Interesting blog post on Nootropics & Mixed Martial Arts

[FONT=&quot]Joe Rogan is a [/FONT]large advocate of ‘Alpha-Brain’[FONT=&quot], a strongly marketed brain supplement which is depicted as an optimizer, staving off memory issues and improving memory in healthy individuals. Alpha Brain and other nootropics are also[/FONT] being discussed on MMA forums.[FONT=&quot] So what are the benefits of nootropics to MMA fighters and do they actually carry any benefits or is it just marketing hype?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

And why recommend such products in the context of Mixed Martial Arts? After all, they are brain, not muscle supplements, right? Of course, that would be far too simple…
A growing body of evidence from a multitude of universities, has confirmed that not only do our muscles need to collaborate with our mind for optimal function, but when our mind signals are healthy, our muscles work better, our reflexes are quicker and our interpretation needed for fast-pace tasks are enhanced. On top of all this our accuracy in timed tasks is greatly increased.
With a closer look into the massively expanding market of brain supplements, and the research behind them on par, it makes sense that positive experiences would be reported as they come. Endorsements for brain supplements would come as a lasting, and more resistant bout of support for these bits of research.
It is no secret that a lot of MMA fighters use steroids; these men (and women) need to be at their peak at all times – both mentally and physically. This is where nootropics take their seat; in both mental and athletic perfection. A lot of products out there are marketing hype, but some of them do work, and work so well that even the Olympics has banned their participants from using them.
[h=2]MMA AND NOOTROPICS: FACT OR FICTION[/h]So, let’s get into the exact research, why do ‘brain-boosters’ offer value in enduring physical tasks, and competitive fighting?
Let’s get into brain neurotransmitters a bit. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that relays a chemical signal from nerve to nerve. One neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, helps to improve nerve transmission in key areas like the Hippocampus. Acetylcholine also helps to transmit nerve impulses to muscles, and helps the muscles receive calcium ions properly. This allows the muscles to properly contract in response to exercise. Basically, your muscles couldn’t move without acetylcholine.

Often, this process involves multiple electrical signals to the muscles, which also generates energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), and more energy means your muscles can keep you going, with a longer point of time until soreness.
Acetylcholine also helps to improve blood flow to muscles, by boosting levels of nitric oxide which causes vasodilation. This vasodilation can indirectly aid in muscle growth – and since almost all nootropics available, aid in increasing or modulating the activity of this neurotransmitter, they all can indirectly help with muscle growth. Now of course, the effect will be nothing like illicit muscle-boosters but essentially, acetylcholine can produce “smarter muscles” and indirectly increase recovery.
Acetylcholine is also necessary in regulating heart rate, and a deficiency in such often leads to problems with the nervous system regulating heart rate. This deficiency often translates as an increased, or abnormally fast resting heart rate, which puts strain on the heart muscle. One large study involving patients with heart failure, and on heart in-vitro cells shows that boosting acetylcholine levels can help manage and prevent further complications in heart failure.
Lastly, boosting acetylcholine has been shown to increase REM-state (rapid-eye-movement sleep). REM is the deepest phase of sleep, facilitating the occurrence of dreams (often vivid and unusual and sometimes lucid), and increasing recovery from a long, hard day’s work, or from really going hard at the Gym.

[h=2]BENEFITS TO MMA FIGHTERS[/h]These nootropic compounds are being implemented by more than just podcaster’s and fitness buffs – they are being honed and bragged about by actual, existing fighters in UFC, not to mention Olympics. As stated in an earlier article this month, some Olympians have been banned after testing positive for phenylpiracetam, a powerful nootropic and currently one of three that is on a formal ban list in terms of traditional nootropics.
Jiu-Jitsu Experts have talked highly of them as well, and they are regularly referenced in regard to their brain-protecting abilities – specifically, neuroprotective (protecting the neurons, nerve cells, integrity, strength and resistance to stressors). Certain nootropics like piracetam may help prevent brain damage by increasing the amount of oxygen within the brain. The cerebral blood flow enhancing effects of nootropics like piracetam are known to protect the brain from damage after ischemic stroke, and potentially blows to the head.
Some notable examples of Nootropics used by MMA-fighters and other Professional Sportsmen, would include…

• Oxiracetam (more known for its effects on physical stamina and specific influence on reflexes and strength.
• Alpha-GPC (acetylcholine booster with positive effects on GH levels)
• Huperzine A (from huperzia serrata plant)
• Mucuna Pruriens (a dopamine and testosterone enhancer known to help focus)

[h=2]DOPAMINE, MMA AND TESTOSTERONE[/h]The dopamine side of all of this is real interesting. Dopamine is another large target, and is a neurotransmitter, like acetylcholine, but which also plays a major role in the mind-muscle connection.
Anything that increases dopamine significantly, can have a major impact on both muscle growth and muscle force and strength. This is a large contributor to mental focus and agility as well. There is also a strong link between dopaminergic activity, focus, aggression, libido and reward mechanism (motivation). Dopaminergic nootropics may work well however, most are addictive and not good to be used long term. Most dopaminergic nootropics work as stimulants as well by affecting norepinephrine (adrenaline) activity.
Nootropics are clearly creating a surge in the atmosphere of brain-supplements, but also are remarkably supercharging and reinforcing the concept of neurotransmitters, and just how important they are in relevance to our daily lives. This phenomenon reveals a definite trend in all areas of science, but also in the areas of athletic and mental performance.

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