Medication submerged my personality
I empowered myself with nutrition at age 19 in order to eliminate pharmaceutical drugs from my life. At this young age, I had already been on countless drugs to manage my “incurable” disease. I was taking drugs to treat the side effects of those drugs.
This medication cocktail made my mind a foreign inhabitant of my body. My moods, thoughts, and behavior escaped my command. I had the body of a teenager, but often had the emotional control of a toddler. I felt ashamed, angry, disoriented. I have never been more distanced from my soul.
I offer this introduction to make this point: it’s not outrageous to claim that a nutrient alters personality and even transforms the experience of life. Medication does, as you see. The difference is that mood-altering medication rarely empowers, and it often submerges the soul. Nutrition does empower, and it often surfaces the soul.
How phosphatidylserine changed my life
Phosphatidylserine is a supplement that changed how I live in my body. I credit it for helping me reduce personality patterns that did not serve me.
- It improved my ability to focus my creative energies
- It helped me override patterns of anxiety and anxiety-induced insomnia
- It helped me reduce physical restlessness
I’ve supplemented with phosphatidylserine for a year now. In this post, I will share my personal experience as well as the research-backed effects of this powerful brain nutrient.
What does phosphatidylserine do?
Phosphatidylserine is a type of fat found in every cell of the human body, but most concentrated in brain tissue. It enables the brain to use glucose (blood sugar) more efficiently. Glucose is brain fuel, and when the brain has better access to fuel, it thinks better.
In addition to glucose mediation, phosphatidylserine orchestrates balanced cortisol levels. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in a circadian rhythm: this hormone should peak in the morning and then gradually decrease until evening.
When our cortisol levels fall out of this pattern, the body loses equilibrium. Chronic stress levels cause the adrenal glands to pump out mega-doses of cortisol, which then desensitize two parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. These act as the shut-off valves for cortisol. When they become desensitized, cortisol levels go haywire.
This illustrates the cycle of hormone resistance: excessive production of a certain hormone causes cells to become overwhelmed, and the cells down-regulate their response to that hormone. Now, the body produces even more of this hormone, because it is not getting into cells. Phosphatidylserine rebalances high cortisol not by blocking the production, but by re-sensitizing the hypothalamus and hippocampus to this hormone. (Source, source)
My experience with phosphatidylserine benefits
Phosphatidylserine helped me become still
Although I never received a diagnosis of hyperactivity as a child, perhaps because I was born just before that was a fad, I was a hyper and active little creature. Growing up, I danced myself dizzy, ran frenzies around the house, and required tactile projects to keep my buzzing fingers busy. (Actually, I held to these habits until very recently.)
As a young adult, my high energy effusively fed my creativity but also my Type-A tendencies, a pattern from which I’m actively recovering. In addition, I realized my challenge of fully relaxing into my body. For example, one romantic partner brought to my attention that I would reach my cuddling limit when my pent-up energy from staying still needed to escape.
While I attribute my energy patterns partly to the innate personality of my physiology, I’ve learned that my high cortisol levels were partly to blame. High cortisol occurs in a state of hyper-adrenia, which is the opposite of adrenal fatigue. Individuals may be predisposed to either type of adrenal dysfunction or, in my case, may experience alternating periods of both. I plan to write a post discussing this in more detail.
When I began taking phosphatidylserine, I arrived into the full relaxation of my body. I could be still and present, without feeling a build-up of energy. And, for the first time in my life after age 2, I could take a nap. Now, if I feel deeply fatigued or brain fried during the day, I can rejuvenate my body and mind with a power nap.
Phosphatidylserine calmed anxiety
Have you heard the term monkey mind? This Bhuddist term references the mind chatter that fidgets from one branch of thought to the next. I lived most of my life with chronic anxiety that felt like a circus worth of monkeys in my mind.
I feel compelled to write a future post about my recovery from anxiety, a struggle which I’ve not addressed here. In short, I unknowingly suffered anxiety and only realized it once I had recovered.
Phosphatidylserine partly provided the foundation for me to incorporate other anxiety-healing tools. By significantly supporting my focus and stillness, it made a meditation practice more accessible and less intimidating to me. I felt a deeper control of those restless, rambunctious monkeys in my mind.
Another crucial aspect in my recovery from anxiety is Anxiety Release, a formulation from my company Meo Energetics. This essential oil blend works energetically to balance the part of the brain (the anterior cingulate gyrus) that can get stuck processing the same negative thoughts.
Clinical research supports the anxiety-relieving effects of phosphatidylserine. Research shows that it may reduce the intensity of stress and could promote the production of dopamine, a “happy brain chemical.” (Source, source)
Phosphatidylserine improved my sleep
Over the years, I’ve vastly improved my lifelong pattern of insomnia with tools such as my melatonin glasses, my intelliBED non-toxic mattress, and wind-down bedtime rituals (reading and meditation).
