Phosphatidylserine and Cortisol

Our body produces Phosphatidylserine and is present in every single human cell. One of its functions in our body is to balance cortisol levels commonly known as the stress hormone.   

When our cortisol level is elevated continually, the body loses balance. It happens when one is continually exposed to stress. Stress can be from work, lifestyle and even from exercise, particularly heavy resistance exercises.   

A chronically elevated level of cortisol can be dangerous to one’s health. It speeds up the aging process, weakens the immune system, and contributes to increased fatigue. It increases risk of obesity, heart disease, and digestive disorders. Cortisol affects memory formation because of its high function within our brain cells. When we are stressed our body concentrates on survival and this limits non-essential functions such as memory. This can result in brain fog, anxiety, memory loss, concentration problems, depression and other mental disorders.   

Now, A study reported that Phosphatidylserine reduces these high cortisol levels when the body experiences stress. One of phosphatidylserine's main functions is to protect cells and facilitate messages being passed from cell to cell. It helps block high levels of cortisol reaching the cells and affecting them. This can massively reduce the negative effects of cortisol on the body. Phosphatidylserine minimizes the effects of both physical and mental stress from higher cortisol levels. Phosphatidylserine is vital in maintaining a healthy stress response

What foods are high in Phosphatidylserine

Although phosphatidylserine is rare in the diet, below are foods that are considered high in Phosphatidylserine.

Other Foods -      

According to the FDA, eggs and milk products contain a negligible amount of phosphatidylserine. 

When one has a greater need for this vital molecule, especially with increasing age, supplements are a great option when you can also be sure of the levels consumed. .

Phosphatidylserine Benefits 

Phosphatidylserine supplementation benefits people of all ages. It can lead to a range of health benefits.

1. Phosphatidylserine and Sleep

Our sleeping pattern can vary in quality and the cause can be stress; Poor sleep raises cortisol, and high cortisol disrupts sleep.   As Phosphatidylserine stops hyperactive cortisol production, it reduces levels in the body. Consequently, you’ll often get quality sleep and restful nights as a result.   

 2. Phosphatidylserine and Weight Loss 

In excess levels, cortisol triggers the body to store belly fat. So when Phosphatidylserine controls high levels of cortisol, it also blocks this trigger and results in less storage of belly fat. This cortisol drop from Phosphatidylserine supports healthy, long-term weight management.   

3. Phosphatidylserine and Anxiety 

When our body is continually in survival mode due to high levels of stress due to high levels of cortisol, it is not able to differentiate whether it is physical, biological or emotional. The body reacts to everything in the same way. We usually see this as panic attacks, weight gain and increased anxiety. Regulating cortisol levels is very important.

4. Phosphatidylserine and Memory

Half of our body’s total phosphatidylserine resides in our brain. It enables the brain to use glucose (blood sugar) more efficiently. Glucose is brain fuel, and when the brain has better access to fuel, it thinks better. This is why Phosphatidylserine plays an important role in keeping our mind and memory sharp. Several studies suggest that it may boost brain power as it inhibits high cortisol levels. People who took the supplement scored higher on short-term memory, mood, and concentration tests. They had better recall of names and objects. 

Phosphatidylserine is also popular in memory and Alzheimer’s research. There is research to suggest Phosphatidylserine supports memory function, by improving levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and Alzheimer’s correlates with a shortage of this crucial brain messenger.

When should you take Phosphatidylserine?

 As Phosphatidylserine stops hyperactive production of cortisol in the body, allowing unhealthy, elevated cortisol levels to decrease, and consequently, more restful sleep to occur. It is often taken closer to bedtime