How - you might ask? I began researching ways to lower cortisol, because I assumed that was at least part of what was causing my feelings of anxiety. Of course, I found suggestions of ways to calm yourself and your lifestyle, but realistically, unless I was going to divorce my husband (who has anxiety) or give away my kids (who have anxiety)...I just didn't see how meditation and yoga were going to be sufficient. I came across a supplement I had never heard of - phosphatidylserine. I know that's a mouthful, so I'll just refer to it as PS from here on out.
What is phosphatidylserine? PS is a type of fat produced by the body but mostly sourced from foods (soy, mackerel, chicken heart, tuna, chicken liver). It's found in every cell of the human body, but mostly concentrated in brain tissue. It enables the brain to use blood sugar (glucose) more efficiently. Glucose (which often gets a bad rap) is brain fuel, and when the brain has better access to fuel, it works better.
In addition to glucose mediation, PS helps balance cortisol levels, ensuring cortisol peaks in the morning and decreases by night time. When cortisol levels fall out of this pattern (often due to stress), the body loses equilibrium. Chronic stress levels cause the adrenal glands to pump out mega-doses of cortisol, which then desensitize the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. These two parts of the brain act as shut-off valves for cortisol. When they become desensitized, cortisol levels get out of balance - thus causing insomnia, chronic anxiety, and fatigue.
Studies show PS is effective for people with age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's. There are limited, but not conclusive studies, using PS with people who have depression and/or ADHD.
The good news is you don't have to run out and buy a lot of chicken hearts and livers. You can purchase phosphatidylserine supplements easily from any place that sells vitamins. PS used to be made from cow brains (kind of gross), but now it is commonly manufactured from cabbage or soy. (The switch was triggered by a concern that products made from animal sources might cause infections such as mad cow disease.)
Research indicates you need at least 800 mg a day to lower cortisol levels. General memory or ADHD symptoms might improve with as little as 200 mg a day. I actually started with 1500 mg a day (500 mg taken 3 times a day). Within two weeks, I felt 100 times better. I was finally able to set down my phone. I was able to watch something besides the news. I was able to be present with my kids. I was also able to genuinely enjoy being around others and not just count the minutes until I could be alone again. I continued at this dose for two months and then cut back to two doses a day. I have also been battling some other hormone and thyroid issues (that I will write about at another date). I'm hopeful that as I get those hormones balanced, I will be able to cut back my PS intake to just one dose a day.
Of course, my experience with this led me to wonder if PS would have a positive impact on my husband and children who have struggled with anxiety much longer than I have. Surprisingly, my husband willingly offered to take it. He started with just two 500 mg doses a day (1000 mg total). Within a week, I could tell a huge difference in his behavior. He was much more patient and calm with the kids. He was able to have a conversation with me while doing something else (historically multi-tasking has been virtually impossible). He was able to cope with interruption without getting angry or irritable. He said he could tell he was able to cope with professional conflict and ambiguity better as well. Prior to taking PS, conflict would cause him to get angry and shut down but now he was able to work it out and still feel energized at the end of the day. This was a miracle.
So I decided to slowly introduce PS to my kids. Studies have been conducted and shown success using 200 mg a day with children. I started giving them PS100 once a day. It's only 100 mg of PS and it doesn't contain any additional supplements. After a week, I didn't see any negative effects. Even better, my daughter seemed happy. To others, that may sound odd. Our daughter usually seems happy in public, but at home, it's a different story. She puts on her good face for the world which leaves her exhausted and irritable for our family. After just one week on 100 mg, I saw her singing and dancing. She was telling me jokes. She was willing to talk to me after school. She was able to speak politely, using "please" and "thank you" without me prompting her every time. She told me she loved me - out loud! It seemed like a miracle. I decided to add a second night time dose for both kids. After adding the second dose, I began seeing changes in our son. For the first time, he was willing to try new tasks at occupational therapy without pouting or getting angry. I saw him volunteer to demonstrate tasks to his class, which he never does. He was willing to approach children who were playing and speak to them. It was another little miracle.
PS may not be for everyone. You should definitely speak to your doctor about taking it as well as review the potential side effects and interactions. But if you believe you or a loved one is struggling with memory issues, ADHD, or high cortisol levels (always in fight or flight mode), then, I recommend looking into PS.
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