Category: Brain Health

  • What is the role of BDNF in the brain

    What is the role of BDNF in the brain

    BDNF is a type of neurotrophin. Neurotrophins promote the survival and growth of neurons, a communication cell used to share information within the brain and nervous system . BDNF is particularly essential for cognitive performance, in functions such as memory and learning , and neurotrophins like BDNF are required for proper nervous system development

    Though peripheral nerves, or nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord, can spontaneously regenerate after injury, their complete recovery is unlikely. Because of its role in initiating neuron growth, BDNF has been found to play a role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Studies show that BDNF treatments have been successful in treating peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models, and some success is being seen in human patients.

    What is BDNF?

    BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a small protein produced in the brain that stimulates the growth and survival of neurons .  BDNF assists in neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adjust to change . Neuroplasticity connects learning and memory—how our brain adapts, masters new abilities, and stores information .

    Important roles of BDNF for cognitive performance and mental health

    Promoting neuronal growth and survival

    BDNF stimulates the growth, generation, and survival of neurons.. The development and preservation of neuronal networks depend on how many neurotrophins, including BDNF, are synthesized and released .

    Formation of synapses (synaptogenesis)

    The places where neurons connect and communicate with each other are known as synapses .  They control the flow of information between neurons and their target cells. Synapses, and their creation, are also the foundation for functions such as memory and learning. Neurotrophins (like BDNF) control the number and arrangement of synapses .

    Neural activities such as mental challenges influence the formation and preservation of synapses, controlling synaptic strength . These activities also increase the creation and secretion of BDNF, stimulating even more synapses .

    Synaptic plasticity

    Changes in neuronal connections, known as synaptic plasticity, are the main factors for learning and memory .

    Neurotrophins encourage synaptic plasticity, as well as help to preserve cells and assign them their function . Of all neurotrophins, BDNF is unique because of its high levels in the brain and its powerful effect on synapses .

    Memory

    Memory helps with learning, memorization, and recalling stored information. The changes in synaptic plasticity affect learning and memory, and BDNF contributes to these processes. The hippocampus is an area of the brain devoted to memory. Aging, lack of physical activity, and low BDNF levels naturally decrease hippocampal activity .

    Mood

    Mood disorders are among the most common and repetitive mental disorders. Poor regulation of synaptic plasticity, along with changes in neurotrophin levels (like BDNF), could lead to mood disorders .

    The hippocampus is also often associated with the development of mood disorders and brain BDNF levels tend to be abnormal in affected individuals .

    Though cognitive performance depends on many factors, BDNF has a significant role. It promotes growth and survival of neurons, and neurons control the flow of information within the central nervous system.

    It’s important to shed light on the complex processes involved in our day-to-day lives, and be aware of their influence on our mental health and most basic functions. Now that you are aware of the importance of BDNF, you may consider what influences the rise or fall of your own brain’s levels.

