Phosphatidylserine & Weight Loss

Phosphatidylserine is a popular supplement often used for enhancing brain function by increasing concentration and memory as well as preventing premature aging. However, its lesser known benefits may offer far reaching health improvements including preventing or decreasing weight gain. Unlike most weight loss products, phosphatidylserine helps treat the source of weight gain, which is often stress related.

Stress

• Nearly everyone experiences multiple stressful events on a day-to-day basis. Stress is practically unavoidable and can often go unnoticed. It is important to note that stress can be physical, from a trauma or over-exertion, emotional and environmental, in the form of toxins and chemicals. However, regardless of the type of stress, its effects have a detrimental effect on the health of the body.

Cortisol

• Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted by the adrenals when the body is stressed. When cortisol is released, it suppresses the immune system and diverts all bodily functions to dealing with the stress. The liver releases stored glucose causing the body's blood sugar levels to increase. Digestive actions and nutrient absorption are reduced and even stomach lining thickness decreases. Cortisol release is meant to aid the body in reacting to periodic life and death situations however, in a stressful lifestyle it is released regularly.

Cortisol and Weight Gain

• Prolonged release of cortisol can result in problems with regulating blood sugar levels, premature aging and energy levels. Weight gain, especially around the stomach, is very common with prolonged cortisol secretion. This type of weight gain is very difficult to lose. Nearly all of the side effects of too much or prolonged release of cortisol results in weight gain and a reduction in overall health. Regulating cortisol levels can help to heal the damage already incurred and prevent future damage and weight gain.

Phosphatidylserine and Weight Loss

• Phosphatidylserine is a fatty acid that is commonly found in muscle tissue as well as brain and immune cells. It is also one of the best known supplements to regulate cortisol levels. Phosphatidylserine repairs cortisol receptors on the hypothalamus gland. These receptors actually become damaged by the cortisol itself. By repairing these receptor sites, phosphatidyl serine can prevent further destruction caused by the release of too much or too little cortisol, according to advance-health.com. Further studies, published in Life Extension, showed that intravenous phosphatidylserine reduced blood cortisol levels as much as 45 percent in subjects that experienced exercise induced stress. Phosphatidylserine can help end the harmful cycle of stress-induced weight gain.

Supplementation of Phosphatidylserine

• Phosphatidyl serine has been used intravenously and orally in research studies. Blood levels of phosphatidyl serine show that oral ingestion results in some degradation of the supplement. However, the amount that stays intact is absorbed easily and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The oral administration of phosphatidylserine is still a better option than trying to get it from food. It is found only in trace amounts from food sources. Some phosphatidylserine is produced in the body however, it uses considerable energy stores.