Knowledge

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

The last couple of months has certainly put a spotlight on a pandemic (not the one you think) that is rampant in our modern society - Depression. Mood disorders. Plain ‘ol feeling sad.

We want to optimise our neurotransmitters so that they can communicate efficiently and process information in the way that you intend them to. But sadly, we often end up with inflammation in our brains that suffer decline or just feel kind of…broken. Even the best machines sometimes require some maintenance to function at their optimal best.

Grounding, otherwise referred to as earthing, is the process of “grounding” or reconnecting to the earth's electrical charge, usually by walking barefoot on the ground (earth) or by using an earthing device. 

As the hustle and bustle of modern-day life keep getting busier, we find that it's harder to stay focused on our productivity and getting things done. Whether it's distractions from our mobile devices or outside influences, from time to time we all experience the lack of focus and it affects our productivity without a doubt.

With many countries beginning to legalize hemp and marijuana (both hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the cannabis plant), we can find much research on CBD (Cannabidiol) across the globe for its contribution in treating various ailments and boosting the overall health in humans. Before we delve deeper into CBD and its derivative CBD oil, it is essential to know about the differences between CBD and its equally popular cousin, THC, as well as the legal status of CBD! How Does CBD Differ From THC? CBD, also called cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from either the hemp or the marijuana strains of Cannabis sativa, the main plant. While both contain CBD, it is found in abundance in hemp, which also has low levels of THC.  THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is also derived from marijuana and hemp, but it is a more potent and psychoactive agent that produces euphoric effects commonly signified as being “high.” While hemp can contain a maximum of 0.3% THC (calculated via dry weight), marijuana comprises up to 30% THC. [1] Unlike THC, CBD does not possess intoxicating properties. How Does CBD Affect The Body? CBD has positive effects on most of our body receptors such as: Glycine receptors – That control happiness, mood, anxiety, etc. related to the happy hormone serotonin. Opioid and Vanilloid receptors – That regulate the pain factor. Adenosine receptors – That control the quality of our sleep. CBD, through regulating the above and many more receptors, helps to treat many ailments from simple acne to significant illnesses like Parkinson’s. What is CBD Oil? CBD oil is a mixture of CBD (cannabidiol – a compound derived from the cannabis plant) and a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or coconut oil. CBD oil is legal in many states in the US, and many countries across the globe are also legalizing CBD oil (as long as they are obtained from hemp, and not marijuana). This is because the CBD oil derived from hemp either has no THC or a  minimal amount of THC (<0.3% which is acceptable).  While the research around the CBD compound is throwing up positive results in therapeutic uses, subjective reports from individuals across the globe prove that CBD oil does have some special powers indeed! Nora Volkow, Director National Institute of Drug Abuse, says that preclinical research has shown CBD oil to have various therapeutic uses in cases like anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic and more.[2] Benefits of CBD Oil For The Mind And Body Here’s how CBD oil can aid people in treating different ailments, and also building a healthy lifestyle. 1. A Happy Heart CBD oil can reduce hypertension and thereby minimize the risk of heart disease. Studies on nine healthy individuals who were administered with 600 mg of CBD were found to have low blood pressure prior and post-exposure to demanding situations like heavy exercise and extreme cold weathers.  