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    Wild Blog — Nature

    Understand Human Nature To Understand Yourself

    state-of-modern-humans

    Few things are life-or-death.

    Yet your evolutionary wiring tricks you into thinking there is a threat around every corner.

    This makes you make a big deal about minor things, leading to unnecessary anxiety, worry, and dread.

    This was the best survival strategy for our ancestors—a negative, fear-based bias that kept them treading very carefully.

    That was helpful then, and it's a liability today.

    This evolutionary wiring supports every aspect of human existence and culture.

    Every culture consists of the same thing: humans. Humans fear and desire the same things because Natural Selection shaped our ancestors based on what worked best in the wild. We are the lucky recipients of the survivors that developed the behaviors that worked best in that setting.

    To understand yourself, study your ancestors.
    To understand people, study your ancestors.
    To understand optimal nutrition, study your ancestors.
    To understand human fulfillment, study how hunter-gatherers live.
    To understand war and genocide, study our ancestors and how the agricultural revolution, which led to a population explosion, has made the last 10,000 years of rapid change so brutal.

    When it comes to homo sapiens sapiens, everything is built upon evolutionary biology/psychology, just like this universe is built upon the laws of physics.

    The point I want to make today relates to this excerpt from YouTuber Ali Abdul:

    power-of-reducing-importance

    Most things are not a big deal, yet your genetic hardwiring tries to convince you they are.

    Our ancestors did not live in a constantly connected, distraction-rich environment, and we do. That's why WE MUST CONSCIOUSLY SHAPE OUR BEHAVIOR AND THOUGHTS to best adapt to this new environment.

    Looking at the state of modern humans—unhappy, stressed, anxious, sick, and getting worse—you see natural selection happening at a speed and scale that would have made Darwin's head spin.

    Here's a straightforward summary:

    1. Our modern environment is the opposite of our ancestors'

    2. This creates a "mismatch" between what our genes think we're getting vs. what we are born into.

    3. Most cannot control their behaviors to adapt to this new environment, so they lose the evolutionary struggle to survive. They will live shorter lives and have fewer offspring. Over time they will go extinct.

    4. A few are winning in this new environment by using tools, knowledge, and self-control to further separate themselves from those that are not.

    This boils down to this: Choose thoughts and behaviors that help you thrive in your current environment, or pay the price.

    You have the ultimate power to control your behaviors to bring about the effects you want (health, wealth, happiness).

    You'll pay the price if you let the environment around you choose.

    Cause and effect.

    If you want a better effect, you need the right cause.

    Here are a few tactical things you can start today to regain control of your environment.
    Turn off negative, fear-based media and replace it with positive, practical, helpful media.

    Remove harmful and toxic people from your life and replace them with their opposite.

    Remove everything in your environment that tempts you—like removing all junk food from your house and getting a safe for sweets (we keep one in the fridge for ice cream and one in the pantry for chocolate... mostly so I can't get to it without help).

    Create a setting that encourages you to engage in the actions you seek and discourages those you would rather avoid—remove the TV from the bedroom, turn the colors off on your phone (try going black/white... it's super powerful for breaking a scrolling addiction), so on and so forth.

    Remember, it's all your choice. Whether you take conscious control or let others do it for you, the effects always lead back to the cause.

    Cause and effect.

    What is l-theanine, and how to use it?

    what-is-l-theanine

    L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea leaves. It has a mild taste and is often used as a food additive.

    Theanine is also a dietary supplement to promote relaxation and mental focus.

    The chemical structure of l-theanine is similar to that of caffeine, but while they both stimulate the central nervous system, theanine works to improve mood and promote relaxation.

    It is also unique in that it crosses the blood-brain barrier and is found in significant amounts in the brain. Usually, dissolved substances in the blood cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier.

    L-theanine is believed to have several health benefits, including promoting relaxation and mental focus, improving sleep quality, and reducing anxiety. L-theanine is a natural supplement used in Asia for centuries to promote relaxation and improve mental health.

    While it is not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), l-theanine is generally considered safe for consumption.

    The unprefixed name theanine usually implies the enantiomer L-theanine, the form found in tea leaves and the ingredients of food additives. While tea is the most common source of L-theanine in the diet, this compound is also found in certain types of mushrooms.

