4 Chemicals In The Brain To Enhance Your Experience
The brain is the main organ that keeps the person functional in all aspects of human life. There are many parts the brain controls within the body. There are numerous nerves connected to the brain and this is how the body and the brain communicate with each other (neurotransmitters). The internal human system is one of the most distinctive creations. Especially, when trying to comprehend the process of the body and the brain. In modern times it can be quite difficult to use it fully. Often times it is hard to learn or pay attention to a subject. Balanced or imbalanced biochemistry can affect a person’s mood either positively or negatively. Certain interactions or events can initiate some of these chemicals.
Stimuli are what occur when there is a change in the environment either internally or externally. How this is perceived is through the 5 senses (touch, sight, taste, hearing, and smell) Generally, everything is experienced this way and it is also stored in memory. When interacting with anything there is a neural response the brain fires off. This can affect the decision-making process. An example can be when a person is smelling something of citrus (orange or grapefruit) a person will respond feeling happy.
The Chemicals Within
There are many different kinds of chemicals (Also known as neurotransmitters) within the brain and the body. They all are responsible for how it will make a person feel since it releases. To activate some of these chemicals are through doing activities or having an experience (everything we do is an experience!). More importantly, when a person has an imbalance in their biochemistry it can negatively impact the individual’s well-being. Here are some chemicals that are most important for learning:
- Glutamate
- GABA
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
Glutamate
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is located in the central nervous system and the spinal cord. Glutamate is responsible for learning and mood regulation. It is also an important component of brain health as it offers energy to the person. In order to stimulate glutamate release, the individual can exercise or meditate. An important note is that too little or too much glutamate can be harmful as it may result in either feeling fatigued (low levels of glutamate) or increasing the death rate of cells (excessive levels of glutamate).
GABA
GABA is also known as gamma-aminobutyric and what this neurotransmitter does is calm the brain down. GABA works in conjunction with Glutamate to slow down the brain. When there is too much stimulation in the brain it can lead to stress and other illnesses. So, GABA is there to maintain and alleviate those issues. If one would like to increase GABA levels in the brain one may want to consider these foods:
- Fermented foods
- Tea (Black, green, or oolong)
- Vegetables (As it seems carbs are what make people calm)
Dopamine
Dopamine is known for its reward and movement regulation in the brain. This could control activities such as sleep, mood, attention, voluntary movement, and others. So it is responsible for the overall behavior and actions of a human being. Although dopamine can make a person feel ecstatic, high levels can be dangerous. Dopamine can make a person obsessed with things that feel good. An example can be drugs since drugs can increase levels of dopamine. Other examples can be gambling, shopping, or anything a person can find pleasurable. People become addicted to certain activities and it becomes difficult to stop. Dopamine imbalance can cause impulsive actions which make it challenging for someone to concentrate.
Serotonin
Serotonin is responsible for controlling behavior such as mood, aggression, fear, and others. It can also affect areas of motor control, sleep, respiratory system, and more. Overall, it regulates the individual’s well-being and maintains other organs of the body. Serotonin is known as the happy neurotransmitter, but it keeps a person feeling well because of what it is doing to the body. However, there is a downside when being deficient in serotonin such as depression, anxiety, trouble with memory, chronic pain, and other negative impacts. If a person would like to increase their serotonin levels try these:
- Consume gut-healthy foods and drinks. (Here is a post about the gut!).
- Be active
- Yoga
- Get Sunlight
Closing
There are many different types of neurotransmitters in the brain and they are all important. These chemicals have a role to keep people at their most optimal. This only works if the individual can take care of the body and brain by incorporating healthy practices and consuming products that nourish one’s self. As it has been stated, “if you take care of your body, it will take care of you”. When wanting to learn a skill or a subject it is best to keep these chemicals balanced as many of them have similar responsibilities. Stimuli is an effective way to initiate these chemicals to release. Every interaction a person has is an experience that triggers some form of response. Generally, when being involved in natural activities such as nature, exercise, consuming unprocessed materials, and resting well. These activities will ensure long-term health and well-being. When you are well learning becomes easier.
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