    References

    1. Cunha C, Brambilla R, Thomas KL. A simple role for BDNF in learning and memory? Front Mol Neurosci. 2010;3:1.
    2. Obata K, Noguchi K. BDNF in sensory neurons and chronic pain. Neurosci Res. 2006;55(1):1–10.
    3. Brem A-K, Ran K, Pascual-Leone A. Learning and memory. Handb Clin Neurol. 2013;116:693–737.
    4. McGregor CE, English AW. The role of BDNF in peripheral nerve regeneration: Activity-dependent treatments and Val66Met. Front Cell Neurosci. 2018;12:522.
    5. Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Arch Med Sci. 2015;11(6):1164–1178.
    6. Puderbaugh M, Emmady PD. Neuroplasticity. En: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
    7. Angelucci F, Brenè S, Mathé AA. BDNF in schizophrenia, depression and corresponding animal models. Mol Psychiatry. 2005;10(4):345–352.
    8. Caire MJ, Reddy V, Varacallo M. Physiology, Synapse. En: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
    9. Jevtovic-Todorovic V. Developmental synaptogenesis and general anesthesia: a kiss of death? Curr Pharm Des. 2012;18(38):6225–6231.
    10. Nelson TJ, Alkon DL. Molecular regulation of synaptogenesis during associative learning and memory. Brain Res. 2015;1621:239–251.
    11. Hua JY, Smith SJ. Neural activity and the dynamics of central nervous system development. Nat Neurosci. 2004;7(4):327–332.
    12. Nakayama K, Kiyosue K, Taguchi T. Diminished neuronal activity increases neuron-neuron connectivity underlying silent synapse formation and the rapid conversion of silent to functional synapses. J Neurosci. 2005;25(16):4040–4051.
    13. Lu B. BDNF and activity-dependent synaptic modulation. Learn Mem. 2003;10(2):86–98.
    14. Bramham CR, Messaoudi E. BDNF function in adult synaptic plasticity: the synaptic consolidation hypothesis. Prog Neurobiol. 2005;76(2):99–125.
    15. Ramirez A, Arbuckle MR. Synaptic plasticity: The role of learning and unlearning in addiction and beyond. Biol Psychiatry. 2016;80(9):e73–e75.
    16. Gómez-Palacio-Schjetnan A, Escobar ML. Neurotrophins and synaptic plasticity. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2013;15:117–136.
    17. Leal G, Bramham CR, Duarte CB. BDNF and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Vitam Horm. 2017;104:153–195.
    18. Brigadski T, Leßmann V. BDNF: a regulator of learning and memory processes with clinical potential. eNeuroforum. 2014;5(1):1–11.
    19. Mizoguchi Y, Yao H, Imamura Y, Hashimoto M, Monji A. Lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are associated with age-related memory impairment in community-dwelling older adults: the Sefuri study. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):16442.
    20. Anand KS, Dhikav V. Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):239–246.
    21. Hashimoto K, Shimizu E, Iyo M. Critical role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mood disorders. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2004;45(2):104–114.
    22. Shih-Jen T, Chen-Jee H. Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene variants on the therapeutic response and the risk for mood disorders. Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine. 2008;6(2):126–133.
    23. Martinowich K, Lu B. Interaction between BDNF and serotonin: role in mood disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008;33(1):73–83.

  • Finding Your “Stimulation Sweet Spot” To Unlock Apex Mental States

    Finding Your “Stimulation Sweet Spot” To Unlock Apex Mental States

    VERY IMPORTANT: FIND YOUR “STIMULATION SWEET SPOT”

    One of the most important aspects of your neuro journey is to find your sweet spot when it comes to nervous system stimulation.

    That’s where the “Apex Performance” is… AKA: The Zamner Zone.

    When you take too much, you feel jitteriness, brain fog, a numbing of your senses, maybe a slight headache, and a dumbing down of your performance. When you take too little, you don’t activate the peak performance state you want.

    Learn how to master your breakthrough brain stacks to experience the ultimate mental states every day with The Brilliant Mind Blueprint.

    Especially in the case of Nectar X and Power Solution, it can mean sipping instead of chugging. See how your brain reacts to ¼ of the tube. Wait for the effect, then manage the dose as you learn how your mind responds to each Breakthrough Brain Stack.

    To help you find your “stimulation sweet spot,” follow the 30-day Guided Nootopia Journey which is designed to slowly ramp you up into the stacks. This way you can easily see what works for you and what doesn’t. You can learn, “What’s too much?” “What’s not enough?”, and “What activates YOUR ZAMNER ZONE?”
    Everyone is unique. Neurotransmitter dominance and deficiencies, hormones, and liver enzymes vary wildly per individual. Your response to Nootopia stacks changes based on your unique genetics, lifestyle, age, food intake, and other factors. Just follow the 30-day Guided Nootopia Journey and take notes. This will lead to major improvements in managing your performance and mental states.

    CRITICAL POINT: THE NOOTROPICS POTENTIATE CAFFEINE GREATLY

    What this means is that 1 cup of coffee will perform like 3-5 cups. We don’t use a lot of caffeine in our blends (unless you want us to because there are more effective ways to optimize your brain and energy). One of the issues you may encounter is feeling anxious drinking the same amount of caffeine that you used to. Especially with Power Solution, Focused Savagery, and Nectar X. 