Furthermore, the stroke volume was seen to be significantly reduced, meaning the heart was functioning efficiently. [3] These findings enhance the possibilities that CBD oil may be an efficient complementary therapy for individuals whose hypertension is augmented by anxiety and stress. However, there has been no evidence that CBD oil on its own can reduce hypertension.  2. A Positive Mindset One of the prominent effects reported by many people taking CBD oil is a better mindset through enhancement of a blissful and calm mood.[4] The shaping up of a positive mindset can be attributed to the CBD’s effects on the 5-HT1A receptors that regulate the release of vital neurotransmitters that control the anxiety and mood levels, particularly serotonin.[5] CBD oil has helped to enhance one’s lifestyle in the same way, as through meditation and self-realization. Many people, after consumption of quality CBD oil, have found themselves feeling a lot more relaxed, with a sense of calmness. They also experienced a shift in mindset that helps them see the world from a different perspective. CBD oils are popular among meditators as a means of gaining more profound knowledge and enhancing their awareness. [6] 3. Relief From Pain One of the crucial components of the human body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various functions like appetite, sleep, pain and various other immune response systems. [7]  Studies have shown that CBD, through its analgesic effects, can help to minimize chronic pain by impacting the endocannabinoid receptors and reducing the inflammation and its associated pain. [8] Certain animal studies have shown that CBD injections have helped to reduce the surgical incision pain response system, while yet another animal study showed that oral treatment with CBD reduced the sciatic nerve-related pain and helped to minimize inflammation. 4. Helps Deal With Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [9] CBD oil is known to be safe and effective in treating anxiety and insomnia in children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders. Several animal studies have also shown its anti-depressant properties as well. [10], [11] According to the 2017 World Health Organization report, depression has been the sole significant contributor leading to disability across the globe, while anxiety-related disorders were ranked sixth. [12]   Thus, consuming CBD oil on a regular basis may help people suffering from anxiety and depression without the side effects associated with many anti-depressant medications. 5. Reduces Seizures Certain studies have found CBD to be a promising treatment for seizures. According to a study, when people with severe forms of epilepsy were administered CBD oil of 0.9 to 2.3 grams per pound of body weight, there was a significant reduction in their seizures of a median of 36.5%. [13]  CBD oil has also shown to reduce seizures amongst children suffering from a complex epilepsy childhood disorder called Dravet Syndrome. [14] 6. Reduces Inflammation CBD oil that contains CBD extracts from the cannabis plant can be an effective form of treatment for chronic inflammation and related pain in arthritis. [15], [16] Various animal studies have also proven the same. [17] Studies have also shown CBD oil’s efficacy in treating pain related to fibromyalgia. [18] Hence, the application of CBD oil can help alleviate symptoms of pain and inflammation in arthritis patients, as well as easing the pain factors in other medical cases. 7. Makes Skin Soft and Supple When applied topically, the antioxidants in CBD oil helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals like UV rays and other pollutants.  Various topical cannabis-based products are being developed that help to treat skin issues from acne to psoriasis and also foster a quick restoration of damaged skin.   8. Increases Bone Strength CBD helps augment the process of formation of new bone cells and thereby promote faster healing of broken bones. Bones treated with CBD oil in subjects have shown to be 35% to 50% stronger than those that are not treated. [19] CBD oil has been researched for its prospective role in treating common health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular health, acne, inflammation and so on. With continuous ongoing research on the potential benefits of CBD oil, many new remedies using this miracle oil are sure to be revealed. Article Courtesy - PRIMESELF

