Brain essential amino acids

Phenylalanine is the major nutritional precursor of the energizing neurotransmitter norepinephrine and it helps brighten mood, stimulate energy, and improve memory. To feel energetic and have a good long term memory, it is absolutely vital that you have adequate intake of phenylalanine.

Cheese, meat, fish, peanuts, sesame and lentils are great sources of phenylalanine. Be very cautious when you read the label of factory food and it says something like "Contains a source of phenylalanine". This generally means the product contains aspartame.

Just as tryptophan is used to induce sleep. Some long distance kayak voyagers use phenylalanine, combined with a magnesium source to keep awake. :>}

Glutamine is the major nutritional precursor for GABA, the calming neurotransmitter, which also improves clarity of thought and increased awareness, because it helps produce glutamic acis, which neutralizes metabolic wastes in the brain. Some people injest glutamine prior to events, which require increased alertness.

Methionine also helps to clean the brain of metabolic wastes and toxins. It is a strong antioxidant and helps prevent the accumulation of heavy metals, in the brain.

Arginine is partly converted in the body to a chemical called spermine, which helps the brain process memories. Low levels of spermine are a biological indicator of age-associated memory impairment. Arginine is also an effective stimulator of metabolism and is useful for weight loss.

Tryptophan is the major nutritional precursor of serotonin, the primary 'feel good' neurotransmitter. If you frequently feel agitated, try eating a small can of tuna fish and see for yourself.

Tomorrow, I will list Denis' nutitional supplement plan, which is useful, when you do not have control of your food supply.

Any questions??