Achieve Your Greatest Dreams - one step at a time.

Sociidot is a new app to help you reach your goals step by step.
I designed the roadmaps featured in the app for:

• How To KickStart Health
• How To Reverse Diabetes
• How To Burn Fat.

Downloadable in the app store.

Raw Cocoa is nature's most potent tool to lengthen telomeres.

How much vitamin C to combat infection and fatigue?

ReTHINK BreakFAST

The Skinny on Skincare

When looking for a good skin care, that not only is free of skin junk food such as parabens, alcohol, mineral oil, perfume etc., there are a few proven key ingredients to look for, in order to get an actual effect from those often expensive beauty products out there. Most of those marketed ingredients do not penetrate the outer layers of the skin, making those great-sounding nutrients on the label completely worthless, unfortunately.

I'm going to give you the breakdown here of what to look for that actually has an anti-aging and naturally better-than-Botox effect when used more than 3 months (I don't ever recommend Botox btw. - it's a neurotoxin and makes your skin more saggy in the long run - so you literally will get addicted to Botox. And you're going to look like you came out of a plastic factory - not a good look).

First off, you must wash with a soap, that does not rid your skin of natural oils, so that your washing procedure is not damaging your skin daily. I recommend Dr. Broenner's soap for body and face as this match your skin pH perfectly, and it does not contain any obsolete garbage. And it's cheap. So we can spend more money on awesome stuff instead.

Anyway - here's my skinny on skincare list:

Vitamin A: One of the few anti-aging pharmaceuticals with a scientifically proven efficacy. When applied topically, it is transformed into retinoic acid by human keratinocytes. Retinol stimulates collagen production in the skin, and its application can result in a reduction of wrinkles and skin pigmentation.

Vitamin C: It stimulates collagen production and has a photoprotective effect (it minimizes damage from the sun). Its wrinkle-improving effect has been proven in clinical studies. One problem is its instability in various topically applied products, as vitamin C is prone to oxidation and may lose its efficacy this way. Furthermore, some topical products do not penetrate through the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), and thus are not able to render the desired effects.

Vitamin E: More studies needed, but there is some indication of a reduction in wrinkle depth and decrease in skin roughness. Vitamin E is found in various cosmetic products, but in most at a way too low concentration to make any difference. I recommend opening a vitamin E capsule and applying it directly to skin beneath your daily moisturizer.

Flavonoids: Group of substances found in many foods e.g. green tea phenols. They have a photoprotective effect.

Copper: Copper peptides seem to have a positive effect on skin aging. Clinical studies have shown wrinkle reduction and improvement in elasticity.

CoenzymeQ10: A lipophilic antioxidant, which is reduced in the aging process. Little scientific data supports its clinical anti-aging effect at this point - additional double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to establish its efficacy. However, oral supplementation is well-documented as part of a successful anti-aging regime for anyone over 30.

Emblica: This antioxidant is extracted from the plant Phyllantus emblica and is said to reduce free radicals and help with pigmentation.

Polypeptides: Studies have shown that topically applied polypeptides may induce an acceleration of collagen synthesis. A clinical study demonstrates a positive effect on skin thickness and skin density after the application of  product containing palmitoyl pentapeptide for three months.

Reaching for immortality with telomere lengthening

As you age, your telomeres shorten. Why is this something we want to prevent? Because the length of telomeres directly determines your life span and how well you age. If someone has great DNA - what they have really succeeded in doing is to take care of their telomeres and eat to prevent them for literally slicing up at the ends! A telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at the end of a chromosome, which protects the end of the chromosome from deterioration.

Now there are several things that have come to light during the past decade as what you can do to maintain or even lengthen telomeres such as Human Growth Hormone therapy and short span high interval training along with that a growing body of research is pointing to some stand-out nutrients that directly impact the length as well. 

Dosage depends on your biochemistry type and needs to be determined via an assessment, as with anything you won't get the results you are looking for if what you are taking is basically a drop in the ocean, even if it's the right stuff.

Here are the 6 nutrients that have been shown so far to directly impact your telomere length and increase longevity:

• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Reference: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition March 11, 2009: 89(6); 1857-1863

The Nutrition Doctor's Secrets of Anti-Aging no. 2: Top 10 Super Foods

The Nutrition Doctor either uses medicinal mushrooms
as part of tonics or in savory recipes!