The Chinese have for long used mushrooms in health foods, as well as in their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat various ailments. They are revered as ‘spirit plants’ that promote longevity and good health.

To be able to reach one’s full potential, it is essential to have proper coordination between body and mind. Agmatine Sulfate is one such nootropic supplement that helps boost one’s overall state of being and help achieve better coordination.  A derivative of the L-Arginine amino acid, Agmatine Sulfate is also a biogenic amine.  Discovered in 1910 by a German biochemist, it took almost 100 years to discover the complete benefits and uses of Agmatine Sulfate as an element. It is one of the important players in improving the functions of the nervous system by working both as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator.  Apart from being naturally present in the brain and spinal cord, Agmatine is also present in food sources like fermented foods, beer, coffee and wine. Dubbed by many as the “Super Arginine”, this powerful nootropic can also be consumed in powder or capsule form as well. Agmatine Sulfate is extremely beneficial in its nootropic benefits as it helps promote mental clarity and reduce stress levels. It also helps recover from a spectrum of complex diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, mood disorders and cancer.  Let’s understand in detail why including Agmatine Sulfate as a part of your everyday intake may prove to be a great idea for anyone, healthwise. A Few Benefits of Agmatine Sulfate 1. Helps Fight Depression: Agmatine has shown antidepressant effects along with promoting an upliftment in the mood. It reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of well-being. It negates depressive behaviour by protecting brain cells from high levels of stress hormone cortisol. Agmatine reduces the levels of monoamines in the brain, which are often associated with depression.  A pilot study done on three patients suffering from depression revealed complete disappearance of depression with the intake of Agmatine supplement. 2. Reduces Pain Sensitivity: Agmatine is an effective supplement for pain relief. Especially in the case of a condition called thermal hyperalgesia, where the body becomes hypersensitive to heat or cold. In fact, it appears to be a promising supplement in terms of neuropathic pain, drug addiction, stroke protection and even general cognitive health.  It works in synergy with painkillers like morphine and fentanyl. 3. Helps Maximize Performance: Agmatine is consumed by athletes and bodybuilders to maximize their performance. An essential supplement in sports medicine, Agmatine functions to enhance strength and energy before, during and after a workout.  Agmatine is used by many body-builders to achieve more stamina, improve muscle growth, and minimize pain during workouts. Intake of Agmatine helps increase endorphin levels which in turn may help the pancreas to produce insulin.  More insulin can lead to more glucose being absorbed by the muscles, thereby providing the body with further fuel for exercise and enhancing muscle repair. 4. Helps Relieve Stress: Agmatine Sulfate is noted to positively influence the production of nitric oxide, increasing levels in your bloodstream, which ultimately improves the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to your muscles. It is highly valued as a nootropic as it helps promote better cognitive performance and mental function.  It helps fight the effects of stress and minimize anxiety levels through regulating cortisol in one’s body. It is also helpful in improving one’s mood and fight depression, as mentioned above. 5. Helps Lose Weight & Gain Weight: People who struggle to gain weight can benefit from Agmatine supplements. In some studies, subjects showed signs of increased food consumption rates by 44% to 54% in 24 hours. In certain other studies,  Agmatine shows an increase in fat burning, a decrease in fat composition and an increase in muscle mass. 6. Supports Muscle Growth: Agmatine helps stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone, increase in which also leads to an increase in testosterone levels. By increasing testosterone levels, Agmatine contributes to an optimal hormonal environment for muscle growth, enhances athletic performance and fastens recovery.  Agmatine also causes a rise in insulin sensitivity and the uptake of glucose into the muscle. Increasing insulin sensitivity leads to improved movement of glucose as well as amino acids into the tissues for growth and repair. 7. Helps Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility: L-arginine supports cell replication and enhances blood circulation, thereby improving both sperm production and motility. Low levels of Nitric Oxide in the blood leads to erectile dysfunction and other fertility problems. This is because an erection requires the relaxation of smooth muscles, and Nitric Oxide helps achieve this. A large number of cases of male infertility, almost as high as 92% are treatable with the help of L-arginine supplements. Research shows that stress lowers L-arginine levels in the sperm production pathway. Therefore, taking L-arginine supplements can help men suffering from chronic stress. 8. Helps With Alzheimer’s Disease: Some very evident signs of Alzheimer’s disease are an increase of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which are caused by insulin resistance. Agmatine helps during Alzheimer’s disease by preventing cognitive decline by rescuing insulin signalling and avoiding the potential accumulation of those tangles. 9. Acts as a Neuroprotectant: Agmatine works as an anti-oxidant and is still being tested for its anti-ageing properties. It exhibits neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage and injuries to the Central Nervous System. Because of the various mechanisms through which Agmatine reacts with our body, it helps protect our brain against any damage from stroke. Agmatine Sulfate is a very effective nootropic supplement that is essential for individuals looking to maximize their performance, especially involved in heavy physical training and for those who want to have a well-functioning mind and body.

Uridine plays a very important role as one of the building blocks of RNA, which your brain needs to store memories. RNA is important for various biological roles in the body such as coding and decoding genes and even the regulation and expression thereof.

Do you feel uncomfortable when obliged to meet new people or asked to address a crowd? Do you find yourself trembling, sweating, or suddenly going blank? You might be a victim of social anxiety!  But, fret not… you are not alone.

Nootropics, or smart drugs, are gaining popularity with entrepreneurs and executives who need to perform at a high level in the business world.