How to increase acetylcholine naturally

In addition, many natural substances block acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in your synapses. This blockage increases brain acetylcholine. At high doses, these substances act like poisons that can cause paralysis and deaths, but at low doses, they can work as nootropics. 

This article is part 3 of a 3-part series.

Part 1: What is acetylcholine and what are its important roles?

Part 2: 7 Signs you could have low brain acetylcholine levels

Part 3: How to boost your brain acetylcholine levels

Dietary sources of acetylcholine precursors

You can boost acetylcholine production in the brain and the rest of your body by consuming choline-rich food sources such as :

• Egg yolks
• Liver
• Salmon
• Beef
• Cauliflower
• Bacon
• Milk
• Dairy products
• Quinoa
• Amaranth
• Edamame
• Cruciferous vegetables

Nootropic supplements that increase acetylcholine in the brain

Nootropics that increase acetylcholine may work by:

• Inhibiting its breakdown by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase
• Directly stimulating acetylcholine receptors
• Providing the building blocks necessary for the creation and release of acetylcholine in the brain

Aside from being a building block for acetylcholine, choline is also important for heart health, detoxification, and healthy pregnancy.

Below we briefly discuss some of the most common cholinergic compounds used as nootropics nowadays and their function in acetylcholine release.

Alpha-GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is a bioavailable form of choline that crosses the blood-brain barrier. However, Alpha-GPC occurs in small amounts naturally. It is made by deacetylation of phosphatidylcholine from soy or sunflower. 

Choline makes up 40% of Alpha-GPC’s total weight. Inside the brain, it gets converted into phosphatidylcholine and subsequently broken down into choline as needed. Alpha-GPC then provides the necessary choline to make acetylcholine. It showed promising results in optimizing memory and learning. 

Bacopa monnieri

Also familiar as Brahmi and originating from ancient India, this supplement enhances cognition and long-term memory. Bacopa is an adaptogen, which means it promotes a balanced stress response. It also supports the balance of serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine in the brain. Also, Bacopa inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing synaptic acetylcholine.         

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most famous and oldest herbs known to improve cognitive function and stamina. Its activities in the brain include:

• Increases acetylcholine levels
• Reduces acetylcholine breakdown 
• Modulating choline uptake and acetylcholine release
• Having antioxidant activities, which protect brain cells from oxidative damage and glutamate toxicity
• Increases blood flow to the brain 
• Increases acetylcholine muscarinic receptor activation and modulates serotonin in a way that affects choline function 

Huperzine A

Huperzine-A is extracted from Chinese moss Huperzia serrata. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, inhibiting acetylcholine breakdown and increasing acetylcholine in our brain. Consumers report this supplement useful for increasing their mental energy, cognition, and clear thinking.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a derivative of vincamine, a substance derived from the periwinkle plant. It is a nootropic that increases brain acetylcholine levels and blood flow. Also, it improves alertness, cognition, and memory.

Citicoline

Citicoline or Cytidine Diphosphate Choline (CDP-Choline) is naturally present in every cell in your body. CDP-Choline has 18% choline by weight. It can either cross the blood-brain barrier intact or get digested into cytidine and choline before absorption.

Conclusion:

Acetylcholine is a very important neurotransmitter if you’re looking into nootropics to boost your cognitive function. However, it is important to keep in mind that neurotransmitters work in balance. Also, you need to cycle between the yin and yang of nootropics in order to continue performing optimally. Therefore, your nootropic program should be personalized based on your neurotransmitter profile, goals, and your overall health.

To get your personalized nootropic program, fill out this quiz. 

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