Yeah, looking at screens as a dude makes you gay.
Here's why 👇

Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides regulate erections in the penile tissue but also the central nervous system.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons at synapses.

They directly excite or inhibit the target cell (whether that’s another neuron, a muscle or a gland) by binding to receptors and triggering rapid responses (within milliseconds).

So a neurotransmitter can excite the neuron, inhibit a message or adjust the communication at the synapse.

Now neuromodulators are a bit different as they are not restricted to the synaptic cleft between two neurons, and so can affect large numbers of neurons at once.

Neuromodulators therefore regulate populations of neurons, while also operating over a slower time course than excitatory and inhibitory transmitters.

Some molecules (like nitric oxide or certain peptides) can act as both, depending on context.

These (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators) operate at two levels:

Central (brain and spinal cord): Initiating psychogenic/nocturnal erections via arousal, motivation and autonomic control.

Peripheral (penile tissues): Executing tumescence by relaxing/contracting smooth muscle in the corpora cavernosa.

Psychogenic erections (from thoughts, sights, fantasies) and nocturnal ones involve the limbic system (amygdala, hypothalamus like paraventricular nucleus/PVN and medial preoptic area/MPOA) descending to spinal centers.

Now the pro-erectile (facilitatory) ones include:
Dopamine
Oxytocin
Nitric oxide (NO)
Glutamate
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)
Acetylcholine

The anti-erectile or mixed (inhibitory) ones include:
Serotonin (5-HT)
Noradrenaline
GABA
Opioids
Endocannabinoids
Endothelin-1
Prolactin

The most common “combination” in ED for example is low dopamine + oxytocin that leads to reduced psychogenic drive and excess serotonin/prolactin that inhibits arousal.

https://x.com/Helios_Movement/status/2063882216728334373

Let’s start with dopamine (DA).

Dopamine is arguably the most important central neurotransmitter for facilitating sexual motivation, arousal, and penile erection.

It is synthesized from phenylalanine and tyrosine with the help of phenylalanine hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase.

The steps are:

L-Phenylalanine → L-Tyrosine.

This conversion is catalyzed by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), primarily in the liver. PAH uses tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄ (see previous parts on this series)) as a cofactor and adds a hydroxyl group to phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid (must come from diet), while tyrosine is conditionally essential (can be synthesized from phenylalanine or obtained directly from diet/proteins).

L-Tyrosine → L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine).
This is the rate-limiting step, catalyzed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in dopaminergic neurons (e.g., in the brain and adrenal medulla).

TH also requires BH₄, oxygen, and iron (Fe²⁺) as cofactors.

TH is highly regulated (by feedback inhibition from dopamine and phosphorylation for example).

L-DOPA → Dopamine.

Catalyzed by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC, also called DOPA decarboxylase), using pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor.

Now dopamine is involved in motor control, the reinforcement of certain behaviors through reward, motivation, learning, concentration and sleep but when it comes to erections, it acts primarily in the brain to integrate psychogenic and reflexogenic stimuli, bridging libido with the consummatory phase (actual erection and copulation).

Unlike peripheral mechanisms such as NO-cGMP in penile tissue, dopamine’s effects are predominantly central, with key actions in hypothalamic and limbic areas.

It influences erection through three main systems:

Incertohypothalamic system: Dopaminergic neurons from the A11-A14 groups project to the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus (the primary sites for pro-erectile DA action).

Mesolimbic system: From ventral tegmental area (VTA) to nucleus accumbens (drives sexual motivation/reward).

Nigrostriatal system: More for motor coordination during copulation.

In the PVN, DA activates oxytocinergic neurons projecting to the spinal cord (thoracolumbar and sacral levels), triggering parasympathetic outflow for erection.
The core pathway in the PVN are the following:

DA binds to receptors → increases intracellular Ca²⁺.

Activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) → produces NO.

NO (via cGMP-independent mechanisms, e.g., protein nitrosylation) activates oxytocinergic neurons

Oxytocin release in spinal cord → pro-erectile parasympathetic signals → penile smooth muscle relaxation and tumescence.

This loop links DA to central NO and oxytocin, explaining why DA agonists induce erections even with NOS inhibitors peripherally.

