Are you wondering what taurine does for the brain? Does taurine raise dopamine or serotonin levels? What about its potential to help athletes improve their performance? Taurine is an essential amino acid that is naturally present in foods and is often added to energy drinks. Its claimed health benefits range from improving athletic performance to lowering the risk of disease.
Taurine is increasingly used in premade nootropic stacks, with manufacturers of brain supplements claiming that it improves cognitive function in various ways.
But is taurine really a nootropic as many people claim?
In this article, we’re going to look at taurine as a nootropic to see it it deserves to be in so many top nootropic stacks. We will look at taurine’s effects on brain chemistry, how it interacts with neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and whether it has any notable nootropic benefits when used in a stack.
What does taurine do to your brain?
If you want to know what taurine does to your brain, you can look for it in meat, fish and dairy products. Although it is considered safe for humans, it is still advisable to consult a health practitioner before taking taurine supplements. You should know that taurine can interact with some medications and health conditions. Taurine can also affect your sleep cycle. If you drink taurine energy drinks, make sure to check the amount of caffeine in the product. Too much caffeine can cause jitters, a disturbed sleep cycle and heart problems.
Research suggests that taurine may have positive effects on your brain. As an amino acid, it can help regulate GABA secretion in the brain. This substance also promotes energy metabolism, and may even help control obesity and the symptoms of fatty liver. In addition to this, taurine has been shown to improve memory and learning. It may be a safer alternative to prescription sleeping drugs. You can read more about the benefits of taurine in this article.
Nootropic Benefits of Taurine
What are the nootropic benefits of taurine?
Below is a brief overview of the main benefits of taurine supplements, specifically those relating to cognitive function, mental health and brain health.
Taurain for Anxiety
Research suggests that taurine reduces anxiety by modulating brain’s GABA system.
GABA is your primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and acts as your “brakes”.
Studies have shown that taurine regulates the GABA system and can decrease anxiety. Research suggests that taurine could actually bind to GABA receptors and stimulate and release GABA. Taurine can also inhibit glutamate which is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter. Glutamate is essential for many mental processes. However, if it is too much, it can be neurotoxic. Anxiety can cause an increase in glutamate levels, and prolonged stress can lead to neurodegeneration.
Taurine is a good option to keep glutamate levels in a healthy range. Taurine can help maintain healthy levels of glutamate, thus protecting against neurotoxicity.
So in short, taurine can be incredibly effective if you have anxiety or chronic stress. The amino acid, which increases GABA and limits glutamate simultaneously, can help to keep anxiety low and prevent neurological damage from stress. Taurine is a great choice if you want to focus and calm down, especially when it’s stacked with caffeine.
Taurine for Depression
Taurine has clinically proven mood-boosting and antidepressant effects. The available clinical evidence suggests that it may improve symptoms of depression by raising “feel-good” chemicals
Although the majority of current data is based upon animal studies, we are encouraged by the results and believe they can be applied to humans. Clinical studies have shown that taurine can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin (AKA “feel-good”) chemicals. Current models indicate that depression can often be treated by properly regulating these neurotransmitters.910
Research has also shown that taurine may alter “depression-related signaling pathways in the hippocampus”. It can also modulate brain signals that are associated with low mood. Moreover, taurine could also be helpful in bipolar disorder. A large, double-blind study comparing taurine and placebo found that taurine was more effective in reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder among patients between the ages of 18-25.
They believed that taurine’s role is in neurogenesis and neurodevelopment.
Taurine for Learning
You will find many students sipping energy drinks in college libraries during finals. Even though they might be doing it for the caffeine buzz alone, there are reasons to believe that taurine could help them process and retain the information they are studying . Research suggests that taurine could have nootropic effects on memory and learning.
It could be for many reasons.
What is clear from the clinical evidence is that taurine can increase neurogenesis. Specifically, taurine seems to increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Clinical evidence supports the claim that taurine may regulate the Acetylcholine system (ACh), which is a neurotransmitter that encodes new memories and recalls information.
It can also boost brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and neuron growth. This is important for learning, as well as for preventing age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers infected rats with memory impairment in one study. Taurine was administered to the rats and they were able to complete mazes much faster. Researchers found that taurine could partially reverse the effects of memory impairment by modulating the Acetylcholine System. This indicates that taurine is a neuroprotectant.
Another study showed similar results in mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study showed that young mice who received taurine supplementation regularly at weaning had significantly higher learning abilities. It is interesting to note that mice who took taurine BEFORE they were weaned performed worse. This suggests that taurine may not have been suitable for them before that age. Although human studies are limited, there is some evidence that taurine may improve cognition.
How much Taurine should I take?