Even with these resources, insomnia still intruded into my life when I was out of my sleep routine. For example, my hormones and stress levels continued to throw off my sleep patterns. I also struggled to fall asleep when traveling.
Phosphatidylserine provided a stillness in my body and mind which radically improved my sleep. This supplement, by re-sensitizing my body to cortisol, allowed me to access a quiet and lovely lethargy when I went to bed.
Other phosphatidylserine benefits
ADD and ADHD – When it comes to addressing the widespread diagnosis of hyperactivity in children, nutrition and supplementation offer drastic results without the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Again, this topic requires a future article. Phosphatidylserine has been used to address ADD and ADHD (source, source). Given my own experience with grounding my energy and calming my anxiety, I believe this supplement should be used with both holistic and conventional treatments for hyperactivity.
Weight loss – In excess levels, cortisol triggers the body to store belly fat. The cortisol drop from phosphatidylserine often supports healthy, long-term weight loss. I can’t speak to this effect, but I didn’t desire weight loss.
Memory -Phosphatidylserine is a popular subject in memory and Alzheimer’s research. Although studies show mixed results, there is compelling research to suggest phosphatidylserine supports memory function, perhaps by improving levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and Alzheimer’s correlates with a shortage of this crucial brain messenger. (Source, Source, Source)
Exercise endurance and recovery – Clinical research supports the use of phosphatidylserine for exercise recovery and reducing the physiological consequences of overtraining. It also suggests that phosphatidylserine improves endurance levels during high-intensity activity. (Source, source)
Recommended phosphatydlserine
Phosphatydlserine comes in three forms:
- Soy-based, which carries GMO sourcing concerns
- Bovine-based, which is not widely available, due to concerns of pathogens
- Sunflower-based – which I prefer and use.
**I use and recommend this brand of sunflower-based phosphatidylserine.**
My experience dosing phosphatydlserine
The optimal dose of phosphatidylserine varies from individual to individual. Fortunately, you can easily find your ideal dose with awareness of your energy level and symptoms.
It took me two weeks of small adjustments to optimally dose phosphatidylserine. I started with three capsules daily, one at 12pm, one at 3pm, and one before bed. I discovered that my body was very sensitive to the supplement, and taking it in the afternoon made me too tired. Many people, however, thrive with this 3-times-daily dose schedule.
Now, I take two capsules two hours prior to bedtime. This allows the phosphatidylserine to hit my system when I’m ready to sleep.
Remember, phosphatidylserine often reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol plays a crucial role in your energy level, and should peak in the morning. It is often recommended to take your first dose of phosphatidylserine after 12pm or later in the day.
Do you use phosphatidylserine? What is your experience?
This is so great!! Yes, I recently started taking a Mind Health supplement with this as one of the ingredients and am so excited about how I’m feeling! Thanks for sharing!!
So PS rebalances cortisol….so does that mean if cortisol is low, it won’t make it lower? Can it raise it to a normal level?
I’ve read in The Mood Cure by Julia Ross that 80% of people with cortisol issues actually have LOW not high cortisol. By my symptoms (I typically fall asleep easily, but I wake up too early and can’t fall back asleep, insomnia worsens with PMS, my eyes sometimes blackout temporarily when standing up, have a bit of belly fat, adrenal fatigue, tired all day, wired at night), I was always under the impression that I could have high cortisol, and I had planned on trying Phosphatidylserine, but if my cortisol is actually low, I don’t want to drain it more. I do plan to get a diurnal cortisol saliva test done so I’m not playing with fire.
Definitely recommend reading the book I mentioned above. low serotonin (and other neurotransmitters) can also cause these sleepless symptoms and throw off adrenals, thyroid, HPA axis, sex hormones. I’m starting to take tryptophan and GABA every night (was irregularly taking it before) and I slept a lot better last night.
Check out the sources links, it’s quite clear what phosphatidylserine does to the body, it basically enables better communication to the pituitary – adrenal axis, making it easier for the body to respond to stress.
In my opinion, from what I see, it’s safe to try it out at lower dosis and see how it works.
What about just getting it from food like chicken hearts or Atlantic mackerel ???? Those have around 400mg phosphedylserine per serving !
I was thinking about making making lipsomal vitamin c which consist of vitamin c powder and sunflower lectin so you think get the benefit I need thru this method for my depression due to adrenal fatigue. My depression is becoming intolerable.
If you don’t have time to make your own, check out the Liposomal Vit C from Lipo Naturals. Excellent product!
I’m so sorry Debra. I’ve had debilitating depression, too. How are you feeling lately?
Monique, Covington, LA
For the past 5 years I have been taking Lith Orotate for my depression and anxiety. It has been the only natural thing that I tried that has hit the spot. I am currently also 5 years episode free. Only rarely do I get panic attacks. Ab workouts has helped too as well as a good wholesome diet and good sleep!
