VALO'S ARCHIVE

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body including metabolism and the immune response. It also has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress. Alternative names for cortisol Hydrocortisone. What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone, known as a glucocorticoid, made in the cortex of the adrenal glands and then released into the blood which transports it all round the body.  Almost every cell contains receptors for cortisol and so cortisol can have lots of different actions depending on which sort of cells it is acting upon. These effects include controlling the body’s blood sugar levels and thus regulating metabolism, acting as an anti-inflammatory, influencing memory formation, controlling salt and water balance, influencing blood pressure and helping development of the foetus. In many species cortisol is also responsible for triggering the processes involved in giving birth. A similar version of th...

Our brain releases a neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is crucial for numerous essential bodily functions. Dopamine is great for the following body functions: – Regulating movement – Controlling the center of pleasure and reward in the brain – Improving the cognitive functions (knowledge, attention, memory, decision-making, evaluation, problem solving) – Regulating the secretion of prolactin Since it is extremely important for our wellbeing and happiness, the reduced levels of dopamine lead to various health issues, such as depression, sadness, negativity and various emotional troubles. Fortunately, there are 10 effective ways to raise the dopamine levels in the body, without using medications: 1. EXERCISE The exercise of every kind raises the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphin. Regular exercise provides happiness, strengthens the body, reduces stress.  Try the plank . 2. AVOID ADDICTIONS Addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and even shopping , prov...

When it comes to improving brain function,  nicotine  is king.  There’s quite a few benefits from nicotine that you might not be aware of. Introduction Nicotine , considered a potent nootropic is a naturally occurring liquid alkaloid found in many plants of the nightshade family. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and tobacco all contain nicotine, although for humans, tobacco is the only plant containing significant enough quantities to have an effect  (R) . Nicotine has recently been under the scope of research examining its beneficial role in  ADHD ,  anxiety  disorders,  depression ,  Alzheimer ’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and even cognitive performance in the general population. **This post is not suggesting to take up smoking as a means for nicotine consumption. The Nicotine That I Use I tend to use nicotine maybe 5 times a week, and usually not more than once a day.  Moderation is key, as well as your individu...