Taurine is very safe and doesn’t seem to cause any problems when taken in its normal therapeutic doses. People typically take 500 to 2,000 mg per day. However, some people have reported taking higher doses of Taurine (around 3,000) without any problems.
The upper limit of toxicity is unknown. However, it is possible that people can tolerate high doses for long periods of time.
We believe that limiting intake to 2,000mg per day is the best way to maximize the benefits and minimize complications of this nootropic supplement.
Taurine vs L-taurine
Taurine is sometimes called l-taurine. There is actually no such thing as “l-taurine”.
The prefixes “L-” or “D-” used by chemists to indicate whether it’s a left-oriented or right-oriented isomer for a compound are the “L-” and “D-” prefixes.
Left-oriented isomers can be found naturally, while right-oriented isomers can be synthesized. Sometimes, this can affect their functionality.
This is not true for compounds that polarize sunlight. Taurine doesn’t polarize light so it is not available in two isomers. Taurine is the only substance that exists, so “l-taurine”, as it is commonly known, does not exist.
Does taurine raise dopamine?
In addition to its role in regulating inflammation, taurine also has neurotransmitter properties. It is one of the two primary neurotransmitters, after serotonin, that elevates dopamine levels in the brain. In addition, studies have found that taurine affects ethanol-induced dopamine elevation and dopamine neurotransmission. In a recent study, researchers administered repeated systemic taurine to mice, and the mice showed increased locomotor activity and rearing.
Researchers found that supplementing people with taurine reduced their triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, an inflammatory biomarker. Further, people who took taurine supplements for 12 weeks saw significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, taurine isn’t suitable for everyone. The molecule is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier and is not effective for everyone.
However, taurine supplementation inhibited the up-regulation of neurotransmitters in rats. Moreover, taurine pre-administration reduced depression-like behavior. The effects were similar to those of antidepressants in human studies. In addition, taurine has antidepressant effects on inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors. Thus, taurine is useful in preventing anxiety, reversing the onset of depression, and improving memory.
Does taurine raise serotonin?
Does taurine raise serotonin? That is the question on everyone’s mind. The amino acid is an important precursor to GABA, which is a powerful inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates serotonin levels. However, this supplement may not be for everyone. This is because GABA molecules are too large to pass the blood brain barrier. Fortunately, there are other amino acids with therapeutic effects.
Taurine is found in foods like shellfish, poultry, and meat. It is also found in human breast milk. In fact, the most common sources of taurine for infants are milk and meat. Infant formula contains this amino acid, too. It can also be found in certain supplements, such as Mind Lab Pro. If you’d like to try taurine for yourself, check out the website linked below. This supplement contains the highest concentrations of taurine.
In one study, patients with schizophrenia had lower levels of taurine. Interestingly, higher levels of taurine were associated with better cognition and faster information processing. Studies have also been conducted in other groups of patients, including people with diabetes, heart disease, growth retardation, and retinal degeneration. Taurine has also been tested as a complementary treatment for patients with first-episosis. Although these results are conflicting, researchers believe that the amino acid may help patients suffering from sleep problems.
Is taurine good for brain development?
Studies have shown that taurine helps brain development, especially in developing brains. Taurine has been linked to maintaining neuronal proliferation and protecting neural cells from the damaging effects of excitotoxicity. In animal studies, taurine supplementation improved memory and emotional learning in rats. Additionally, taurine has been shown to reduce the formation of malformed proteins in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Research has also demonstrated that taurine inhibits ER stress pathways. ER stress is a common disease in young animals. Specifically, taurine inhibits the activation of three types of ER membrane receptors. Phosphorylated PERK converts eIF2a into phosphorylated eIF2a, which activates ATF4 and ATF6 (ChOP). Additionally, IRE1 potentiates the expression of CHOP. Similarly, taurine inhibits the activity of caspase-12, which is located on the outer surface of the ER membrane. The expression of RANTES and dishevelled is reduced.
Taurine also has potential protective effects against neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown to reduce oxidative stress-induced neuropathy in diabetic mice and may be a neuroprotectant in stroke. Studies have shown that taurine also improves spontaneous hypertension and neuroinflammation. While it is still unclear whether taurine is a good supplement for brain development, it may play an important role in neurological health.
Is taurine a stimulant?
Taurine is a well-known antioxidant, a regulator of inflammation, and a potential nootropic. In animal studies, it has been shown to prevent neurological damage from stress. It can also increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which stimulates the growth of new neurons. In addition to its cognitive boosting properties, taurine has clinical antidepressant effects. Although human studies are scarce, animal models suggest that taurine may increase levels of feel-good chemicals and alter signaling cascades in the hippocampus.