    While green teas are generally high in the potent compound called L-theanine, other types of teas are also high in this amino acid.

    What Does it Do?

    L-Theanine has been shown to promote relaxation and improve cognitive function. L-Theanine can be found in supplements, foods, and beverages. It can also be obtained through dietary supplementation.

    How to Consume L-Theanine Safely

    If you are looking for an amino acid that has been shown to improve focus and concentration, l-theanine may be the right fit.

    L-Theanine is available as an over-the-counter supplement or can be found in some dietary supplements. The American Dietetic Association recommends that adults consume no more than 200 mg daily.

    For best results, taking l-theanine before engaging in activities that require mental focus, such as studying or working on a project, is recommended.

    To consume l-theanine safely, it is essential to understand how it works and what precautions to take—first, l-theanine functions as a relaxant on the brain by enhancing alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with relaxed states of mind and are commonly used during meditation and relaxation exercises.

    l-theanine

    How to Take L-Theanine for Better Mental Alertness and Performance

    There are a few ways to consume l-theanine, including taking it as a standalone supplement, mixing it into your morning coffee or tea, or using it in conjunction with other accessories such as caffeine or GABA.

    While L-theanine is not a psychoactive substance, it can still produce mild euphoria and stress relief.

    To use L-theanine:

    1. Take it before bedtime.
    2. Start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the amount that works for you.
    3. For best results, bring it on an empty stomach or with water.

    L-theanine can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

    How Much L-Theanine is Enough?

    L-Theanine can be seen as a standalone supplement or as a component of some tea blends. The recommended dose of l-theanine is usually between 200 and 400 mg daily.

      L-Theanine research

      Research suggests that L-theanine can produce alpha brain waves, commonly generated by relaxing activities like meditation. Research has also shown that L-theanine improves sleep quality - not by acting like a sedative but by decreasing anxiety and encouraging relaxation.

      L-theanine is a safe, effective way to lower anxiety and promote relaxation. If you are taking L-theanine to help you relax, taking L-theanine with melatonin can help you sleep better.

      With its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress, L-theanine may aid sleep in several ways. L-theanine may help lower pressure, and the decrease in stress and increased relaxation may reduce your heart rate.

      Research suggests that the L-theanine in green or black tea can promote such feelings of relaxation by decreasing the persons resting heart rate.

      Research indicates that supplements with L-theanine may help reduce stress's effects on blood pressure.

      When taking L-theanine to help with your sleep, it is best to opt for a supplement with a combination of ingredients designed to help encourage healthy sleep cycles. Taking these two supplements together, like the Melatonin L-theanine combo, may help you sleep well at night.

      If you are drinking caffeinated tea, combining caffeine and L-theanine helps boost alertness and improve focus, so have that first thing in the morning.

      When the potent compound called L-theanine is combined with caffeinated tea, it allows the tea to produce the sensation of increased concentration for a certain amount of time (compared with caffeine alone).

      At the same time as boosting chemicals that contribute to feelings of tranquility, L-theanine also decreases chemicals in the brain associated with stress and anxiety.

      The decrease in pressure probably also leads to better sleep quality, thanks to deeper sleep, but whether or not L-theanine is effective at improving insomnia overall is unclear.

      Meanwhile, L-Theanine is an amino acid with calming effects and may help the body produce serotonin, which is converted to melatonin.

      You might probably guess that a cup of green tea contains far fewer amino acids than supplements containing L-theanine.

      Therefore, supplements, available as pills, capsules, tablets, and powders, are likely the best sources of L-theanine if you are looking to supplement your everyday diet.

      You do not need to be a tea drinker to benefit from its calming effects - and even if you are already enjoying a regular cup, you might find an L-theanine supplement helps with relaxation, stress, and sleep.

      People have relied on L-theanine's stress-relieving, sleep-promoting powers for centuries through their consumption of tea -- mainly green tea.

      One study found that a powerful L-theanine compound may help reduce upper respiratory tract infections. Another found antioxidant found in green tea, doubling as L-theanine, may be effective in helping to stave off influenza.

      Another found that green tea catechins--antioxidants--and theanine may effectively prevent the flu (7, 8). Some animal studies have suggested that L-theanine can boost the efficacy of a chemotherapy drug called doxorubicin.

      L-Theanine FAQ

      What are benefits of L-theanine?

