HJ: There is a chain of substances known as ‘spirit molecules’ which are largely believed to be the chemical foundation for the experience of consciousness in the body. These neurotransmitters are largely believed to influence our perception of time, our sleep-wake cycles and hence our travel between the 3rd and 4th density in the sleep state, our ability to access our ‘extra-sensory’ abilities, and ultimately higher levels of awareness and consciousness, among other things. This is a complex cascade of amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters which is influenced by a variety of factors, however, what ties them all together in a significant way is that all the suggestions one typically hears about living a healthy lifestyle such as getting adequate sunshine, eating a well rounded, pure organic diet, getting proper amounts of sleep, etc. are all in some way responsible for the production of these so-called spirit molecules. It is then clear that our natural state is one in which we are in harmony with the natural world and which produces a natural spiritual high — in essence, the universe has programmed us for higher consciousness by obeying its fundamental laws of natural living.
This excellent article discusses the details of these spirit molecules and their roles in higher consciousness, awareness, and health as well as ways to generate higher levels of them in the body through the consumption of specific foods. For a related article discussing the role of many of these natural chemicals in higher consciousness, see the article on the Pineal gland here: A Comprehensive List of Practices and Substances for Awakening the Pineal Gland
– Truth
Tryptophan for Meditation and Health
By Ricardo Serrano | Acupuncture TCM Detox
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Tryptophan is a component of protein-rich foods. Nutritional supplements such as whey protein isolate are good precursors of the amino acid. As an added benefit, whey protein boosts immune function, protects against free radical damage, and boosts cellular glutathione levels.
The three bioactive proteins: the thermobiles – serus albumin, alpha lactalbumin and lactoferrin. As shown from the meditation research on spirit molecules below, alpha lactalbumin increases the following neurotransmitters and amino acid tryptophan ® serotonin ® melatonin ® pinoline ® 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine) ® DMT (dimethyltryptamine).
Chemistry of Consciousness & Re-Awakening of Spirit Molecules
Complete darkness profoundly changes the sensory sensibilities of the brain. The body is deprived of all visual reference. Sounds begin to fall away as we lose contact with the external world and turn the senses inward. The effect of darkness is to shut down major cortical centers in the brain, depressing mental and cognitive functions in the higher brain centers. Emotional and feeling states are enhanced, especially the sense of smell and finer senses of psychic perception. Dreams become more lucid, and the dream state manifests in our conscious awareness. Eventually, we awaken within ourselves the awareness of the Source, the spirit, the soul. We descend into the void, into the darkness of deep, inner space. The light appears.
The dark room environment dramatically alters the chemistry of the brain, manifesting especially in neuro-endocrine systems which govern consciousness and regulate body functions. An important neurotransmitter involved in waking consciousness (serotonin) converts into a regulatory hormone (melatonin) that shuts down the organ systems, quieting the body in preparation for the finer and subtler realities of higher consciousness. The pineal gland initiates a cascade of inhibitory reactions, permitting visions and dream states to emerge in our conscious awareness. Eventually, the brain synthesizes the “spirit molecules” 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), facilitating the transcendental experiences of universal love and compassion.
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Tryptophan
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Serotonin
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Melatonin
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Pinoline
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5-MeO-DMT
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DMT
The direct experience of consciousness is often discordant with the necessities of physical existence on Earth. Thus, in waking consciousness (actually waking ignorance), the body inhibits 5-MeO-DMT and DMT synthesis by producing the compound MAO to deactivate the serotonin — DMT pathway. To maintain its connection to the soul, however, the body must periodically inhibit the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO), allowing for DMT synthesis and a return to the Source. This is accomplished by enzyme inhibitors, such as harmine and harmaline, which are secreted by the pineal gland in response to circadian rhythms and the darkness of night. The pineal gland also produces the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythms in the body.
Daylight is the cue that inhibits our essential connection to the Source, but facilitates physical survival on Earth. The Dark Room experience relaxes this constraint, by inhibiting the inhibitor, thereby activating the consciousness connection; for example, the pineal secretion of harmaline inhibits MAO, itself an inhibitor, allowing synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT and DMT. Thus, in the Dark Room, our biochemical connections to the Source are re-established. The Dark Room facilitates the synthesis and accumulation of the spirit molecules (5-MeO-DMT and DMT) in the brain, and hence the experience of our true nature, of love and compassion energy, and our reconnection with the Divine Tao (Wu Chi).
Bioactive Whey Protein is the best and safe source to sustain tryptophan levels in the body’s cells.
Undenatured whey protein is a natural extract of milk – a safe, dependable and effective way to sustain elevated tryptophan levels.
Increased brain serotonin levels improve the ability to cope with stress, while a decline in serotonin activity is associated with depression. Tryptophan is the amino acid that increases serotonin levels in the brain. Its transportation into the brain is dependent on other amino acids with a neutral charge. This influences tryptophan exchange via the ratio of tryptophan to the sum of other large neutral amino acids. A diet high in proteins that have high amounts of tryptophan may theoretically increase brain serotonin levels.
Twenty-nine (29) highly stress-vulnerable subjects and 29 other subjects participated in a double blind, placebo controlled study where all subjects were exposed to various experimental stresses after the intake of a whey protein (lactalbumin) or a casein supplement. Changes in mood, skin conductance, cortisol levels and plasma tryptophan/amino acid ratios were all assessed before and after the stress tests.
The researchers chose to assess whey’s lactabumin protein fraction as it possesses one of the highest concentrations of tryptophan of any known protein. The scientists were interested to see if a protein supplement could induce favorable brain serotonin levels.
Results showed while the casein supplement produced little effect, the whey protein supplement increased the plasma tryptophan/amino acid ratio by 48%. In the stress vulnerable subjects the whey protein decreased cortisol levels and reduced depressive feelings and improved their ability to cope with the tasks presented. The scientists suggested the results obtained could only mean the whey protein supplement was able to increase brain serotonin levels.