Medicinal mushrooms
High in super immune-enhancing polysaccharides such as beta glucans, medicinal mushrooms are one of the most intelligent adaptogenic herbs on the planet. Reishi mushrooms are the most well studied herb in the history of the world. reishi has antioxidant properties that protect the body from radiation and free radicals. it inhibits bacteria, viruses, treats tumors, and its adaptogenic properties protect the body from stress.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These types of fats - especially eicosapentaenoic acid - performs a number of functions in the body from balancing hormones to improving skin, hair and nails. In general most diets are deprived of omega-3s and have excessive omega-6. Having an excess of omega-6 fatty acids and rancid trans fatty acids, such as are commonly found in processed foods, leads to inflammatory response in the body, which can develop into a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, immunity challenges, and neurological problems. The best way to get the right kind of fatty acids is to consume foods containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). These are commonly founds in microalgaes such as chlorella, marine phytoplankton, and seeds like hemp, chia and flax in addition to fatty fish, which is an excellent source of EPA and DHA, as long as you choose from the bottom of the food chain to minimize heavy metal intake.

B-Vitamins
B-vitamins such as B6, B9 and B12 are highly correlated with our ability to handle stress. B12 gets used up in our body quickly just by the stresses and toxicity found in our environment on a daily basis. B12 is known to deactivate homocysteine found in our blood. Elevated homocysteine levels correlate directly with our chance s of having a heart attack. the best form to take is methylcobalamin, which has the added benefit of contributing a methyl group that breaks down carcinogenic "bad" estrogen in the system and helps rebalance hormones in women. Vitamin B6 and B9 also contribute methyl groups to our liver, helping to break down "bad" estrogen.

MACA: Increase your stamina
from the bedroom t0 the boardroom!

Maca
A staple of the Peruvian Andes for thousand of years, this adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength and libido. Dried maca powder contains 19 amino acids and 7 essential amino acids. it offers incredible hormone regulation from the top down, supporting the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid, and the adrenal glands in addition to being rich in B-vitamins. Maca is one of the secrets to the efficacy of The Nutrition Doctor's Natural Hormone Balancing™ program and customized blend series.

Probiotics
A healthy ecosystem in our body starts in the gut - your second brain. After we hit 30 we experience a drastic drop in the secretion of digestive enzymes and our ability to digest and utilize the nutrients no matter how clean a diet we are following. Therefor, supplementing with a high-quality probiotic as well as including 2 servings of fermented foods daily, such as kefir, buttermilk, yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, natto etc. is crucial to maintain a healthy gut flora and benefit from whatever other supplements you are taking.

Astragalus
This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Astragalus has antioxidant properties that protects the cell against damage caused by free radicals and is used to protect and support the body's immune system, including improving the power of the lungs. Some astragalus samples contain TA-65, the most powerful anti-aging compound ever discovered! The Nutrition Doctor has included this compound both in Santini Skin Solutions™ as well as our Natural Hormone Balancing™ line.

Goji Berries
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years, goji berries are regarded as a longevity, stregth-building and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, all 8 essential amino acids, 21 trace minerals in addition to being high in antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B and E vitamins, and many other nutrients. They are especially high in eyesight improving zeaxanthin. Goji berries have always been associated with longevity and beauty.

The Nutrition Doctor in The Kitchen:
RAW Chocolate-Cashew Cream. LICK IT!

Cacao
This is the highest antioxidant food on the planet! It is the no. 1 source of magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese (important for strong bones), and is also extremely high in PEA. Cacao's theobromine adds cardiovascular support. The Nutrition Doctor eats RAW chocolate every day to keep a strong mind in a strong body, and loves it as it balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, and elevates your mood and energy by increasing serotonin and dopamine brain chemicals. We have added raw cocoa in our Natural Hormone Balancing line, which is delicious blended with a frozen banana and drizzled with raw Manuka honey and chopped nuts. Get the recipe for raw chocolate-cashew ice cream here (will be available when the new web site, kitchen and product line launches in March - so stay tuned).

Aloe Vera
The gel of aloe vera contains vitamin C and E, the minerals sulfur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and chromium as well as antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes, sterols, lignans, and most importantly, polysaccharides. the polysaccharides have a particular lubricating effect on the joints, brain, nervous system, and the skin. Aloe Vera is one of the many ingredients that work synergistic in boosting collagen and improving skin tone in Santini Skin Solutions™. Aloe Vera, when taken orally, also has immuno-modulating effect, allowing the body to fight back chronic nanobacterial and fungal infections. Aloe vera is a crucial part of any weight loss regime, as it has been shown that when ingesting aloe, you can lose weight yet gain muscle mass simultaneously!