    Because of your individual genetics, this varies greatly. Some people are slow caffeine metabolizers and ½ a cup of coffee keeps them awake at night. Others can pound a double espresso and take a nap.

    This is why we suggest using decaf or half-caf/half-decaf to create your coffee when you start the nootropics. If you’re super caffeine sensitive, start going decaf in the beginning of your nootropics journey– or you may just find yourself shooting lightning bolts, fireballs, and hail from your fingertips. 

    Using my modified version of buttered coffee (which I’ll share in a future blog post) can take your experience to new heights. THE MAIN POINT IS: YOU MUST FIND YOUR OWN “SWEET SPOT” WHEN IT COMES TO CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION and this “sweet spot” is going to be very different than it used to be when you start using these Breakthrough Brain Stacks.

    We have some strategies and suggestions for how you can pull your nervous system out of sympathetic mode. Powermove: The #1 mineral to optimize your nervous system — magnesium. It saved Wade and I from burn out. It’s healed our nervous systems more than anything else we’ve ever tried.  

    Just as our nootropic stacks improve cognitive performance, some of these stacks also support and improve adrenal response (critical to managing how you handle stimulants, like coffee and energy drinks). 

    It’s entirely possible to reverse damage you may have experienced from excess stress, poor diet, and even genetic issues that you had resigned to before now. 

    They’re what helped to repair and optimize my alcohol and drug-damaged brain.
    And I want you to experience the most effective brain and body stacks ever assembled. So if you still haven’t grabbed yours, what are you waiting for? Click here to learn about these breakthrough brain stacks and start your journey to apex brain performance.

  • The Mental Horsepower You Need to Become a Cognitive Performance Badass

    The Mental Horsepower You Need to Become a Cognitive Performance Badass

    Mental performance is a state of mind.

    When their mind says, “you’re too tired to do one more mile,” they counter with a smile. A knowing nod to their purpose. Which overrides that failure response with an “I bet I can post a personal best in this last mile.”

    It sounds easy.

    But in practice, most people fold to that first voice. Rather than rewrite the script with a vengeance.

    Applied to Nootropics, you become a cognitive performance badass.

    By communicating that you are an indomitable force, you empower neurogenesis to reinforce that higher state of being.

    You signal to every facet of your neurology and physiology that you are ready to take on whatever events necessary in order to thrive.

    Watch this video and learn how to use your breakthrough brain stacks as the fastest, most powerful way to upgrade your brain, triple your focus, and activate your genius.

    It’s not that the Nootropics do the work for you. They’re the enabling technology that provides the horsepower you need, once you’ve made the decision to succeed— And in my next blog post, I’ll tell you how to find your mental “stimulation sweet spot”.

    But, and this is a big but: inaction begets inaction. Action begets performance.

    And speaking of performance… Here’s a major brain performance Powermove: Increases blood flow to the brain by taking CogniBiotics. Stress (more on how to improve your stress resilience in my next email), poor blood vessel health, oxidative stress, and low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain. 

    When the brain gets reduced blood flow, it doesn’t get healthy levels of oxygen and nutrients. The deprivation can cause fatigue, brain fog, poor cognitive function, and low mood. The herbal blend in CogniBiotics counteracts this and normalizes brain blood flow.

    Now, when I want sharper focus and improved concentration, I take Nootropics because it’s the fuel that gives me those results. My brain improved so much that I was able to out-think and outsmart my competition. My business success skyrocketed. And I want you to experience these states of mind too.

    Make your #winning decision.

    Get your breakthrough brain stack today. Click here to learn more and select the stack that will enable you to win at everything you do

  • Why You Should Take Nootropics Every Day

    Why You Should Take Nootropics Every Day

    There was one little experiment one day, the carbon arc furnace, which blew up… and seared my tear ducts (the reason I’m wearing these patches over my eyes in the picture on the right). 