In human studies, taurine has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and decreased symptoms of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Other research has suggested that it can reduce the symptoms of heart disease, fatty liver disease, and tinnitus in patients. Neurohackers recommend taurine supplements for improved sleep. It can also help those suffering from insomnia. It can be a safer and more effective alternative to prescription sleeping medications.
Is taurine good for anxiety?
The question is: Is taurine good for anxiety? This amino acid is found naturally in the body, but its effects are not well understood. Taurine is often found in energy drinks, but these drinks deplete the body’s supply of the amino acid. In such cases, it’s essential to replenish your supply with other means. For this reason, taurine is taken in doses of 500 mg one to three times a day. Some people have reported experiencing slight drowsiness after taking this supplement. Others have reported experiencing blood pressure decreases after taking this supplement. Those with high blood pressure should avoid taking taurine. Taking taurine with food is not recommended for people prone to lightheadedness or hypotension.
There’s no definitive answer, but taurine can help stabilize the mind and quiet the excitatory signals in the brain. Taurine is a key neurotransmitter, and it regulates excitatory brain states, as well as controlling the release of hormones like adrenaline. Additionally, taurine has been proven to protect against the fight-or-flight response, which can result in anxiety. Some people also take taurine supplements as part of their diets to reduce the symptoms of stress.
Taurine as a Nootropic: Should you use it?
There are several reasons to use taurine as a nootropic, from its ability to protect against environmental toxins to its benefits for bipolar disorder. It also promotes long-term potentiation, which improves memory formation. Another reason to use taurine as a nootropic is for bodybuilding, where it may enhance strength and shorten recovery time. It may also help you lose fat and reveal more muscle tone.
Although taurine has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, the benefits are not clear. Although it does not directly affect the nervous system, it has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Taurine helps lower homocysteine levels, a substance linked to poor cardiovascular health. It also helps balance body lipid profiles, promotes healthy vasodilation, and supports overall blood flow. In addition, it may help control calcium ion uptake into cells.
Research on Taurine as a nootropic suggests that it can improve memory, increase concentration, and enhance mood. In addition to its cognitive benefits, taurine can prevent neurological damage from stress and improve concentration. It has also shown antidepressant and mood enhancing effects, though most of the studies on this are based on animal studies. Although the research is still limited, it does seem to raise levels of feel-good chemicals and alter neurotransmitter cascades in the hippocampus.
Taking Ashwagandha and Taurine together
Taking Ashwagandha and Taurine is a powerful combination for enhanced cognition. Together, these two nootropics enhance your mental capabilities by increasing alpha brain waves and improving focus. The combination also improves immunity and the body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha is particularly useful for relieving stress and anxiety, which are often associated with poor sleep and fatigue.
Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is a potent adaptogen that is believed to reverse the damaging effects of chronic stress. It works by increasing hormones in low-stress conditions and blocking excessive stimulation when activity levels are high. It improves cognition and the ability to accomplish daily tasks, and is highly effective against anxiety. It also helps the body lower cortisol levels, which are the result of chronic stress. Chronic stress also changes neural networks in the brain, hardwiring them to respond to danger.
Ashwagandha protects the central nervous system and may even help fight off certain types of cancer. This herb is also a promising alternative treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. Ashwagandha is also an antioxidant and reduces inflammation in the body, which is believed to contribute to the development of several age-related diseases. Taking Ashwagandha also boosts memory and improves memory.
Looking For Something That Really Works?
See Our Current #1 Rated Cognitive Enhancer: Nooceptin
Nooceptin is our current top rated nootropic. We tried Nooceptin ourselves and found that it works exactly as advertised. Taken together, the ingredients rapidly increase focus, accelerate mental processing speeds, and enhance working memory.
Nooceptin is a truly comprehensive nootropic, providing both immediate and long-term benefits. It does not cause side effects and is considerably better value than other nootropic stacks on the market today.
Nooceptin has been found to effectively:
- ✔️ Boost Overall Cognitive Function
- ✔️ Improve Memory
- ✔️ Enable Better Communication
- ✔️ Enhance Concentration
- ✔️ Improve Multi-tasking
- ✔️ Boost Mental Energy
The really special thing about Nooceptin, however, is its long-term effects. When taken daily for prolonged periods, Nooceptin stimulates neuron growth and improves overall brain cell health. This means it enhances cognition in a deep, meaningful way that keeps giving you benefits after you stop using it.
Simply put, Nooceptin is the ideal brain supplement for people who need to mentally perform at 100% capacity for hours on end. At $69.99 per course, we think it's hard to find a more effective and cost-effective nootropic right now.
Brian Johnson is current Editor of Vagarights.com and a long-time writer for VAGA. A former psychologist, Brian is passionate about improving mental health and finding ways to stave off cognitive decline. He is an expert on nootropics, cognitive enhancement and biohacking more broadly. You can see his work on Google scholar.
Leave a Reply