Non-selective agonists like apomorphine for example, induce erections within 10-25 minutes (sublingually).

When it comes to the dopamine receptors we have 5 (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and potentially a D6 (some of the recent literature includes the D6 and some does not)).

They divide into D1-like (D1, D5: stimulate adenylate cyclase) and D2-like (D2, D3, D4: inhibit it).

Pro-erectile effects are mainly via D2-like receptors in the PVN.

Now, when it comes to supporting dopamine production and its receptors in general, the first things you have to do are to:

Provide bioavailable protein, retinol, zinc, P5P, B9, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin D and vitamin E.

Avoid overstimulation (D2 receptors specifically are susceptible to downregulation from overstimulation (this is why meditation is shown to increase their density)).

Get some sun and avoid too much artificial blue light since in some animal models its shown to lead to an up to 30% reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra.

Monitor stress and relax.

Don’t live a sedentary lifestyle (we are meant to move thought the day which is why even 10 minutes of exercise can increase the density of the D2 and D3 receptors in some cases).

If you can go and measure your prolactin, insulin and androgens (testosterone for example upregulates dopamine (DA) pathways, particularly in brain regions like the nigrostriatal system).

9 of my favourite cheap, studied and easily accessible supplements when it comes to better mental health.

Thread🧵 It’s George.

No matter who you are, at some point, you will probably struggle with a "light" mental health issue, whether that's called minor depression, anxiety and so on.

This is totally normal since, in this day and age, we face the following conditions that create the perfect storm for them:

-Everyone grew up in a less-than-ideal environment.

No matter how loving or well-intentioned someone’s parents or caregivers were, the upbringing everyone receives is almost always imbalanced in one way or another.

This is totally normal and this imbalance tends to create both vulnerabilities and strengths.

It’s just that you’ll always be aware of your weaknesses, but you’ll have to discover your strengths.

As a side note, a very foolish attempt to engineer a “perfect” childhood will simply produce a fragile individual rather than a resilient human being with normal flaws.

Paradoxically, some degree of overcorrection is itself a natural part of psychological development.

-Most of the structure of modern life is profoundly unnatural both for our biology but for our minds as well.

From the fact that you can no longer operate at a basic human level and have to master 90 different things just to survive, to overstimulation, constant noise 24/7, high caloric malnutrition, isolation, chronic stress, material overconsumption and the fact that you have to sit in a chair for hours on end, all these create an environment our nervous systems were never designed to handle.

Almost everyone these days (even seemingly fit people) seems to have the combination of:
-High LDL
-Low HDL
-High blood pressure
-High triglycerides

Now, even if one of these markers in isolation might not be as problematic as it is advertised, this combination is in fact quite problematic.

So here's how you can start managing it.
Thread 🧵


First and foremost, let's start by breaking down cholesterol to a basic degree.

As we’ve said multiple times, cholesterol is a 27-carbon steroid alcohol with the systematic name cholest-5-en-3β-ol.

It has four fused rings (A, B, C, D), a hydroxyl group on carbon 3, a double bond between carbons 5 and 6, methyl groups on carbons 10 and 13, and an eight-carbon iso-octyl side chain on carbon 17.

Every animal on Earth needs it.
Plants, fungi and bacteria make zero cholesterol.

Your liver alone synthesises 800–1,200 mg daily even if you eat none, because every single one of your 37 trillion cells requires it for survival.

Revealing the root causes of hair loss (with actual proof).

An entire guide on understanding the common myths, realities, the real root causes and what to do about them.

Thread🧵
It’s George.

First and foremost, losing some hair as the years go by is normal.

We can't look at 70 like we did at 25 and believe it or not this is not common sense these days and the demands to avoid any sign of "ageing" are at an all time high because anything that can cause a negative emotion, is avoided and masked like the plague.

So, some hair loss if you are older, is fine.

BUT, younger and younger people are losing their hair and in A LOT of the cases, no one in the family had a history of premature hair loss.

So, if you just recently started noticing your hair falling off a bit, immediately address these because you might as well stop it within even a couple of months compared to the daily effort you'll have to put forever if you let it get worse and worse.

Now this thread will basically provide you with the MOST effective strategies you can use to manage premature hair loss.

If you find it helpful, make sure to leave a like.