    Six weeks later, when they pulled the patches off, I could see fine. And life was the same. I moved on to the next experiment. 

    My mom would have to ask time and time again for me to come to dinner or to remind me that it’s time for bed. It wasn’t because I was abstinent. It was because I was so deeply ingrained in whatever I was doing.

    Fast forward a few years, and I was both volunteered and requested to take Accutane in mega doses. This changed everything for the worse.

    I could no longer focus for long periods. I always felt a bit of a fog. My energy declined over time as well.

    I was a good athlete, but I slowly lost my drive to win.

    Fast forward to 2021, and I can focus like a machine for 16 hours a day. I can deliver whatever life demands of me thanks to having an optimized brain.

    With the help of nootropics, I don’t experience depression. I get more done in 4 hours than I used to complete in 4 days. Best of all: I have a blast doing it.

    But that’s not all: every performance aspect of my life has improved. That means: mind, body, energy, sex, and sleep.

    Here’s an exciting aspect of this: your horizon for adjustment and tweaking of your performance is infinite. 

    Think: what if you could improve some area of your mind and body every day… Where would you be in a year?

    • Would you become a partner in your law firm?
    • Would you become a top trader on Wall Street?
    • Move from the mailroom to a VP position?
    • Actually live Tim Ferriss’s 4-Hour Workweek?

    I’m not saying you and I will become Eddie Morra overnight. But I am quite confident you and I are barely touching our potential.

    When we were beginning to test our original base formula in 2008, we knew three things:

    1. A clear, deep, fast, and connected mind makes better decisions. Those decisions can dramatically affect your results in life.
    1. A tireless mind and body can act on those decisions. Action creates momentum. 
    1. Good decisions with action create success, however you define it. Whether that’s changing the world. Changing your mind. Or simply multitasking as you’re changing a diaper.

    Change– and life improvements– take drive, courage, and energy. Courage is best leveraged when you can anticipate outcomes. Anticipating outcomes requires quickly thinking through the myriad of variables that impinge on our objectives.

    Make sense?

    It’s not just about being smarter at Monopoly or winning at Twister.

    It’s about operating at a higher level, amplifying your strengths, and then turning them into super powers… And enjoying the journey.

    Stress comes from not understanding the actual likelihood of a potential outcome. It comes from falsely anticipating and fearing what might happen. 

    On the flip side: understanding, managing, and embracing what you can control gives you power. This is where high cognitive function, strong and resilient physical capacity, and positive, anticipatory thinking comes into play.

    This is why I take Nootropics every day. And why I believe it can be the best game-changer for you too.

    Watch this video and learn how to use these breakthrough brain stacks to architect and hack the ultimate mental states for productivity, creativity, and happiness.

    Because being sick and suboptimal sucks. And being your best and cycling into Superhuman territory is a gift that, once experienced, is something that will change your life forever. 

    And, at the cost of a Starbucks or two a day, it’s one of the most cost effective, lifetime enhancements I could ever hope for.

    Oh, and if like me you’ve struggled with focus, here’s a Powermove: FOCUS-WINDOWS…

    Focus-windows are by definition an awesome FOCUS TOOL. The goal is to: STICK WITH THAT ONE THING until the focus-window is done.

    At first, it will be hard. Your brain is going to want to escape. That’s your brain’s focus weakness coming out. It wants you to relieve it of the strain.

    If you just CAN’T stay focused for an hour, then try shortening the focus-window to 30 minutes to start. Less than 30 minutes is not enough to get into a flow state. With time, effort and consistency, your mental endurance will go up. 

    If you’re ready to start your journey to apex brain performance, you can select the stack that best suits your goals. Click HERE to learn more about them and select yours.

  • 5 Phases That Unlock Your Brain’s Superpowers

    5 Phases That Unlock Your Brain’s Superpowers

    Welcome to Nootopia — the ultimate guide to reaching your “God Mode.”