Love

Eat. Breathe. Love.

This is the last, but most important step to live long and strong: The sweet taste of love.
Love completely and unconditionally. It spikes beta-endorphins, our natural pain-killers, boosts brain-serotonin and enhances the flavors of life on every level. Learning to love yourself and others is the first step towards emotional freedom and healing. When you love life, you need not numb yourself by overeating or drugging yourself.

Christina Santini, The Nutrition Doctor, specializes in herbal medicine along with having a caring and compassionate approach in helping you overcome obstacles in your life and redesigning it the way you want it.

Take back control of your health and get the life you deserve.
You can make an appointment for a coaching session by phone, skype or 1:1 (in person appointments only Los Angeles and New York area) here.

DIY Bright 'n Balanced pH Skin Toner

So in response to last week's post on the importance of following the pH balance rules and adhering to a slightly acidic skin care regime in order to minimize the appearance of fine lines and prevent bacterial proliferation, here is a do-it-yourself skin toner recipe that The Nutrition Doctor uses to brighten and balance complexion.

It's cheap, super efficient and void of unnecessary fillers.

And it only takes 30 secs or less, so we can head off to more important stuff than spending hours in front of the mirror, while still looking great.

Matcha powder green tea that you whisk in a bowl
has the highest ORAC

That's how we like it.

This diy skin toner recipe keeps a week in the fridge.

When can you expect results? In a month if you use it consistently AM & PM - for best results follow with The Nutrition Doctor's moisturizer series.

Santini Skin Solutions™: Bright & Balanced Toner

So, what's in it?

• 1/2 c. green tea
• 1/2 c. lemon juice, freshly squeezed 
• 2 slices of ginger
• 1 tsp. raw Manuka honey

Green tea is high in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and prevent DNA damage to your skin.

Lemon is acidic and helps maintain an optimal skin pH balance as well as it enhances the efficacy of the antioxidant value of the green tea! Lemon also contributes with vitamin C which naturally brightens and evens out skin tone.

Ginger increases circulation and stimulates cell renewal.

Manuka honey add moisture and is reknown for its anti-bacterial and anti-anflammtory porperties - topically as well as internal!

So, what to do?

Steep the green tea and ginger slices for approx. 4 minutes in hot, but not boiling water.

Let it cool completely before adding lemon juice and honey.

Pour in a clean bottle (preferably with a spritzer attached, available in cosmetic stores) and store in the fridge.

Whenever you need it swipe over your face with a cotten ball or simply spritz.

Anti-aging in a bottle for less than $2. What's not to love!

The Nutrition Doctor's Secrets of Anti-Aging No 1: pH Balance

Santini Skin Solutions™ Feed your skin because your skin eats too!

When it comes to looking and feeling young it is a balancing act; the most important being ph balance. PH stands for "potential of hydrogen" - that is, the measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a substance.

The scale devised by a Danish chemist in the early 1900s, ranges from 0, which is highly acidic, to 14, which is the most alkaline. Seven, the pH of water, is neutral. The human body maintains such a specific balance between acidity and alkalinity that an off-kilter pH might be connected to a host of unhealthy woes, ranging from dry, rapidly aging skin to acne, inflammation, and even fatigue, weight gain, and susceptibility to disease.

Most of us have heard about the importance of an alkaline diet - however, what you apply to your skin needs to be slightly acidic to prevent DNA damage and combat fine lines! Understanding the triggers diet wise and skin care wise as well as the different requirements is the first and most important step to gain a youthful appearance naturally.

Externally pH plays a fundamental role in the skin's barrier, called the acid mantle, which is formed by secretions from sweat and sebaceous glands as well as the breakdown of fatty acids by beneficial microflora. This barrier keeps lipids and moisture in and pollutants and bacteria out. The acid mantle is as its strongest when the skin is slightly acidic with an optimum pH of 5.5. An acid environment inhibits bacterial growth - those that suffer from acne typically have too alkaline skin pH, which is why it is an absolute disaster to use regular soap as this further makes for an imbalanced pH.  Soap bars typically have a pH of 9; leaving an alkaline residue of film on your skin. In order to combat acne you must use a skincare line that supports an acid skin pH.

When it comes to fighting wrinkles alkalinity is also a key player - a study published in British Journal of Dermatology by Greg Hillebrand, pHD, of P&G Beauty Science, showed that women with an alkaline stratum corneum developed more fine lines than those with acidic skin over an eight-year period; an alkaline epidermis tends to be more brittle and drier than an acidic one. In addition, alkaline skin is more susceptible to sun damage as its protective barrier has been weakened!