SIBO is surprisingly common these days.

Yet it goes unrecognized quite frequently, even though it’s a common driver behind issues such as:
-Chronic fatigue
-Brain fog
-Skin issues
-Hormonal imbalances
-Autoimmune conditions
-Mental issues such as generalized anxiety and depression
-Systemic inflammation

If you still think that SIBO can't be one of the primary drivers behind your health issues, think again since:
-At least half of the people who’ve used PPIs or antibiotics have it.
-Most people who eat the S.A.D have it.
-Up to 78% of people an IBS diagnosis actually just have SIBO.
-Sibo is present in up to 50% of hypothyroid patients.
and there's more as you will see in this thread.

So without further ado, here’s the ultimate guide for conquering SIBO 🧵 *Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It's George.
Let's start with the basics.

SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a well, almost a self-explanatory condition that marks an abundance of bad bacteria, such as the ones belonging to the firmicutes, bacteroidetes or proteobacteria phyla families overgrow in the small intestine.

The problem with this is that the small intestine and its parts, such as the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, are designed for nutrient breakdown and absorption, not bacterial fermentation.

Normally, it hosts fewer than 10^3 colony-forming units (CFU) per mL of bacteria, compared to 10^9–10^12 CFU/mL in the colon.

When this balance is disrupted, bacteria ferment carbohydrates for example, producing gases like hydrogen, methane or hydrogen sulfide.

These can drive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and altered bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation and so on).

But SIBO is not just a gut issue.
It has systemic effects, including nutrient deficiencies, systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms for example.

The thyroid gland affects more processes than we could imagine and its dysfunction could lead to severe fatigue, hair loss, SIBO, high LDL, impaired detoxification, low levels of DHT and more.

So here's a thread on some things worth knowing when it comes to the thyroid gland🧵 It's George.

Most people still don't truly understand the impact of thyroid dysfunction.

The thyroid gland directly communicates with the brain, the pituitary, the parathyroid, the pancreas, the liver, the adrenal glands, the intestinal system and much more.

You already know this to be true if you are suffering from any type of thyroid dysfunction but here's an example i always try to mention.

Let's suppose that you want to lose weight, well in order to put in perspective how much the thyroid gland affects our metabolism, resistance training which is promoted as one of the best tools to increase BMR, can only lead to a 10% increase (which is still great).

Now here's what's fascinating, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to a BMR that's even 40% below normal and an even 50mcg of T3 day can increase BMR by even 30% in some cases.

You can also look into for example how T3 influences the tight junctions, how it upregulates the LDL-receptor, how it helps with the release of bile or even how it facilitates the production of lactase in the intestinal tract so thyroid dysfunction could even make you react badly to dairy.

In some studies, up to 90.5% of depressed people have subnormal T3 levels.

Even though more and more people are developing acne, it's not a mysterious disease that you can't do anything about.

Here's the most basic and effective roadmap for beating acne.

Thread 🧵

*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

First and foremost and i am fully aware that plenty of you will dislike this suggestion, the first thing you should do if you have any issue related to your appearance such as acne, eczema or even if your hair has started thinning or you’re overweight, is to accept it.

After all, all of us will end up looking like raisins at 80, 90+ but i’m not seeing any sane old person become depressed about it.

Yeah, yeah, our appearances matter.

But not accepting something we have and can probably change is giving it too much power.

“How can i tell if my gut is the primary contributor behind my health issues?”

Well, here are the top (and often overlooked) warning signs your gut is out of balance.

Thread 🧵 *Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It's George.

Numerous symptoms associated with compromised gut health manifest outside the gastrointestinal tract and these "extra-intestinal" manifestations can complicate conventional diagnosis, as standard medical evaluations may not immediately connect issues like mood changes or autoimmune flares to intestinal function.

But it’s no wonder that the integrity of the human gut microbiota correlates with susceptibility and outcomes of various diseases, including metabolic, infectious and autoimmune diseases.

The gut has a profound influence on every major organ and hormonal pathway in our bodies, whether that’s through bidirectional communication pathways aka “axes” (gut-brain axis, gut-liver axis, gut-immune axis etc), microbial metabolites, immune signaling, nutrient absorption and so on.

