Pursuit-of-Happiness.org

Black Tea, L-theanine and Happiness (Part 3) More fascinating evidence about L-theanine, and that black tea has more of it than green tea, oolong and the rest. A new fad like melatonin and CBD? I don't know but after reading many of the scientific reviews I'm drinking it like water. In order of research volume on PubMed (world's largest biomedical database, IMO 8th wonder of the world): Out of 427 studies (irrespective of quality or outcome) Cognitive functions: 71 Immune System: 42 Anxiety: 40  Sleep Quality: 32 Liver function: 30 Depression: 23 Practical Tips (needs more research) 1. Take L-Theanine in tea, it's natural state (remember the melatonin and CBD supplements?) 2. Don't include sugar (evidence is pouring in that added sugar wreaks havoc on the microbiome) 3. According to one study, don't drink it with milk. 4. Stare into space while drinking, and enjoy it. #wellbeing #happiness #tea Image: https://lnkd.in/eK2p3jqH

MAJOR study on the impact of ultra-processed food: including high evidence of psychiatric issues. Sorry to ruin your Monday. This means we have to turn into rabbits. But you will be a happy rabbit. With a happy microbiome. UPFs include: 1. Sodas and sweetened drinks: These are high in added sugars and often contain artificial flavors and colors. 2. Packaged snacks: Chips, cookies, cakes, and candies that are high in sugars, fats, and salt. 3. Processed meats: Such as sausages, bacon, and ham, which are preserved by adding preservatives and flavors. Beware especially of the nitrites. 4. Instant noodles and soups: These are high in salt and preservatives, with added flavors for quick preparation. 5. Frozen meals: Ready-to-eat meals. 6. Cereals and cereal bars: Often marketed as breakfast foods or healthy snacks but can be high in sugars and refined grains. 7. Fast food: Including burgers and pizza, which are high in calories, fats, and salt. 8. Ice cream and desserts: High in sugar, fat, and often contain artificial flavors and colors. #wellbeing #happiness #nutrition #depression #depressionawareness Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas

Congratulations Grover! So glad to hear about your new job. We need you. Too many grouches in the industry. Hooray for #equalopportunity! #sesamestreet #newyorktimes #nytimes #happiness #wellbeing #depressionawareness #nyt

WELLBEING: DISCOVERY OF THE DAY L-Theanine, a component of black and green tea, improves sleep quality and length. PRACTICAL TIPS: If you want to improve your sleep quality and length, drink black and green tea. Green tea usually contains a higher concentration. If you are very sensitive to caffeine, drink at least 6-10 hours before sleeping. If that doesn’t work try decaf tea, though the L-Theanine concentration may be weaker. DEEP DIVE: This was a fascinating randomized controlled study conducted by a team of Japanese scientists, examining the impact of various supplements (as well as mindfulness coupled with various life habits!) on sleep quality and duration. L-Theanine, a natural constituent of black and green teas which is receiving a lot of attention, was found to have the most significant impact on sleep quality and duration. SOURCE: Imafuku, F., Yamamoto, K., Tanaka, E., Aoki, R., & Nishino, S. (2023, May 19). Analysis of the effects of known sleep-support supplements in relation to life habits, sleep conditions, and sleep problems. Nutrients, 15(10), 2377. https://lnkd.in/ejrZK86Q NOTES: • Please consult with a medical professional before implementing any of the suggestions in this blog. • Personally, I have to drink coffee at least 10 hours prior to sleep, and tea about 6 hours prior. I prefer caf to decaf due to the intellectual stimulation as well as increased concentration of L-Theanine. • The study used supplements and not the naturally occuring compounds. The supplements contained higher dosages, but naturally occuring compounds often benefit from a synergistic impact with co-occuring compounds. Regrettably, studies on supplements, like the one above, are more popular, as they are usually more profitable and thus receive more funding. #wellbeing #happiness #nutrition #nutritiontips

Psychobiotics and Alzheimer's (Part 2) One big mystery is why (nearly?) nobody mentions a critical component of the Mediterranean diet with respect to cognitive decline: fermented foods. This could be a hidden reason why the Mediterranean diet has such an enormous impact on many components of well-being. https://lnkd.in/eZrjNRvz As usual the enclosed graphic includes Omega-3, and PUFA, but no mention of the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and specifically, the psychobiotic "super strains" which mounting scientific evidence indicates may strongly impact Alzheimer's and MCI, including: B. Breve B. Longum B. Infantis B. Bifidum L. Plantarum L. Rhamnosus #alzheimers #memoryloss #probiotics #psychobiotics #wellbeing John Cryan

How to slow down mild cognitive impairment, and most probably, Alzheimer's. Naturally. AND boost your creativity. The scientific evidence is exploding. 1. Mixed exercise, at least three times a week. 2. Eat high fiber foods. 3. Cut down on UPF's especially sugary stuff, real and artificial, and processed meats (see the major study in the Lancet which came out yesterday. In my previous post). 4. Eat fermented foods, and preferably take supplements which contain the following probiotic species: B. Breve (boosts BDNF) B. Longum (BDNF) B. Infantis (serotonin/BDNF) L. Plantarum (serotonin, dopamine) L. Rhamnosus GG (BDNF, GABA) BTW in case you didn't know, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF is like the Clark Kent of neurotransmitters. Hardly anyone knows about it. But it has superpowers. Very strange. https://lnkd.in/evzf52aX #Alzheimer's #memory #creativity #microbiome #microbiomeresearch #wellbeing