      L-Theanine is a natural and efficient method of boosting both your mental and physical wellbeing. It can help you feel calm and relaxed even when you are overwhelmed or anxious. Oct 30, 2020

      When should I take L-theanine morning or night?

      l-theanine is one of the best nootropics for cognitive improvement during the day. If you're taking l-theanine capsules or pills, you should consume them about 30 minutes prior to your morning coffee. You can also add the powder to your cup of coffee.

      Alternatively, you can take l-theanine with melatonin 30 minutes before bed to aid in restful sleep.

      How effective is L-theanine for anxiety?

      A 50mg daily L-theanine dose is thought to be an effective treatment for anxiety, which is equivalent to just over 2 cups of tea per day, based on a regular 20mg dose per cup. The calming effect is typically noted within 30 to 40 minutes after taking L-theanine, with doses of 50 to 200 mg.

      Interesting Facts

      The chemical structure of L-theanine is similar to caffeine, but its effects on the central nervous system are different, promoting relaxation rather than stimulation.

      L-theanine is one of the few dietary substances known to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it exerts its effects on mood and cognition.

      Despite being a prominent component in tea, L-theanine is also found in certain types of mushrooms.

      L-theanine enhances alpha brain waves, which are associated with a state of relaxed alertness, and this is one of the main mechanisms behind its calming effect.

      When combined with caffeine, L-theanine can help improve focus and cognitive performance, a feature often utilized in nootropic stacks.

      Related Studies

      The Effects of L-Theanine on Objective Sleep Quality: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

      This study examined the effects of L-theanine on sleep quality. The results indicated that L-theanine improved various aspects of sleep quality.
      Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599936/

      L-Theanine and Caffeine in Combination Affect Human Cognition as Evidenced by Oscillatory alpha-Band Activity and Attention Task Performance

      This study looked into the combination of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. The study found that the combination improved both.
      Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18641209/

      The Acute Effects of L-theanine in Comparison with Alprazolam on Anticipatory Anxiety in Humans

      This study examined the effects of L-theanine on anxiety, and it was found that L-theanine does help in reducing anxiety levels. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16930802/

      L-theanine, unique amino acid of tea, and its metabolism, health effects, and safety

      This comprehensive review discusses the metabolism, health benefits, and safety of L-theanine, acknowledging its long-term use in tea consumption and as a food additive.
      Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28228704/

      The Effects of L-Theanine Administration in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: An Open-Label Study

      This study demonstrated the potential benefits of L-theanine as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder, showing positive effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairments.
      Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27396868/

      Conclusion

      In conclusion, L-theanine, a natural amino acid found predominantly in green tea leaves and certain types of mushrooms, is a beneficial dietary supplement that supports relaxation, mental focus, and sleep quality.

      Its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows it to directly influence brain functions. Although structurally similar to caffeine, its effects are notably different, enhancing calmness and relaxation rather than stimulation.

      L-theanine can be safely consumed in recommended doses of 200-400 mg daily, either through dietary supplements or naturally through tea and certain foods. Studies have consistently demonstrated the potential benefits of L-theanine, such as reducing anxiety, enhancing cognition, and improving sleep quality.

      Despite these promising benefits, users should be mindful of potential side effects, such as nausea and dizziness. L-theanine provides a natural, non-sedative option for individuals seeking to enhance their mental wellbeing, focus, and quality of sleep.

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        Copper: An Essential Mineral For Your Body

        Copper is an essential trace mineral found in all living things and is vital to the proper functioning of many biological processes.

        In humans, copper is found mainly in the liver, kidneys, and brain but also in the bones, blood, muscles, and skin. Without it, you might experience some severe health problems. In addition, copper is indispensable for brain function and the transmission of nerve signals.

        While copper is an essential mineral, excess copper can be toxic to the body and may cause problems such as stomach or liver issues or even neurological problems such as degeneration of the nerves and brain damage. Toxic levels of copper are rare but may occur in people taking certain medications or with a health condition such as an autoimmune disease.

        Why is Copper Important?

        Its main functions include:

        • Supporting your immune system and helping you fight infections.
        • Supporting the production of red blood cells, which help move oxygen throughout your body.
        • Supporting your nervous system, including your brain.
        • Supporting your digestive health.
        • Copper is most commonly known for its role in producing collagen, the connective tissue found in your skin, joints, and other organs. It also plays a role in making hemoglobin, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and thyroid function.