    Watch this video and learn how to use these breakthrough brain stacks to multiply your brain performance overnight, boost your focus, your mood, your mental stamina, and crush your goals.
    You’re in for a deep, fun adventure. These breakthrough brain stacks and PERSONALIZED formulas are going to help you become THE MAESTRO OF YOUR MIND. You’ll be able to wake up and choose how you want to be every day by using your new tools to shift your brain in whatever state you want.

    Here are the 5 Phases that will unlock your brain’s superpowers over the next 2 months: 

    1. The Brain Goals: Find and create stacks that:

    1. Bring your brain and performance to 100% of its true potential every single day.
    2. Activate and shift your brain into specific STATES that make it easier for you to succeed at your goals.
    3. Unlock NEW states that you’ve never experienced before.

    2. Experimentation

    We include a 30-day Guided Nootopia Journey with your order to make it smooth, fun, and easy to follow...

    By systematically testing the stacks, you’re going to figure out which blends and combos are magical for your brain. There are dozens and dozens of ways you can combine your personalized nootropic blends. We’ll also include a one-page “cheat code sheet” to make it easier to understand each product. Keep experimenting and HAVE FUN.

    EXPERIMENTATION is a very important part of finding the ideal combinations, timing, and dosages for YOU, your circadian rhythms, your neurochemistry, and your goals. For instance, in meetings my goal is to connect with the people I’m speaking with, so I like to take a few sprays of Zamner Juice just before going on Zoom.

    “Attack Dose” and Timing Matters: You’re going to figure out the right “attack dose” (which means your starter dose) and speed-of-dosing for each stack. For instance, drinking Nectar X and Power Solution at the right attack dose and pace makes a big difference. 

    For example, if you drink ½ right away it may either be a good starting point or it might be too much for you. If so, start with ¼ and then sip the rest over a few hours to stream in the ingredients at the right velocity to get your brain to its peak state and keep it there.

    3. Neurogenesis 

    Neurogenesis is when your brain and neurons grow and form in new ways, which is one of the key benefits of using the Nootopia stacks over time. This means the positive effects are going to build up and “level up” your brain’s baseline

    This also means that they get more and more effective over time. We’ve seen this with virtually every client; that after a few doses of the Breakthrough Brain Stacks, they are much more effective than in the beginning.

    4. Optimization 

    Optimization #1: We’re going to tweak each formula based on your monthly feedback and get them PERFECT for you. We usually get it “just right for you” within 2 or 3 cycles. Is Power Solution too strong? We can dial back the “stimulation”. Want it stronger? We’ve got you.

    Optimization #2: You can shift your stacks each month. If there’s a stack you don’t enjoy, you can swap it for another stack. Plus, we will constantly be releasing NEW stacks for you to experience. 

    The journey to God Mode is less of an event and more of a process. You’re in control. You could take it as far as Neptune and back, or bring it to heights more astonishing than Elon Musk flawlessly doing Michael Jackson’s famous moonwalk, if you’d like.

    Also, if you want, you can change the frequency of your orders. Some people can stretch “World Domination” to 2 months.

    However, be aware that the combinations are almost endless. We are also coming out with more foundational formulas to create more stacking possibilities in the next few months.

    5. Apex Performance 

    Apex Performance happens once you dial in your nervous system, neurochemistry, and hormones to the sweet spot. You’ll be able to perform and feel at your absolute best. This is when you’ve achieved your goal of feeling and performing at optimal levels. This is when you’ve got your states dialled in and you’re able to shift to whatever you want.

    And speaking of the nervous system… For optimal performance, a great Powermove (and more in my next blog posts) is to ramp down the nervous system by using relaxers in the evening and weekends. 

    Here’s a list of the best relaxers:

    • Magnesium
    • L-Theanine
    • Lavender Oil
    • Ashwagandha
    • Reishi
    • CBD

    You can try any of these options to see how your body responds, and pick the ones most effective for you.

    If you’re ready to start your journey to God Mode, you can select the stack that best suits your goals. Click HERE to learn more about them and select yours.

    Again, it’s all about experimenting, having fun, and unlocking your brilliance within.