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Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that plays a role in many key aspects of brain function, such as memory, thinking and learning
In recent years, nootropics, also called smart drugs, have gained popularity among people looking to improve their mental performance.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that plays a role in many key aspects of brain function, such as memory, thinking, and learning. Not limited to that, it also help our body produce and release the ASS JUICE.
Acetylcholine is a molecule that functions as a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) in your body. This means it relays messages from your brain to your body through nerve cells to “communicate” with other neurons. (1). It’s produced from acetyl coenzyme A, which comes from the sugar molecule glucose, and choline, with the help of an enzyme called choline acetyltransferase (1).
In 1914, it was the very first neurotransmitter to be identified within the brain (10-11). Researchers have found that acetylcholine acts on the entire nervous system and plays a large variety of roles throughout the brain. It has many important functions in the body and plays a role in muscle movement, thinking, working memory, and many other brain functions (2,3).
But it’s most commonly associated with improved memory and learning (12-13). The brain actually needs enough acetylcholine to form memories. Research shows that acetylcholine plays a central role in synaptic plasticity, which is a process in the brain that allows brain cells to store new information and memories (14).
What’s also interesting is that acetylcholine levels have even been shown to rise during REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep when humans “store and consolidate” new memories (15-17).
New studies suggest it helps you stay awake, alert and focused (18-19).
In fact, some stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine increase the activity of acetylcholine in the brain, and researchers think acetylcholine may be responsible for the wakefulness-promoting effects of these drugs (20).
Lastly – but perhaps most importantly – acetylcholine can promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve. Research shows that acetylcholine can stimulate vagus nerve activity, which can reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function and mental health (21, 25). Surprisingly, acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter of the “rest-and-digest” parasympathetic nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system and counteracts “fight-or-flight” tendencies (22-24).
Conversely, low acetylcholine levels have been linked to learning and memory impairments, as well as brain disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Though acetylcholine plays a key role in many aspects of your health, there are no dietary supplements that can directly increase its levels.
However, you can eat foods or take dietary supplements that indirectly increase the release of acetylcholine or inhibit its breakdown.
One of the easiest ways to raise acetylcholine levels is to consume foods or take dietary supplements that are high in choline — an essential nutrient that can be converted into acetylcholine (1).
Choline is present in many foods, including (4):
Dietary supplements that can increase choline levels include alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine), citicoline (CDP-choline), and choline bitartrate.
However, alpha-GPC and citicoline are typically higher in choline content per unit weight and are more easily absorbed than other forms (5, 6).
Another way you can indirectly increase acetylcholine levels is by taking supplements that inhibit enzymes that break down acetylcholine.
Certain supplements that may inhibit acetylcholine breakdown include (7, 8, 9):
The federal government’s 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that “Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods. Foods in nutrient-dense forms contain essential vitamins and minerals and also dietary fiber and other naturally occurring substances that may have positive health effects. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients that otherwise may be consumed in less-than-recommended amounts.”
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Exercise Training Increases Acetylcholine, stimulated Endothelium-derived Nitric Oxide Release
Excessive accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) at the neuromuscular junctions and synapses causes symptoms of both muscarinic and nicotinic toxicity. These include cramps, increased salivation, lacrimation, muscular weakness, paralysis, muscular fasciculation, diarrhea, and blurry vision. (41-42)
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