This simple principle is what makes The Nutrition Doctor's all-natural so-clean-you-could-eat-it skin care line so efficient for both acne prone skin and in preventing fine lines (DNA damage) by high ORAC value and its pH balancing properties.

Right now The Nutrition Doctor in the Kitchen is making Bright & Balanced Skin Toner - stay tuned for the DIY recipe next week!

All of Santini Skin Solutions™ are hand-churned, made in small batches and based on the pH principle and that, if you can't eat it, don't feed it to your skin!

In combination with a session with The Nutrition Doctor we also offer to customize and develop your own personal skin care line so that it meets exactly your needs and match your biochemistry type!

Contact us for more information.

Reference:

http://www.pgbeautygroomingscience.com/assets/files/posters/AAAS09/Hillebrand%20P101%203MB.pdf

He's a man. Of character.

Life and age has been good to Clooney,
as he continues to top the charts
of most desirable males decade after decade..

I was looking through old family photos the other day. And it struck me how some people look better as they age; they age with grace. While others just age.

My father, in my opinion, looked much more handsome in his older days than when he was babyfaced in his twenties - because his personality was literally drawn on his face. There is something very appealing about people who adhere to the laws of nature instead of fighting them and hanging on to the end of the curtains like a desperate cat.

Cindy in her late forties 

embodies the concept of 

a strong mind in a strong body.

The same goes for a lot of celebrities: George Clooney, Sean Connery, Cindy Crawford and Sophia Loren, to mention a few, that have managed to grow older gracefully. The wisdom of their choices in life show in the lines on their face. I am convinced this has to do with the fact, that when people grow old, you can see immediately what they are about. It is as if they wear their personality on their sleeve, so to speak. All their traits and values show as lines on their face; if they have lived pessimistic, bitter and envious lives; those lines will be deeply ingrained in their aging face - ultimately pushing people away from them before they even utter a word, because it is obvious now for the eye that these are not values one wants to be around.

When they were young, they could hide them with make-up and gel in their hair; barely knowing who they themselves were underneath it all.

In stark contrast to those who have lived lives driven by (com)passion, a certain amount of healthy ambition, drive to excel and, yes, some tears and pain will show too, but it is a sense of real life - that there is a genuine human being who has lived a life that is rich and colorful.

I find that incredibly attractive - there is so much wisdom and unpretentiousness. Everything old people have been through show up on their face. I think every human being is drawn to that visible honesty about life. I think it is a primitive, basic instinct, whether we a conscious about its appeal or not. We can pretend that beauty can be bought for money; and every ugly trace can be erased. But it is not that easy. The most valuable - and ultimately beautiful - things in life are, indeed, priceless.

And hiding something is never attractive.

Sophia Loren - class is timeless.

But one can only grow old with grace if one chooses to live a life that is rich and based on clean-cut values. So, the choice is yours.  And it is now.

Life.

It is every breath you take.

Every step you make.

It is now.

It is one thing you cannot control.

So very fragile.

Grab it while it is there.

Sean Connery's values in life now show as lines on his face.
Imagine the disgrace, had he been another victim of botox.
His timeless attraction lies in his personality now showing on his face. 
And that, makes him ageless.

The Nutrition Doctor is here...

Follow The Nutrition Doctor on twitter and get the latest on metabolic optimization and delicious, nutritious recipes here.

This is culinary medicine taken to the next level based on the science of nutrigenomics and well, what's yummy in your tummy.

And don't forget to get The Nutrition Doctor's Rx for Natural Solutions for Drug Prescriptions here!

Get your biochemistry type determined today: Make an appointment with The Nutrition Doctor.

Eating for pleasure.

Sometimes I eat for pleasure.

Sometimes I eat for comfort.

Sometimes I eat because my body demands fuel right now.

What I always do, however, is that I savor the flavors.

I NEVER eat anything that I do not truly enjoy.

Whether it be savoring the bold, earthy richness of Amarone in the bath tub or enjoying the explosion of flavors unfolding on my tongue that comes from dipping salmon sashimi in salty soy sauce mixed with green wasabi that just gives it that perfect "kick" combined with the sweetness of pink, pickled ginger. I believe food is there to be enjoyed - to nourish your body, mind and soul.



Alcohol is off-limits while you are

rebuilding your brain chemistry,

as it blocks the GABA/serotonin receptors.

However, to a STABLE brain, a glass of red wine

does offer benefits due to its contents off resveratrol.

