| It's time for the 3rd ingredient in the "Stress Less | | | | Its ability to counteract some of the negative |
| for Poker Success" formula. After this one, only | | | | stimulant effects of caffeine. In fact a couple |
| two more ingredients to go before you have the | | | | studies have shown that a combo of l-theanine |
| perfect formula for a stress free life. Ah, you can | | | | and caffeine is superior to caffeine alone with |
| almost feel the relief already. | | | | regards to mental performance. |
| Before I dive into the third ingredient, I just want | | | | Its ability to block the harmful effects of |
| to give you a quick recap on the first two | | | | excitatory neurotransmitters that can destroy |
| ingredients. | | | | brain cells. |
| Personally, I use Rhodiola rosea only during times | | | | Dosage |
| of intense stress. I'll typically begin using it two to | | | | The typical dosage is 200mg taken anywhere |
| three days before the expected stress and | | | | from 1-3 times daily. I've found this to be almost |
| continue using it 3-5 days after it has ended. It | | | | exactly what I need. I may need a little larger |
| probably has one of the largest amounts of clinical | | | | dosage if I've taken a lot of stimulants during the |
| evidence supporting its benefits in terms of | | | | day. However, always titrate to a dosage that |
| nutraceuticals. In my opinion, it's an excellent, | | | | works for you. It's extremely safe so you won't |
| well-studied nutraceutical. | | | | have to worry about overdosing. |
| Bacopa is considered my long-term stress | | | | Why I like it |
| supplement. I use it 365 days a year. It helps to | | | | It's extremely safe and well-tolerated. That's |
| neutralize the stress of everyday life. On top of | | | | always of the utmost importance. |
| that, it also has some cognitive-enhancing abilities. | | | | Just like Rhodiola rosea, I don't use this every |
| What it lacks in clinical evidence, it makes up for in | | | | day. Typically, I'll only use it during times of |
| real-world feedback. You can't argue with a | | | | intense stress or when I've consumed a large |
| supplement that's been used for hundreds of | | | | amount of stimulants. I've found it to be one of |
| years in Ayurvedic medicine. | | | | the few supplements to counteract the negative |
| L-theanine | | | | effects of stimulants. It works. |
| I think it's blindly apparent that we live in an | | | | In addition, even though there have only been one |
| energy-addicted world today. It seems that we | | | | or two studies to show this, it supposedly has |
| can't get enough energy. We have Red Bull which | | | | some cognitive-enhancing abilities. As we all can |
| quickly became a billion dollar drink. Then there | | | | agree, this is a benefit we're looking for. |
| was 5 Hour Energy, for those that thirsted for | | | | Why for poker players |
| energy yet wanted to avoid caffeine. Now there's | | | | Compared to every nutraceutical I've talked |
| umpteen different energy drinks along with | | | | about thus far, l-theanine probably will be most |
| hundreds of different energy pills. We're definitely | | | | beneficial to poker players. Why? I've noticed |
| a society that's overdosed on energy. C'mon | | | | poker players are energy junkies. Caffeine, Red |
| people, relax a little. | | | | Bull, Ritalin, etc are commonly used, especially by |
| That's exactly what the dietary supplement | | | | the on-line players. Energy. Energy. Energy. Take a |
| industry is predicting for the next couple of years: | | | | capsule of l-theanine, and not only do you block |
| a complete reversal. Now longer will we search | | | | the negative effects associated with stimulants, |
| for energy, but we'll NEED relaxation. Thus, they | | | | but you also improve their cognitive-enhancing |
| predict that supplements that affect GABA, a | | | | abilities. That's called synergy. |
| relaxing neurotransmitter, will be the next big | | | | Poker players have to remember that being |
| craze. What caffeine is to energy, GABA is to | | | | over-stimulated is just as bad as being mentally |
| relaxation. Ativan, Xanax, Restoril, etc all work via | | | | fatigued. Both can cause mental mistakes. Playing |
| GABA receptors in the body. Heaven knows, | | | | energized and overzealous is inferior to playing |
| those prescription drugs are already a hot item. | | | | relaxed and focused. Relaxation is the missing |
| This is why you'll probably hear a lot more about | | | | ingredient for the endless amounts of energy |
| L-theanine in the next couple of years. In fact, | | | | products available today. Please remember, the |
| don't be surprised if a major energy drink begins | | | | energy drinks and products on the market today |
| adding l-theanine to its mix. Get used to seeing | | | | are designed for physical energy (working out or |
| "enriched with l-theanine for a relaxed energy." | | | | waking up after a long night) not for mental |
| Background | | | | energy. It's like trying to fit a square peg in a |
| L-theanine is an amino acid most commonly found | | | | round hole. |
| in tea. In fact, the relaxing effect of tea is | | | | In addition, the typical energy supplement further |
| primarily a result of l-theanine. | | | | increases your stress response. The goal behind |
| Mechanism of action | | | | these products is to get you in that flight-or-fight |
| It works through a variety of mechanisms. | | | | mode, aka stress. Thus, you're putting an |
| However, the 4 that are most important to us | | | | additional amount of stress on your mind. Not |
| are: | | | | good. Remember, stress kills brain cells. |
| Its ability to increase the levels of serotonin, | | | | Relax a little man. It may just be the answer you |
| dopamine, and GABA activity. These three | | | | were looking for. Balancing relaxation with |
| neurotransmitters are extremely important for | | | | stimulation is the key to success at anything that |
| relaxation, mood, and energy. | | | | requires mental performance. |
| Its ability to increase alpha brain wave activity. | | | | As always, I'll post the studies in the next couple |
| Alpha brain waves are thought to correlate with a | | | | of days. |
| relaxed, yet alert state in humans. | | | | |