I have extreme anxiety. I started taking PS last week. I was extremely tired so I am taking only 2 at night however, my anxiety is still very high. How long does it take to begin noticing the difference?
Jackie There is a lot more to anxiety than just cortisol. Low neurosteroids as in progesterone, pregnenolone and allopregnanolone can play a huge part in anxiety. If they are low the neurotransmitters won’t transmit at optimal levels due to low grade inflammation as those steroids are anti-inflammatories
I noticed a difference in two days. I was taking 200mg three times a day per nd.
It has changed my life.
I noticed a difference in two days. I was taking 200mg three times a day per nd.
It has changed my life.
Try taking Kavinace. I’ve had HORRIBLE anxiety due to Lyme disease for almost 8 years and it caused Insomnia. I take 2 Kavinace with 100 MG of Phosph. and I sleep through the night!
Where do you get Kavinace? Is it sold on Amazon? How much Phosphatidylserine do you take ? I appreciate your help so much. I have terrible insomnia
Where does it say in the two sources you supplied the PS re-sensitizes the receptors of cortisol to repair the broken negative feedback loop on the HPA axis?
I know what you supplied is just the abstracts of the studies and not the full studies so I was wondering if you have read the full studies and saw it there.
Phosphatidylserine rebalances high cortisol not by blocking the production, but by re-sensitizing the hypothalamus and hippocampus to this hormone. (Source, source)
I just looked at the pages, neither one confirms how PS works for HPA axis dysfunction. It seems to still be a mystery.
PS reduces both cortisol and ACTH. So it affects the entire axis, doesn’t just lower cortisol like some other supplements.
From the paper “Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration………..” it says it may play a role in receptors, but it doesn’t verify it.
Phosphatidylserine is known to influence receptorligand interactions by interfering with lipid microviscosity in the cell membrane. The relative viscosities of phospholipids affects the position of membrane proteins with enzymatic activity, perhaps modifying their interactions with ligands [Hirata and Haxelrod, 1980, Shinitzky 1984]. Phosphatidylserine may affect the number of receptors in
the cell membrane [Stockert et al., 1989; De Robertis et al., 1989] or interfere with the activity of protein kinase C, which controls hormone-receptor transduction mechanisms [Canonico and Scapagnini 1989]. It is possible, therefore, that chronic treatment with phosphatidylserine may
alter CRF receptor interactions, resulting in reduced activation of the HPA axis after stress.
Alternatively, phosphatidylserine may alter the activity of the various neurotransmitter systems involved in
regulation of the HPA axis [Tuomisto and Mannisto,
1985]. In experimental animals phosphatidylserine caused
a marked increase in the release of acetylcholine from the
cerebral cortex [Vannucchi and Pepeu 1987] and in the
stimulation of noradrenaline turnover in the hypothalamus [Toffano and Bruni 1980].
You say you take 2 at night, but what dosage? (How many mg’s?)
What an awesome straight to the point article that I found by accident. Thanks so much for posting it.
its truly life changing, helps so much with meditation and gives such calmness. thank you !
I’m glad to hear this supplement is helpful to you!
Your information is very helpful. Good to know about not taking phosphatidayserine in the morning. I have been taking only 100 mgs in the am and have been feeling shaky like my adrenals are crashed. Maybe better at bedtime. Live and learn.
Your experiences and health challenges are similar to mine. I have some things to share with you that are quite effective for health. I was born in 1947 and am not a fan of texting or emails. Maybe in your busy day there would be 15 minutes free for you to call so I can share what I have learned in 44 years of traveling the world of alternative medicine/suppliments, foods and different food programs. I was relieved if 30 years at age 35 of seasonal allergies after following Eat Right for Your Blood Type, and giving up wheat. On a dime in the middle of the hayfever season my allergies stopped 4 days after quitting wheat!
A tip about lyposomal Vit C. You CAN’T make it the way the creator LivOn Labs makes it by mixing a few ingredients in your kitchen. It is a laboratory process. Dr Mercola tried the same thing and LivOn Labs wrote a very kind, scientifically detailed response online to such experiments by the public. Not easy to make. I buy it from the Green Pharmacy for $31 and no shipping cost. It works. Really blunted my Lymes disease. Anyway, one more thing:
Based on Dr. D’Adamo’s study on reactive blood types to certain foods he said that of all the blood types – Type A’s have the highest levels of the stress hormone Cortisol.
Me, Type A. Bad but good to know why I have been over the top a good part if my life. Now I control it.
Please call or email. I have some good stuff to share!
You set off my monkey mind upon contemplation of your “cuddle limit” Found this… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAu8aWeiOiU
And now I have to have a teaspoon full of PS to calm me.