GLOSSARY OF TERMS here at Synergic we want you to know what you're putting in your body, what it does, and where it comes from. If you have any unanswered questions, reach out to us at yourfriends@besynergic.com

Adaptogen: Non-toxic plants that are shown to help the body resist stressors of all kinds, whether physical, chemical or biological. Research shows that adaptogens may not only help the body deal with stress more effectively, but they may also help increase quality of life, improve longevity and protect neurological health. These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Amino Acid: Amino acids, often referred to as the building blocks of proteins, are compounds that play many critical roles in your body. They’re needed for vital processes like the building of proteins and synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Some may also be taken in supplement form for a natural way to boost physical performance or improve mood.

Balancer: We know that the supplement world is full of snake oils and false claims, so that word didn’t sit well with us, because our blends work, and they work by balancing underlying neurochemistry. That’s why we call them Balancers. 

Caffeine (Anhydrous):  A crystalline, adrenaline-inducing nootropic compound that helps you feel more awake and less tired, by stimulating the central nervous system.  Caffeine is commonly found occurring naturally in coffee, tea, chocolate.

 

DL Phenylalanine: An amino acid with nootropic effects that plays a major role in synthesizing hormones.  This crucial amino acid can be found in many protein-rich foods such as eggs, milk, and chicken. Phenylalanine is used for depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and vitiligo.

 

DMAE Bitartrate: A compound that can positively affect mood, enhance memory, and improve brain function. It's also thought to have benefits for aging skin. Aso referred to as Deanol and many other names. Aids brain functions such as learning and memory.  Helps promote brain health.  It can commonly be found in pre-workout blends, and has been known to increase energy and lean muscle mass production in the body- something especially important for athletes. 

 

GABA: A nootropic that relieves anxiety and promotes sleep and relaxation.  While it is most commonly occurring as a chemical produced in our brains, GABA can also be found in nutritional supplement form. It is used for relieving anxiety, improving mood, reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used for promoting lean muscle growth, burning fat, stabilizing blood pressure, and relieving pain.

 

Glycine: An amino acid that naturally improves the quality of sleep. Research in people with sleep issues has shown that taking glycine before bed decreases how long it takes to fall asleep, enhances sleep quality, lessens daytime sleepiness and improves cognition. Similar to other amino acids, glycine can be found in high protein foods such as poultry, eggs, fish and legumes.  Since the human body is able to synthesize glycine, it is considered a non essential amino acid.  Magnesium glycinate, quasi adaptogen -  

 

Herb: A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Medicinal herbs have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesise hundreds of chemical compounds for functions including defence against insects, fungi, diseases, and herbivorous mammals.

 

Holy Basil: This green leafy plant, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi naturally relieves stress and anxiety.  The plant has origins in Indian medicine and has been used to treat a myriad of conditions. All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance.

 

L-Phenylalanine: An amino acid needed to make chemicals such as L-dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine (both of which are neurotransmitters released by the body in response to stressful situations), as well as thyroid hormones. Phenylalanine has been studied as a treatment for several medical conditions, including depression, pain, and skin disorders.

 

L-Theanine: A nootropic that promotes relaxation without drowsiness, anxiety and stress relief, increased focus, and better immunity.  Although it is very similar to DL-Theanine, L-Theanine is an amino acid, found primarily in green and black tea and some mushrooms.

 

Magnesium: A mineral that helps the body stay healthy and regulate numerous homeostatic processes such as energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. It boosts performance and fights depression. It is found in many foods, such as whole wheat, avocado, spinach, quinoa, and numerous others.  

 

Melatonin: A Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.  The brain is the most common producer of melatonin; at around 9 p.m., the production of melatonin spikes and causes us to feel lethargic or tired.  This hormone can also be found in some foods, such as herbs, plums, olive oil, wine and beer.

 

Mucuna Pruriens (seed): Also known as the Magic Velvet Bean, this legume used in Ayurvedic medicine helps regulate hormones. Mucuna is also known as the “dopamine bean” since it is a good source of L-Dopa (4 – 7%), from which dopamine is made in the body. It is native to Africa and tropical Asia.

 

N-Acetyl Tyrosine: Nootropic that increases attention, motivation and concentration, and improves memory and learning.  It can be found in many foods, but cheese has been known to have especially high levels. 

 

Nootropic: Colloquial: smart drugs and cognitive enhancers. Drugs, supplements, and other substances that improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.

PharmaGABA: an essential calming agent that helps reduce stress and anxiety.  PharmaGABA is a naturally manufactured supplement designed to improve upon the calming agent already in your body.  It is made via fermentation by the same bacteria used to cook kimchi. 

 

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate: An active form of Vitamin B-6 that helps regulate over 100 amino acid processes.  As intended for human consumption, it can most commonly be found as an added color, flavor, or extract to the foods we eat. 

 

Siberian Ginseng: Root also called Eleuthero, is often called an "adaptogen." This is a non-medical term used to describe substances that can strengthen the body and increase general resistance to daily stress. In addition to being used as an adaptogen, Siberian ginseng is used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure, low blood pressure, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and rheumatic heart disease.

 

Supplement: A product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients (such as vitamins, nootropics, herbs, or amino acids) that are intended to supplement one's diet and are not considered food.

 

Vitamin: Any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within the body.

 

5-HTP: a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin which help regulate sleep.   5-HTP can be derived from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.