This is long, but it's the ultimate framework to get rid of a candida overgrowth.

You see, more people than ever are struggling with candida overgrowths and suffering from symptoms such as:

-Kidney problems.
-Intense sugar cravings.
-Skin issues.
-Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, white coating on the tongue or gas (especially after eating carbs).
-Developing more and more food intolerances. -Brain fog
-Blood sugar regulation issues.
-Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, jock itch, oral thrush, bad breath, acne and eczema.
-Chronic fatigue.
-Frequent infections.
-Leaky gut.

and much more as a consequence.

Yet most of them never truly resolve it and it's no wonder why.

Most people use the wrong supplements, neglect key mechanisms that keep candida in check by default and in general, follow highly ineffective roadmaps.

So here’s the BEST approach that can actually help you manage a candida overgrowth.

We will discuss:

-Common signs of candida overgrowth
-Tests you can take
-What Candida even is
-The most common causes in order to finally determine the main ones that are driving your overgrowth
-How to address each one in the most efficient way possible
-Common mistakes to avoid
-Breakdown of the most helpful supplements in this journey

and more.

Tap in.
Thread🧵


*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It's George.

First, some potential signs and symptoms of Candida overgrowth include:
-Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, white coating on the tongue or gas (especially after eating carbs).
-Brain fog that, even though it might sound weird, it’s very similar to a low-grade hangover (since it releases acetaldehyde) which is experienced once again, especially after eating carbs.
-Blood sugar regulation issues.
-Intense sugar cravings.
-Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, jock itch, oral thrush, bad breath, acne and eczema.
-Chronic fatigue.
-Frequent infections.
-Leaky gut.
-Developing more and more food intolerances.

Now, how can a candida overgrowth lead to these symptoms?

Here are some basic explanations.

First, it disrupts the balance of gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria.

This leads to fermentation of undigested carbohydrates, producing gas and bloating by 2–3-fold as most studies suggest.

It also secretes aspartyl proteases and phospholipases, damaging the mucosal bilayer which can lead to bloating and general discomfort.

When it comes to the oral cavity, it forms biofilms creating a white coating on the tongue.

Then, it metabolizes sugars via fermentation, producing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that crosses the blood-brain barrier and impairs neuronal function, causing brain fog, confusion, and a “hangover-like” feeling.

In animal models for example, candida-induced inflammation reduced cognitive clarity by 30%. Candida also consumes glucose for growth and biofilm formation, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially after high-carb meals.

In diabetic patients for example, an ovegrowth led to a 2-fold increase in insulin resistance.

Regarding sugar cravings, candida albicans thrives on glucose and its overgrowth may signal the host to consume more sugars throygh gut-brain axis modulation of hormones that control our appetite such as ghrelin.

Many studies show that a Candida overgrowth increased sugar cravings and ghrelin levels in 20–30% of patients.

Fatigue-wise, candida overgrowth triggers cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, causing systemic inflammation that disrupts energy metabolism, the acetaldehyde impairs mitochondrial function, reducing ATP production, biofilms and mucosal damage impair nutrient absorption (especially when it comes to B vitamins and iron), which are critical for energy production.

Then, candida overgrowth overwhelms mucosal immunity, reducing IgA and phagocytic activity, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.

And finally when it comes to effects such as developing a leaky gut and food intolerances, the overgrowth degrades tight junction proteins such as occludin and ZO-1 (it’s shown to reduce ZO-1 expression by 40%), increasing intestinal permeability allowing toxins and antigens to leak into the bloodstream triggering immune responses and food intolerances (Candida-induced leaky gut has shown to lead to a 30% increase in food intolerances).

CoQ10 is not only important for people who use statins.

In fact, it might be the molecule that will improve your mood, cardiovascular health, energy levels, hormonal health and even liver health.

Here's why.
Thread🧵 It’s George.

CoQ10 depletion is linked to mitochondrial supercomplex destabilization, ceramide accumulation effects on ETC stability, and conditions like insulin resistance, CVD, Graves, inflammatory disorders, post-viral fatigue, the fast progression of liver disease, muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, cramps, myalgia, elevated creatine kinase (CK) and much more.

Now coenzyme Q10 aka CoQ10, is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like molecule (*) that’s naturally present in every cell membrane throughout the body.