Medicinal nutrition can be tasty. There is nothing pleasurable about stuffing yourself with soggy fries while typing away on the keyboard. You are not even realizing the flavors of what you are eating. Emotional overeating has nothing to do with being a foodie.

I am a foodie, but I do not numb myself with food; rather I use it as one of the many pleasures that are available to every human being.

French double-crème raw cow's milk brie on rustique, crusty baguette and sipping a glass of Amarone as the sun sets.

Did you know that truly... TRULY... enjoying your food and savoring every bite actually boosts anti-aging endorphins in your body?  And that forcing that shot of seemingly good-for-you but absolutely for your taste buds repulsing shot of wheatgrass increases stress hormones as your force it down in an attempt to make up for your sins.  Food is supposed to be a daily pleasure, not a struggle.

Here's something to think about.

'I recently picked a new primary care doctor. After two visits and exhaustive Lab tests, he said I was doing 'fairly well' for my age. (I just turned 77.)
A little concerned about that comment, I couldn't resist asking him, 'Do you think I'll live to be 80?'
The doctor responded by asking, 'Do you smoke tobacco, or drink beer or wine?' 
'Oh no,' I replied . . . 'I'm not doing drugs, either!' 
Then he asked, 'Do you eat rib-eye steaks and barbecued ribs?' "I said, 'Not much since my former doctor said that all red meat is very unhealthy!' 
'Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?' 'No, I don't,' I said. 
He asked, 'Do you gamble, go on vacations or have a lot of sex?' 'No,' I said. 

He looked at me and said, . . . 'Then, why do you even give a damn?'

Savoring the flavors of life... on every level.

A healthy life does not entail one that is confined or restricted; it is about living the life of your dreams, and you can  only do so if you are not numbing yourself via self-destructive behaviors. It's not the glass of red wine or the couple of French truffles in the evening that is killing you: It's trying to find happiness at the bottom of the scotch bottle after work; It's raiding the cookie jar and disconnecting from yourself and your emotions and needs.

Lick it! Nature's Viagra: This Valentine's get your SEXY on!

Do you know that your sex drive is an indicator of your overall health?
If your libido is diminishing, then this is simply a symptom of imbalanced hormones and a messed up brain chemistry! Factors that put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes type-2, dementia and other inflammatory based diseases!


Before you resort to Botox in the quest of eternal youth do this...
Yes, your passion in the bedroom affects one of our greatest anti-aging hormones being HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE. This secret-to-eternal-youth hormone helps boost collagen production and keep cellulite at bay. Yes, you heard me... sex may very well be an underestimated cure for cellulite. Cellulite being a major issue for most women when they hit menopause - as their hormones drop, their libido vanishes and their mood fluctuates... just coinciding with those less-than-flattering derriere dimples appearing. It's NOT a coincidence. Hormonal imbalance sets off a major cascade of aging biochemistry reactions in your body!


And no, I am certainly not recommending Viagra here - the side effects are vast and many, and quite frankly, this is a disaster of a drug.


Lick it, baby!
What I am recommending is that you eat these two foods daily for a period of 6 weeks, and watch your sex-drive rise!
Apart from that you hereby have Rx to eat dark, decadent chocolate daily, the health impact of these two natural aphrodisiacs  go far beyond the bedroom, as they help to boost dopamine and serotonin levels, as well as balance your hormones NATURALLY and without any side-effects! 
So yes, lick every drop of that dark chocolate!


The scientific low-down on the two SEXY foods:

The Mayan Super food of the gods...
Dark chocolate contains a high concentration of phenethylamine. This chemical stimulates the nervous system and triggers the release of pleasurable opium-like compounds known as endorphins. It also potentiates the activity of dopamine, the neuro-chemical associated with sexual arousal.


The Incan secret to strong stamina... from the bedroom to the boardroom!
It's called MACA baby! And to be honest I have never seen anything quite as efficient with regard to boosting your sex drive! MACA is a Peruvian root that is one of the few foods that act like an adaptogen (balancing your hormones), support exhausted adrenal glands by lowering cortisol levels. However, dosage is crucial to notice any effect whatsoever; I have found that 1-2 tbsp. daily boosts libido for the majority of my clients dramatically within 6 weeks! Mix it in smoothies, yogurt or add it to flour in recipes when baking.


The taste of SEXY is dark, decadent and delicious...
You can get hold of RAW, high-potency and organic cocoa nibs and MACA here.