        Copper is crucial for human health

        Copper is found in every body cell, playing a role in energy production, immune system function, and more.

        According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, copper is "essential for human health" and needs to be included in the diet. Copper helps the body produce energy, maintain a healthy immune system response and connect with other cells.

        Too little copper can lead to anemia, poor wound healing, impaired cognitive function, and mood swings.

        For patients who are not getting enough copper from regular eating or need to supplement with additional copper, copper supplements may be required. You may also need to modify your diet to help lower copper. The body's absorption of copper will be increased if the diet contains less copper and decreased if the body has sufficient copper.

        Because the body cannot produce copper, you must obtain copper from the diet. It also helps your body build collagen and absorb and breakdown Iron, as well as playing a role in energy production.

        Many people today have an iron overload due to the lack of copper in their diet. Iron, after all, is the most abundant substance on Earth, so we naturally ingest a lot of it. Copper, on the other hand, is found in trace amounts and is hard to get through diet alone due to the low quality of our soil and food system.

        Copper also helps your body to burn fat and cholesterol, which is why we have seen that deficiency of copper leads to high levels of cholesterol in your blood. Without adequate copper in your body, you may experience signs of copper deficiency, like lower metabolic activity, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and poor mood.. It is possible to create a copper deficiency by taking large doses of zinc supplements, which may inhibit the absorption of copper into the small intestine.

        Subcutaneous copper injections may help normalize blood copper levels, but whether they can also help normalize brain copper levels depends on which types of genetic mutations are involved. Depleting copper levels or blocking the bioavailability of copper can decrease the energy needed for tumor cells to move around the body.

        Because the body uses copper often and cannot store enough, eating foods rich in copper is the best way to prevent a copper deficiency. You usually get copper from your diet in foods such as liver and other organ meats, and seafood.

        Bone Health

        In addition to its role in bone health, copper helps our blood vessels, nerves, and immune systems work optimally. For instance, copper helps our bodies generate energy and helps to form essential neurotransmitters, which support the healthy functioning of our brains and nervous systems. Although it is found in the body in tiny amounts, copper is critical for the proper function of the nervous, muscular, and immune systems and is also responsible for creating red blood cells.

        Copper helps make hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein of the red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. The body also needs copper to properly execute several enzyme reactions and keep your connective tissues healthy. Your body uses copper for several essential functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels.

        Antioxidant

        Copper may also have antioxidant effects, helping protect your body against cellular damage and associated diseases. It is also vital for nerve function, bone growth, and helping the body utilize sugar. Copper helps keep bones, blood vessels, nerves, and the immune system healthy and contributes to iron absorption and breakdown.

        Connective tissues

        Copper is needed to build our connective tissues, maintain melanin production in our skin, and aid the transfer of iron throughout our body. Copper also makes proteins more accessible to the body, releasing iron from the bloodstream, and making them more easily utilized. Copper is a component of many enzymes and proteins and helps to create collagen, a main structural protein in the body that is essential to bone health.

        Cognitive function and memory

        Copper can help improve cognitive function and memory. In particular, it can help improve focus, concentration, and memory recall. This is likely because copper is a mineral that is essential for cell function and nerve transmission.

        Reduce inflammation

        Copper can help reduce inflammation because it is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, copper can help fight free radicals and promote healing.

        Improve joint health

        Copper is important for joint health because it helps protect the cartilage in your joints from damage. Copper also helps to keep the immune system functioning properly, which can help reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

        Improve skin health

        Copper may help improve skin health by helping to maintain the skin's barrier function, which helps protect against skin dryness and irritation. Copper can also help protect against the development of acne and other skin conditions.

        Regulate blood sugar levels

        Copper plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels by helping control insulin production and secretion. This can help to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the risk of developing diabetes or other types of chronic health conditions related to high blood sugar levels.