(*) An organic compound that supports bodily functions like vitamins K and E, but isn't classified as a true vitamin because the body can often synthesize it. Another example is carnitine.

You are not insane.
It's just the damn histamine.

Histamine intolerance and/or MCAS are criminally underdiscussed when it comes to mental health.

Yet your anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia, irritability, impulsivity and so on, are often nothing more than a little extra histamine and we have proof for this.

That's also the common link between allergies, certain types of hair loss, skin issues such as psoriasis, ADHD, insomnia and anxiety.

Here's what you need to know.
Thread 🧵 *Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It’s George.

Putting the correct label on something can take quite some time and especially when it comes to mental health issues.

Misdiagnosis rates are still notably high, even if we are talking about primary care or specialists.

Give me 2.5 minutes and i will give you the best peptide guide you've ever read.

Thread🧵 It's George.

Peptides can legitimately help with almost every goal people chase today:

-Extreme fat loss
-Improved memory recall, mood, mental clarity, focus etc
-Healing gut issues
-Healing common gym injuries
-Restoring libido and sexual function
-Rebuilding a broken immune system
-Slowing biological aging
And many more…

BUT, peptides are also one of the deepest, most confusing rabbit holes in modern health and performance.

So take 10 minutes to read this entire thing before you buy a single vial.

Most supplements over-promise and under-deliver.

Here are some supplements that don't and can actually help you in a variety of areas, ranging from your brain and gut health all the way to your hormones and skin health.

Thread🧵


*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

Note: This is about supplements indeed but if you do not get sunlight, exercise, eat whole foods, try to avoid vices such as excessive alcohol consumption and so on, then supplements will not save you.

Plenty of foods have more benefits that not only compared to the supplements at a low/medium price point but a very high as well. If a supplement, had the history and benefits of kefir for example, it would sell a lot. It’s just that you can only make so much profit from foods. I can’t sell you for example a $30 bottle of kefir yet i can very easily sell someone a $30 bottle of probiotics.

The right supplements CAN be useful and maybe even life saving. I am not dismissing them. At all. This is why we will talk about them.

This is just about having the right priorities.

Also, every single of these supplements that are mentioned will backfire for some people.

It's mathematically impossible not to.
If only 3.000 people read this and out of them 300 choose to use one, it's impossible for one of them to not react badly to it.

Does this fact make the supplement bad? No.
It makes it bad within a certain context.

So, read the studies that are linked.

Now let's talk about the supplements (not presented by order of importance).

This network is at the very core of anxiety, depression, PTSD, CPTSD, bipolar disorders, panic attacks, and much more.

So here's what you need to know to be less anxious, happier and enjoy life far more.

But most likely, you should not read it.
No i am not joking. It's too dense and you've been warned.

Thread 🧵

*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It's George.

First things first (read these 9 notes and do not skip them).

Number 1: Just because you experience anxiety or panic, it does not mean that you are mentally ill, necessarily.

I am fully aware that people over 40 who might be reading this might think "yeah, obviously", but a lot of young people have fallen into the trap of pathologizing normal life experiences because modern societal trends pretend that life is something that it's not.

So, anxiety is normal and every time you do something scary for the first time, your balls should be on your neck.

But, after you experience that nothing really bad happens and that in the rare occasion that it does, you can recover from it, you won't experience the same level of anxiety the next time you are about to take the same action.

Initially, we are anxious because we expect a negative outcome and get a cortisol spike.

But with time and positive feedback, we get excited because we expect a positive outcome and get a dopamine spike.

If you've been recently struggling with hair loss, what if you've been lied about its causes for decades?

What if your genetics are only one puzzle piece and there are meassures you can actually take to slow it down and might even stop it?

So, if you want to understand the problem of hair loss better, this might help you.

Thread🧵 It’s George.

First and foremost, losing some hair as the years go by is normal.

We can't look at 70 like we did at 25 and believe it or not this is not common sense these days and the demands to avoid any sign of "ageing" are at an all time high because anything that can cause a negative emotion, is avoided and masked like the plague.

So, some hair loss if you are older, is fine.

BUT, younger and younger people are losing their hair and in A LOT of the cases, no one in the family had a history of premature hair loss.