The bovine protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood under stress.
BACKGROUND: Increased brain serotonin may improve the ability to cope with stress, whereas a decline in serotonin activity is involved in depressive mood. The uptake of the serotonin precursor, tryptophan, into the brain is dependent on nutrients that influence the cerebral availability of tryptophan via a change in the ratio of plasma tryptophan to the sum of the other large neutral amino acids (Trp-LNAA ratio). Therefore, a diet-induced increase in tryptophan availability may increase brain serotonin synthesis and improve coping and mood, particularly in stress-vulnerable subjects.
OBJECTIVE: We tested whether alpha-lactalbumin, a whey protein with a high tryptophan content, may increase the plasma Trp-LNAA ratio and reduce depressive mood and cortisol concentrations in stress-vulnerable subjects under acute stress.
DESIGN: Twenty-nine highly stress-vulnerable subjects and 29 relatively stress-invulnerable subjects participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were exposed to experimental stress after the intake of a diet enriched with either alpha-lactalbumin or sodium-caseinate. Diet-induced changes in the plasma Trp-LNAA ratio and prolactin were measured. Changes in mood, pulse rate, skin conductance, and cortisol concentrations were assessed before and after the stressor.
RESULTS: The plasma Trp-LNAA ratio was 48% higher after the alpha-lactalbumin diet than after the casein diet (P = 0.0001). In stress-vulnerable subjects this was accompanied by higher prolactin concentrations (P = 0.001), a decrease in cortisol (P = 0.036), and reduced depressive feelings (P = 0.007) under stress.
CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of a dietary protein enriched in tryptophan increased the plasma Trp-LNAA ratio and, in stress-vulnerable subjects, improved coping ability, probably through alterations in brain serotonin.
Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Jun;71(6):1536-44
Therefore, a massive amount of evidence suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. High levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and loss of sensitivity to insulin, which can be caused by eating too many foods high in simple sugars, are two of the biggest culprits, because they impair conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP. In short, the lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era result in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. Consequently many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain. All of these have been helped by raising serotonin levels with glutathione supplement.
What does this mean to you?
Although the word stress has many different meanings it does appear that serotonin levels in the brain influence mood and ability to cope with potentially stressful situations. A protein supplement that is high in alpha lactalbumin such as bioactive undenatured whey protein isolate has a natural ability to increase brain serotonin levels that produce beneficial effects in every day situations.
Increasing serotonin in the body has been proven to be essential in the treatment of disease. Antidepressants and other medications deplete the body and brain of serotonin.
NOTE: The depletion or deficiency of serotonin in the cells is actually what is causing the aggravation of physical, neurological and psychosomatic symptoms experienced by many with different health disorders. Due to poor diet, pollution, drugs, radiation, stress, injury, trauma or burns, aging and infection, three things naturally happen: (a)buildup of free radicals, (b)oxidative stress and (c)buildup of toxins which deplete serotonin levels causing depression, suicide, impulsive behavior, sleeping disorders and aggression. Neurons using serotonin as a neurotransmitter are found in the brain, primarily in a cluster of cells called the pons.
Serotonin is normally involved in temperature regulation, sensory perception, and mood control. The hallucinogenic drug LSD acts on serotonin receptors; so do some antidepressant drugs.
As mentioned earlier, neurotransmitters usually bind and stimulate their receptors, then travel back to their sending neurons. These are the normal events in the reuptake system. Reuptake occurs in order to keep neurotransmitter levels steady and maintain homeostasis. In effect, the receiving neuron says “That’s enough!” to the sending neuron that has been releasing neurotransmitters. The sending neuron quickly picks up the leftover neurotransmitters and quits releasing new ones. This is an example of negative feedback.
Prozac and some of the other drugs used to treat severe depression prevent the normal reuptake of serotonin. As a result, there is more serotonin floating around to grab on to receptors and trigger impulses in receiving neurons. This leads to increased stimulation of serotonin neurons in depressed people, who find that the drugs help to relieve their symptoms.
Where you get your tryptophan is also of importance. The source has to be safe, effective and has to have lots of serotonin precursors.
According to Chinese medicine, there are three treasures which are Jing-Chi-Shen to have longevity and happiness in life. Jing (essence) and Chi (vital life force) are both derived from food while Shen (Spirit) is strengthened through spiritual practices such as Qi Gong or other meditation models to supply our cellular DNA (represented by the 64 hexagrams of I Ching) with Divine Tao’s light and love. When Jing and Chi are sustained with optimal health practices such as exercise, and balanced diet with important serotonin precursors, and our Shen is fed with spirit molecules (tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, pinoline, 5-MeO-DMT, DMT) and Divine Tao’s Light and Love, health is maintained and longevity becomes a reality.
From my clinical research and experience as a meditation facilitator and acupuncture detox specialist, I find the necessity of sustaining high levels of serotonin precursors in our brain cells and nervous system by taking whey protein isolate supplementation which has a high content of alpha lactalbumin to supply the important tryptophan as the main source of spirit molecules such as serotonin, melatonin, pinoline, 5-MeO-DMT and DMT for enlightenment and drug detoxification.
With great respect and love, I welcome you with all my heart. Your enlightenment and survival are important to me. Live long and prosper. Namaste!
Healthfully yours,
Ricardo B. Serrano, R.Ac.
Registered Acupuncturist
Crystal Pranic Healer/Qigong practitioner
Kamadon Master
Noah Hornberger
May 21, 2013
Out of all of the compounds mentioned, DMT remains the most mysterious and interesting to me. I was healed in so many ways from the compound and see the cultural revolution beginning to surface from this precious gift of nature. Blessings