Learning & education: Neurotransmitters
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter of the endocannabinoid system that is derived from arachidonic acid-containing membrane lipids and has numerous biological functions. Its effects are primarily mediated by the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and the vanilloid TRPV1 receptor.
Besides implementing healthy habits like plenty of sleep, exercise, a good diet, and a regular meditation practice, there are some exciting molecules can help us stay mentally strong by optimizing our brain chemistry. And surprise! Methylene blue (MB) is one of them.
There are various types of biological clocks in the body, including circadian, ultradian, and infradian. These will be discussed in depth below, but suffice to say that they serve to control a vast array of physiological processes in the body and ensure that everything runs smoothly [2].
Did you know that in the animal kingdom, humans are the only ones who will purposely deprive themselves of sleep?
You’ve probably heard quips such as:
“Sleep is for quitters.”
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”
“Sleep is for lazy people.”
But the secret is out… people who say these things are very very wrong (and will likely die sooner than those who get more sleep!).
In this article, we will explore an important neurotransmitter in the body and brain called acetylcholine (ACh). While also functioning as a classical neuromodulator, ACh is similar to norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in that it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
In today’s article, we are going to cover the “fight or flight” (or “oh sh*t, there’s a bear!”) catecholamine and neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine (NE). As with gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA), serotonin, and dopamine, NE can’t cross the blood-brain barrier.