        Essential-mineral-for-body

        Food sources of copper

        The best way to get copper is through food. Here are the top copper-containing foods you can eat:

        • Beef, lamb, pork, and bison
        • Seafood - Some examples include wild salmon, scallops, and wild-caught fish such as cod, haddock, and halibut
        • Nut like hazelnuts and cashews
        • Leafy green vegetables

        Conclusion

        Copper is a mineral that is essential for the body to function correctly. Not only does it provide a host of beenfits, a copper deficiency can cause big health problems now and into the future. It's one of those minerals you can't ignore.

        sources 

        https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288165 1
        https://greatist.com/health/copper-deficiency 2
        https://www.eufic.org/en/vitamins-and-minerals/article/copper-foods-functions-how-much-do-you-need-more 3
        https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/copper-deficiency 4
        https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/copper/ 5
        https://www.pushdoctor.co.uk/nutrition-advice/why-you-need-copper-in-your-diet-and-how-to-get-it-a-doctors-guide 6
        https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/w/wilson-disease.html 8
        https://study.com/learn/lesson/copper-deficiency-symptoms.html 9
        https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=total_copper_blood 10
        https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/copper/ 11
        https://www.verywellhealth.com/copper-benefits-4178854 12
        https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-Consumer/ 13

        Bacopa monnieri: A Potent Nootropic For The Mind

        bacopa-monnieri

        Bacopa monnieri is a plant that grows in the wetlands of India and Australia. It has long been used to increase memory, alertness, and concentration. 

        Scientists have found active components of bacopa called bacosides that increase acetylcholine esterase activity (AChE). This enzyme breaks down the chemical messenger acetylcholine.

        Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is critically important for learning new information and storing it as memories so you can recall it later. So, if you want to boost your memory, concentration, and alertness, then taking Bacopa monnieri might be a good idea.

        How to Take It?

        The most conventional method of consuming bacopa is taking it as a pill (like our Wild Focus stack that includes it as a primary ingredient).

        To consume bacopa as a tincture, add 10-15 drops of the tincture to a glass of water. You can also add some lemon juice or honey for flavor and taste. You can consume this tincture 2-3 times a day.

        Dosage

        If you are using bacopa for medical purposes, follow the prescribed dosage. Even though there are no set standards for the dosage, most experts recommend the following: Adult men and women can take 300 mg of bacopa monnieri up to three times a day.

        Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri

        Here are some of the benefits of taking bacopa monnieri:

        • May improve Memory: Bacopa monnieri is known to improve memory by stimulating the neurons in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for memory.
        • Treatment of Anxiety and Depression: Bacopa monnieri has been studied to treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the body. It is also known to treat mood swings and strengthens the nervous system.
        • Treatment of ADD and ADHD: ADD and ADHD are conditions where the individual is either too hyperactive or too lethargic. Bacopa monnieri is known to reduce these symptoms by helping reduce cortisol levels.
        • Aid in Weight Loss: One of the most important benefits of taking bacopa monnieri is that it may aid in weight loss. The active compounds in this herb can help you lose weight and reduce cholesterol levels.
        • Aid in Arthritis Treatment: To reduce inflammation, bacopa has been used in conjunction with other protocols to help fight arthritis and reduce overall discomfort.

        Warnings and Side Effects

        Bacopa monnieri is a natural herb, and there are no known side effects when taken in the prescribed dosage. However, there are certain precautions that you should keep in mind if you want to take bacopa. 

        Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking bacopa monnieri as there is not enough information about the effects of bacopa on the fetus or breastfeeding mothers. Individuals suffering from mental health conditions like schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression should avoid taking bacopa monnieri as it might worsen their condition.

        Bacopa monnieri might interact with certain medications like anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, and antidepressants. Hence, it is best to consult a doctor before starting the supplementation of bacopa monnieri. 

        Bacopa monnieri might interfere with the body's absorption of iron, zinc, and calcium. Consider taking it an hour or more after meals to avoid this effect.

        Conclusion

        Bacopa monnieri is a natural herb used since ancient times to boost memory and treat various mental health disorders. It is also known to help you lose weight and treat arthritis.

        Bacopa monnieri is known to work best when taken in combination with other nootropic supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and rooibos.

        sources:

        • https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80045-2 0
        • https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Bacopa+monnieri 1
        • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153866/ 2
        • https://examine.com/supplements/bacopa-monnieri/ 3
        • https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/638109 4
        • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacopa_monnieri 5
        • https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-bacopa-89039 6
        • https://neuropedia.com/bacopa-monnieri-benefits/ 7
        • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bacopa-monnieri-benefits 8
        • https://nootropicsexpert.com/bacopa-monnieri