Reference: 

Dillinger TL, et al. Food of the gods: cure for humanity? A cultural history of the medicinal and ritual use of chocolate. J. Nutr. 2000 Aug:130(85 Suppl):2057S-72S

The legal psychostimulant drug that could make you smarter, leaner or spike your insulin, frazzle your nerves and add inches to your waistline...

Inhaling my morning Cappuccino.
Some alley cafe in La Gomera

What did Balzac, Kant, Rosseau and Voltaire all have in common? They loved coffee! The rich aroma... the sensual lingering aftertaste... smooth yet strong.... I have always been fascinated by contrasts in life: textures, tastes, places, people, paces, ideas.... and then there is coffee.

Today coffee beans are the most widely traded commodity after oil, and caffeine is the world's most commonly used psychostimulant drug. And I am hopelessly addicted.

Caffeine raises blood pressure slightly, ups your metabolism, dilates the bronchi of the lungs, and allows the body quicker access to fuels in the blood (explains the popular choice of red bull and vodka...). It increases the flow of urine in your kidneys and acts as a laxative in your colon.

How you react to coffee reveals how your brain is wired!
People who are low in GABA will be very sensitive to anything containing caffeine and will not benefit from it - physically nor mentally. Also, the severity of depletion is of utmost importance to consider: if you are diabetic type-2 you will have a severe dopamine depletion, as this chemical has been found to be a key indicator in this condition. That means, coffee is completely off-limits, as it tends to spike your cortisol levels which again causes insulin to spike 'n crash - a recipe for disaster. For someone with a more balanced brain chemistry, coffee can be a great mood and metabolism booster.
The secret ingredient to anti-aging
Apart from that, studies have found it to be one of the most efficient ways of reducing visible signs of aging such as cellulite and wrinkles when the green coffee bean extract is used topically.


The science in your coffee cup
The secret to coffee's stimulating effect is this: it binds to the body's receptors for adenosine, a natural chemical important in sleep and wakefulness. As the cells in your body use up energy, they make adenosine as a byproduct; the harder they work, the more of the chemical they make. The adenosine attaches to receptors on cells everywhere in the body and quiets their activity. In this way it calms heartbeat, lowers blood pressure, decreases the release of stimulating neurotransmitters, and induces sleepiness. Caffeine enhances alertness by binding to adenosine receptors and inactivating them - thus preventing the chemical from exerting its quieting effects. So ultimately caffeine works by foiling the process by which the nerves are calmed, rather than actually exciting them!

Coffee could make you smarter... or simply just an anxious nutcase.
FMRI scans have been used to measure coffee's action on the brain, and the studies showed greater activity in the parts of the brain involved in attention and concentration.
That said, whether you will benefit from adding in coffee depends on how your brain is wired - if you are already severely depleted in GABA, the calming neurotransmitter in your brain, then you will react negatively towards caffeine, as it lowers your ability to handle stress even more.

I know that I had to cut my coffee intake drastically since moving to New York, since the pace of life here is quite different than from the West coast, and I really didn't need anything that lowered my stress threshold, since I have high dopamine already. And while high dopamine is great, as it is your body's natural battery, so to speak, and controls everything from your energy levels in the bedroom to the boardroom, your body needs a balance between calming and excitatory neurotransmitters in order for you to be focused and driven yet calm and collected.

There is no point in joining the club of neurotic overanxious nutcases due to excessive caffeine consumption - apart from you most likely will end up contributing to your shrink's growing wallet.

Want to know how YOUR brain is wired?
Again, eating right for your brain chemistry type and understanding which supplements, herbs and amino acids to take as well as - as a last resort - prescription medications and psychotrophic drugs, should always be matched to your genotype as well as tailored to which neurotransmitters in your brain that are out of whack. And this is where conventional doctors and nutritionists go wrong - they are not treating the cause, nor do they match the treatment protocol with the patient's genetic profile, rather it is simply geared at suppressing the symptoms.

However, if you fail to connect the myriad of symptoms with the actual cause and the underlying key imbalance in your brain and biochemistry, then you will not be able to ever get off any prescribed drugs nor benefit fully from whatever supplements you are taking for overall health. THAT is why people get addicted to medication or don't experience any progress on supplements - and THAT is a waste of your money and time!

Get your tailormade treatment program to reach your peak performance today based on your specific brain wiring and biochemistry type!

Make an appointment with The Nutrition Doctor today!

Reference: 
Hiroshi S. et al. Inhibitory effect of green coffee bean extract on fat accumulation and body weight gain in mice. Altern Med. 2006; 6: 9

TASTE & TALK on YOUR YOUNGER YOU HORMONES!