Magic Mushrooms and Cognitive Enhancement Cognition refers to mental processes essential for task completion. As an integral component of psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions, cognition plays an essential role.
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms or “shrooms”, causes changes within the brain when consumed, eventually turning into psilocin and binding to serotonin receptors.
- Psilocybin Psychoactive mushrooms contain the chemical psilocybin, which binds to serotonin receptors in your brain to cause an intense and transcendent experience, often described by its participants as an awakening or consciousness-raising experience. According to one 2021 study, it may also help improve brain communication by linking activity in previously disjoined parts of the brain together in unison.
Psilocybin has been found to increase creativity, focus, and cognitive flexibility by decreasing activity of an area of the brain known as the default mode network – possibly encouraging divergent thinking and goal-directed behavior over habitual ones.
Noted is how psilocybin's use slows the activity of the thalamus – an area deep within the brain responsible for information transfer – which allows other parts of the brain to communicate more freely between each other, aiding creativity and cognitive flexibility when under stress. Clinical trials have even demonstrated its promise as an aid in quitting smoking or relieving anxiety associated with cancer patients.
- Serotonin Tryptophan, found primarily in the intestines and brain, combines with 5-hydroxytryptophan-5-HT chemical reactor to form serotonin (5-HT). Our cells use serotonin to transmit nerve impulses from one part of our bodies to another; additionally it may play a role in mood regulation and cognition.
When neurons send a message, they release serotonin into the space between neurons (the synapse). Once there, it binds with receptors on neighboring cells and sends electrical impulses that carry its message across. Serotonin can have either stimulatory or inhibitory effects depending on where and which receptor it binds with.
Drugs that increase serotonin levels have numerous beneficial effects, including aiding with anxiety and depression, aiding weight loss and treating seasonal affective disorder. Studies involving PET scans have also demonstrated that people with lower levels of the serotonin transporter had worse memory scores; manipulation of serotonin through acute tryptophan depletion can improve cognitive functioning significantly.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shroomsdirect.io is an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain, relaying messages between brain cells and your nervous system, according to Cleveland Clinic. GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter – meaning it reduces communication between nerve cells to prevent them from overfiring – while helping your body respond appropriately to stress and anxiety.
Studies have revealed that people with lower-than-normal GABA levels tend to experience greater difficulty with anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders as well as decreased concentration and memory issues. Furthermore, low GABA can contribute to decreased concentration levels and poor memory recall.
GABA can be naturally increased through eating foods containing it or taking supplements. You'll find it in fermented foods like kimchi, miso and tempeh; green, black and oolong tea; mushrooms; adzuki beans, sweet potatoes, brown rice and chestnuts; as well as mushrooms and mushrooms themselves. Taking a GABA supplement may help improve focus and cognitive performance.
- Glutamate Glutamate was previously relatively neglected in neuroscience literature; however, with recent advancements it has come into the spotlight and is now considered a key shaping factor within the brain.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that transmits messages between brain and central nervous system (CNS) neurons. Excitatory neurons use glutamate to increase their likelihood that neighboring cells will fire, initiating an action potential (or nerve impulse).
To maintain optimal neural circuitry, the glutamate signal must arrive at precisely the right moment. Too early and cells could deplete their energy reserves; too late and cell death may ensue. Glutamate also plays an integral part in memory and mood regulation; to keep levels within acceptable levels, glial cells rapidly convert glutamate back to glutamine before recycling back again.