Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine plays an important role in cognitive functions such as learning, thinking, memory and muscle contraction. The body makes acetylcholine by combining acetic acid and choline (acetyl coenzyme A) with the help of an enzyme called choline acetyltransferase. Definition

Adrenaline

Adrenaline

Adrenaline makes your heart beat faster and your lungs breathe more efficiently. It causes your blood vessels to send more blood to your brain and muscles, raises your blood pressure, makes your brain more alert and raises your blood sugar levels to give you energy. Your pupils dilate and you sweat. Definition

Aspartic acid

Aspartic acid

Aspartic acid can be involved in the regulation of hormones and the production of proteins in the body that help with a wide range of essential body functions. Aspartic acid description

Dopamine

Dopamine

Dopamine acts on areas of the brain that give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also plays a role in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions. Dopamine: How does the "pleasure molecule" work?

Endorphin

Endorphin

Endorphins are a type of brain chemical that helps people cope with pain and stress. Healthy levels of endorphins can help people cope with physical pain, ... What is an endorphin?

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

GABA is known to have a calming effect. It's thought to play an important role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear. Reduced levels of GABA have been linked to several neurological, mental health and other medical conditions. Characteristic

Glutamic Acid

Glutamic Acid

Glutamine is an amino acid produced by the body and found in food. It supports your body's immune and digestive systems. It is used in protein biosynthesis in the human body and helps with metabolism, brain and heart function. Glutamic acid is naturally synthesised by the body. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, which means it can be produced by the body, but it is often secreted in insufficient amounts, so it is important to get it from food.

Glycine

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that helps build the proteins needed to maintain tissues and hormones. More glycine can help support the heart and liver ... Glycine is a non-essential, proteinogenic amino acid.

Histamine

Histamine

Histamine is a chemical produced by your immune system. It's best known for its role in causing allergy symptoms. But it also has other important functions, such as regulating your sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function. Antihistamines are a common medication that can control histamine levels. Often involved in allergic symptoms and sometimes poorly tolerated when supplied by food, histamine is nevertheless an essential molecule for the body.

Melatonin

Melatonin

People most commonly use melatonin for insomnia and to improve sleep in a variety of conditions, such as jet lag. It is also used for depression, chronic pain, dementia and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. What is melatonin?

Noradrenaline / Norepinephrine

Noradrenaline / Norepinephrine

Noradrenaline / Norepinephrine: As a neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord, norepinephrine: Increases alertness, arousal and attention. Constricts blood vessels, which helps maintain blood pressure during times of stress. Definition

Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Oxytocin can have anti-stress-like effects, such as reducing blood pressure and cortisol levels. It raises pain thresholds, has an anxiolytic effect and stimulates various types of positive social interaction. It also promotes growth and healing. Naturally produced by the body during labour and lactation, oxytocin is responsible for causing uterine contractions before birth.

Serotonin

Serotonin

Serotonin plays a key role in body functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire. Too low or too high levels of serotonin can cause physical and mental health problems. Serotonin is commonly known as the 'happiness hormone'.