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The Unexpected Alpha GPC Benefits You Need to Know Today

alpha gpc benefits

What if there were a supplement you could take to strengthen your mind power, bolster your strength and grow your overall physique?

With Alpha GPC, that elusive jackpot is closer than you think.

This do-all supplement is changing the game, and helping more people than ever before reach their mental and physical peak. If you’ve considered adding it to your current health and wellness routine, read on.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the many Alpha GPC benefits that are available, as well as how to get your hands on some today.

What is Alpha GPC?

Alpha GPC is short for Alpha-glycerophosphocholine, or aGPC.

That might not tell you too much, so let’s get a little more specific. Alpha GPC is a phospholipid isolated from soy. It contains choline, which is considered an essential nutrient.

Choline is naturally present in some foods and is also available as a supplement. It’s available in the highest quantities in certain fatty foods that include eggs, yogurt, cheese, milk and soy.

That said, what makes Alpha GPC so valuable and important? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you need it.

Production of Acetylcholine

Choline is a direct source of the methyl groups that your body depends on for metabolism. In addition, choline is required for the production of acetylcholine, which is a vital transmitter linked to your memory, mood, and muscle control.

How does it work? This phospholipid contains what’s known as a “lipid tail”. This enables it to become incorporated in your neuronal cell membranes. As it travels to these membranes, the choline molecule plays a major role in your brain’s cognitive function. 

The technical term for the process is acetylcholine neurotransmitter synthesis. This is a mouthful that explains what happens as cholinergic neurotransmission takes place within your body’s central and peripheral nervous systems.

One of the most important outputs of this process is the formation and maintenance of your memory. If there isn’t an adequate supply of choline embedding itself in your neuronal cells, your recall and retention rates could suffer.

Formation of Cell Membranes

Choline is one of the nutrients that shields and safeguards your cells, providing them with structural integrity and protection.

This includes your vital brain cells! It helps create the strong membranes that surround these cells and pad them from interference. 

Fat Burning

Choline plays an active role in your body’s fat metabolism process. Your body requires an ample supply of this nutrient to break down fat and in turn, use it for energy to fuel your day.

What Are Alpha GPC Supplements?

Alpha GPC is a substance that is naturally made in your body. However, some people can produce less of it than others. When this happens, it can directly affect their cognitive function.

In some European countries, Alpha GPC is offered as a prescription medication. However, if you’re in the United States, you’ll find that it’s only available as a dietary supplement. Thankfully, this supplement works well with other nootropics.

“Nootropics” is the name given to any natural or synthetic supplement that has the potential to positively affect your mental function. Most of them fall into one of three categories, including:

  • Dietary supplements
  • Synthetic compounds
  • Prescription drugs

When you take this supplement in particular, you’ll help deliver choline to your brain and increase your brain’s natural production of acetylcholine. As mentioned, this neurotransmitter helps determine and direct your memory and learning capabilities. 

Understanding the Alpha GPC Benefits

If your body already makes a certain amount of Alpha GPC, why should you take a supplement to increase that level? Put simply, you might need the extra boost.

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, your memory and cognition could suffer, and Alpha GPC could help:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Stroke
  • Vascular dementia (caused by reduced blood flow to the brain)
  • Impaired memory function, thinking or learning skills

Let’s break down each of these a little more. 

Enhancing Cognitive Function

Keep in mind that while these benefits are identified by most researchers, more studies need to be conducted before a direct link can be drawn between Alpha GPC and the condition it’s used to treat.

Alzheimer’s Disease

According to research, more than five million Americans have Alzheimer’s Disease. Though this disease most commonly affects older adults, the reality is that anyone, of any age, can be afflicted by it. 

There is some research that shows taking Alpha GPC supplements can help improve the cognitive skills of Alzheimer patients. However, this will need to be part of a long-term therapy routine that spans at least three to six months before real improvements can be realized. 

Stroke

Though the research is not conclusive or finished yet, some experts also believe that Alpha GPC can be of great benefit to stroke victims.

The key issue here is time. The supplement will be its most effective if taken no more than 10 days following the stroke. 

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a specific form of dementia that is triggered by certain conditions that can damage the blood vessels in your brain. In addition to strokes, other health conditions that can lead to vascular dementia include diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can impair your blood vessels.

When this happens, it can hinder the flow of blood to your brain. Not only can this condition alter your thinking skills, but it can also lead to issues with your behavior, speech, memory and balance.

There has been some research surrounding the effectiveness of Alpha GPC in these cases. Most research has been around administering the supplement as a direct injection, though it’s important to note that these study cases used the prescription-based form of Alpha GPC that is currently not available in the United States. 

