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. Like epinephrine, norepinephrine helps prime the body and the brain for action. Again, this is the “fight or flight” response. Norepinephrine increases alertness, elevates attention, and enhances memory. 

Tip: There are several supplement ingredients that can help optimize the production of these neurotransmitters. For example, 5150 contains n-acetyl l-tyrosine, which stimulates the production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By adding 5150 to your program, you will have a pre-workout that helps you maximize neurotransmitter production for more effective workouts. Also, l-phenylalanine, an amino acid found in All Day You May, All Day You May Caffeinated, and All Day You May Natty, stimulates the production of these neurotransmitters.

GABA

The functions of GABA are related to mood and emotions. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the body.  

Tip: You’ll find GABA in natural sleep aids such as Drink Sleep Grow and Knocked The F*ck Out. Of course, a good night’s sleep is a key piece of the recovery puzzle. It’s also involved in GH production.

Recap

In this Series, we’ve given you a basic knowledge of how hormones and neurotransmitters can help you. This allows you to make intelligent nutritional and supplement choices. Achieving the best results possible is much more than just lifting weights and chugging protein shakes. Every aspect of your approach demands fundamental knowledge. That includes your workouts, especially how you actually lift the weights. It involves your nutritional approach, supplement program, and recovery protocol. Use this knowledge to guide your choices, and take advantage of the 5% supplements presented in this Series that target these concepts.

• These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:

1. Neurotransmitters: What they are, functions, and psychology (medicalnewstoday.com)
2. Neurotransmitters: Types, functions and disorders | Kenhub  (medicalnewstoday.com)