A Crucial Biochemical For Neurological Health
As one of the most important neurotransmitters in the body, acetylcholine is directly associated with cognitive health by supporting our ability to learn, focus, and memorize information. What’s more, it is also involved in muscle contractions, sleep quality, alertness, and whether or not you develop a neurological disorder such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or myasthenia gravis. Autism, schizophrenia, and glaucoma are also linked with low levels of acetylcholine. If you are concerned about cognitive health, keep reading as we will dig deeper into this crucial biochemical and explore ways you can boost it through diet, supplements, and herbal medicines.
Acetylcholine: Function and Benefits
As with other neurotransmitters, acetylcholine sends signals between nerve cells and is found in the central nervous system. It is synthesized primarily from choline and is known to regulate other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Having enough acetylcholine is critical for neuroplasticity, memory, learning, and focus. It also supports impulse control, decision making, planning, and attention.
Additionally, acetylcholine helps to protect against and treat neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Many of the drugs used to treat these conditions are called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors as they help to block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine in the brain. Through this action, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors allow for acetylcholine to become more bioavailable, thereby supporting improved cognitive function and motor control.1,2,3
Likewise, myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that causes rapid weakening of the muscles, is also associated with deficiencies in acetylcholine since antibodies interfere with acetylcholine receptors in the muscles. As with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are helpful in treating the condition.4
Increasing acetylcholine may also improve cognitive and social challenges in those with autism, since low levels of the neurotransmitter can directly contribute to seizures and brain impairment. Researchers suspect that acetylcholine may increase GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.5
How to Raise Acetylcholine Levels
To increase acetylcholine naturally, focus on foods rich in the precursor choline. We can also use supplements and herbs that target the acetylcholine system, such as those listed below.
Foods High in Choline:
- Eggs
- Grass-fed beef
- Fish such as cod
- Chickpeas
- Turkey and chicken
- Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
- Navy beans
- Split peas
Herbs and Supplements Shown to Increase Acetylcholine:
- Bacopa monnieri
- Huperzine A
- Licorice
- Ashwagandha
- Tulsi
- Curcumin
- Ginger
- Andrographis
- Glycine
- Reishi
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Zinc
- Copper
- Quercetin
- DHA and fish oils
- Indian gooseberry (amla)
Research has shown that wild blueberries are exceedingly beneficial for cognitive health, including learning and memory as well. The fruit inhibits acetylcholinesterase, which in turn boosts acetylcholine activity.6
Similarly, lemon balm also lowers the level of acetylcholinesterase in the brain.7 Moreover, it calms ADHD symptoms, improves sleep quality, encourages the production of GABA, and protects the nerves.
Interested in giving these remedies a try? Stand alone Lemon Balm and Reishi tinctures can be found in my apothecary, along with ashwagandha in our Anxiety & Stress Blend.
The Takeaway
For cognitive health and proper muscle function, acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter to consider — we want to ensure we are optimizing it as much as possible to enjoy the benefits of sharp focus, attention, memory, learning, and more. Our food choices make a difference, as do a range of herbal remedies and supplements.
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A resource like this can save you money over the years and provide relief even if you can’t afford medical insurance or the high costs associated with medical appointments, prescription drugs, and hospital stays. It will also help you to care for your own health at home when doctors and medicines may not be available during a crisis.
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Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Anxiety & Stress Tincture
Dual-Extracted Reishi Mushroom Tincture
Lemon Balm Tincture
References
- Jiang, S., Li, Y., Zhang, C., Zhao, Y., Bu, G., Xu, H., & Zhang, Y. W. (2014). M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroscience bulletin, 30(2), 295–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-013-1406-z
- Bohnen, N. I., Kaufer, D. I., Ivanco, L. S., Lopresti, B., Koeppe, R. A., Davis, J. G., Mathis, C. A., Moore, R. Y., & DeKosky, S. T. (2003). Cortical cholinergic function is more severely affected in parkinsonian dementia than in Alzheimer disease: an in vivo positron emission tomographic study. Archives of neurology, 60(12), 1745–1748. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.60.12.1745
- Chung, K. A., Lobb, B. M., Nutt, J. G., & Horak, F. B. (2010). Effects of a central cholinesterase inhibitor on reducing falls in Parkinson disease. Neurology, 75(14), 1263–1269. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181f6128c
- Acetylcholine (ACh), Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved on March 29, 2023 from, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24568-acetylcholine-ach
- Deutsch, S. I., Urbano, M. R., Neumann, S. A., Burket, J. A., & Katz, E. (2010). Cholinergic abnormalities in autism: is there a rationale for selective nicotinic agonist interventions?. Clinical neuropharmacology, 33(3), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181d6f7ad
- Papandreou, M. A., Dimakopoulou, A., Linardaki, Z. I., Cordopatis, P., Klimis-Zacas, D., Margarity, M., & Lamari, F. N. (2009). Effect of a polyphenol-rich wild blueberry extract on cognitive performance of mice, brain antioxidant markers and acetylcholinesterase activity. Behavioural brain research, 198(2), 352–358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2008.11.013
- Obulesu, M., & Rao, D. M. (2011). Effect of plant extracts on Alzheimer’s disease: An insight into therapeutic avenues. Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 2(1), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-3147.80102