Memory, Thinking and Learning Impairments

The above conditions can affect your brain’s ability to absorb new information and retain former knowledge. Yet, they’re far from the only issues that can negatively alter your cognitive function. 

Do you find yourself feeling “spaced out” more often than not? Do you find it difficult to grasp a new concept or recall events that happened years ago?

All of these issues can be contributed to low choline levels. In fact, people whose levels are chronically low may even show signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. In one study, children with ADHD also suffered from chronically low numbers of acetylcholine receptors. 

Whether you exhibit symptoms of ADHD or not, you can discover a noticeable mental boost when you take Alpha GPC as a supplement. While the changes might not take hold right away, they can become more evident with continued use. 

Increasing Strength

Everyone wants to be stronger, but the reality is that gym time alone might not work for everyone. This is where safe, natural supplements can help.

Certain studies show that Alpha GPC can improve your isometric function. Isometric training refers to working your muscles by activating and tightening them without actually lengthening or shortening them. In one study, participants followed an Alpha GPC supplement routine for six days. 

The result? These participants demonstrated significantly greater isometric strength from their previous, baseline levels. This improvement was especially noticeable in their mid-thigh pull force. 

Stimulating Growth Hormone Release

Are you looking to improve your athletic performance? If so, you may have done some research on the role that human growth hormone plays in your capabilities.

Naturally produced by your pituitary gland, HGH is responsible for your growth as a child or adolescent. It’s the phenomenon behind the fact that your shoe size increases from the time you’re a toddler to when you graduate high school. It explains why you get taller, bigger and more mature over time.

It can also play a role in your overall body composition, including your bone and muscle growth, metabolism, and even heart function. All of these can impact your results at the gym or on the track. 

Some research has shown that Alpha GPC catalyzes your body’s natural release of HGH, allowing it to temporarily jump from its baseline level and return back to normal. Over time, this can help make your workouts more effective and your recovery times shorter.

What Are the Side Effects of Alpha GPC?

As with any supplement, it’s important to understand the side effects that you might experience if you take Alpha GPC as an addition to your health and wellness routine. 

The answer depends on how you ingest the supplement. 

In most cases, you’ll either blend Alpha GPC powder into your shakes or smoothies or take Alpha GPC capsules by mouth. When used this way, you can use the supplement regularly for several months. The only potential side effects are relatively minor and can include:

  • Headache
  • Heartburn
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Skin irritation

The same side effects can also occur if you receive the supplement as an injection. In addition, you may also notice irritation, redness and minor inflammation at the injection site. 

Of course, your physician is best suited to help you understand and navigate these side effects. They can also help you understand which ingestion method is best, as well as whether or not this supplement can help your condition. Note that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid Alpha GPC, as there has not been conclusive evidence that guarantees the safety of these parties. 

Determining Your Ideal Dose

You’ve decided to incorporate Alpha GPC into your routine. Now, the only question is: How much do you need to take?

Put simply, your ideal dosage will likely differ from your neighbor’s. A standard dose of Alpha GPC is between 300 and 600 milligrams. However, here isn’t a universal amount that works for everyone.

Rather, there are a few different factors that will affect how much Alpha GPC you should take on a regular basis. These include:

  • Your age
  • Your health
  • Your weight
  • Your lifestyle
  • Other medical conditions 

Again, your physician can help guide you toward the perfect dosage amount. This expert is very familiar with your health history and can recommend a safe and effective dose to use.

How to Take Alpha GPC

The best way to take Alpha GPC hinges on what you’re using the nootropic to help treat.

If you’re trying to stimulate HGH production and burn more fat, you can take a dose of the supplement about 30 to 60 minutes before working out. In this case, many people can tolerate a larger level, around 600 mg. 

On the other hand, if you just want to benefit from the mental boost that Alpha GPC provides, then a smaller dose is usually all you need. Start with a small dose (around 200 mg) and work your way upward until you find the dose that works the best for you. 

You can usually find Alpha GPC in capsule or powder form. As soon as you ingest it, you can expect to feel the effects within 20 to 30 minutes. These effects should last between four to six hours. If you plan to take more than one dose per day, make sure to leave a four-hour window between doses.

Try Alpha GPC For Yourself

Everyone can benefit from a clearer mind and sharper memory! 

The Alpha GPC benefits are vast and varied, and they can do wonders to improve both your mental and physical stamina. Whether you want to make your workouts more effective, grow stronger, or simply learn to focus better, this supplement can do it all.

It’s one of the most powerful and popular nootropics for a reason, so ask your physician if it’s safe for you to try. In the meantime, keep checking back here for more advice on supplements, peptides, workout regimens and more. If you have any questions, let our team know

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