So, if you just recently started noticing your hair falling off a bit, immediately address these because you might as well stop it within even a couple of months compared to the daily effort you'll have to put forever if you let it get worse and worse.

Now this thread will basically provide you with the MOST effective strategies you can use to manage premature hair loss.

If you find it helpful, make sure to leave a like.

If you are interested in improving your health, the “oil of the pharaohs”, aka black seed oil, should be a staple in your arsenal.

Heck, it might even be effective against hantavirus.
Here's what you need to know.

Thread🧵

*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It’s George.

There probably isn't any other medicinal food that can do (or greatly assist) ALL of the following:

•Increase glutathione levels
•Improve insulin sensitivity
•Enhance amyloid clearance
•Improve the function of the immune system
•Support endothelial function
•Reduce inflammation
•Suppress mast cell degranulation
•Improve lipid profiles
•Improve a wide range of skin issues
•Lower blood pressure
•Improve male fertility
•Modulate the stress-sleep-immunity axis
•Increase BDNF and support neuroplasticity overall
•Has anticancer potential (potential, it’s not a “cure”)
•Has great antifungal and antibacterial properties

and way more, while also having few side effects (sorry, but everything will have side effects for some people).

So here’s how this oil is able to accomplish all these, who could benefit from its use, who should stay away from it and more.

A lot of common health issues such as fatigue, skin issues, anemia, gut issues, brain fog, mild depression, migraines, high blood pressure, ADHD-like symptoms, anxiety, fertility and much more, can be a direct result of mineral deficiencies and imbalances.

Yes, it's that simple sometimes.

Here's what you need to know in detail.
Thread🧵


It's George.

First and foremost, it's very true that most people don't get enough minerals and this could be one of the main drivers behind common problems such as fatigue, acne, low testosterone, gut issues, hormonal issues, a compromised immune system low libido and more.

Minerals are needed for almost every process inside of our bodies and if we neglect their importance, we can not expect to be healthy.

● Tens of housands of enzymatic reactions
● Regulating our nervous system
● Detoxification
● Energy production
● Blood cell production
● Oxygen metabolism
● The utilization of vitamins
● Adrenal health
● Blood sugar regulation
● Thyroid health
● Gut health (HCL, antimicrobial and digestive enzyme production)
● Battling oxidative stress
● Immune function
● Hormone synthesis
● Cellular hydration of cells (controlling fluids inside and outside cells)
● Bone health
● Skin health
● Joint health
● Hair health
● Heart health
● Brain health
and a lot more.

You might pay attention to hormones such as testosterone, insulin, T3, T4, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and so on, but if you don’t pay attention to pregnenolone and DHEA, you can still struggle with:

-Chronic inflammation
-Fatigue
-Low libido
-Cognitive problems
-Mood problems (low-grade depression, anxiety etc)

and much more.

If you are skeptical, keep in mind that low brain and plasma levels of pregnenolone for example are consistently found in major depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders and cannabis withdrawal.

Now pregnenolone is often reffered to as the “Mother Hormone” and is a steroid hormone produced mainly in the adrenal glands, but also in the brain, gonads, skin and even retina.

Its chemical name is 3beta-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one, a 21-carbon delta-5 steroid with a hydroxyl group at position 3 and a ketone at position 20.

Why is it referred to as the mother hormone?

Because it is the single molecule from which every steroid hormone in the human body is ultimately derived.

Now here’s how pregnenolone is synthesized.
Once again, everything begins with cholesterol.

The rate-limiting step is the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, a process mediated by the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR (gene STARD1)).

Once inside the mitochondrion, the side-chain cleavage enzyme CYP11A1 (P450scc) removes six carbons from cholesterol using three molecules of oxygen and three NADPH to yield pregnenolone and isocaproaldehyde.


From pregnenolone, two major branches diverge:

1. Δ5 pathway:Pregnenolone → 17α-hydroxypregnenolone (via CYP17A1 17α-hydroxylase activity) → DHEA (via CYP17A1 17,20-lyase activity, strongly stimulated by cytochrome b5).

2. Δ4 pathway:Pregnenolone → progesterone (via 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, HSD3B2) → 17α-hydroxyprogesterone → androstenedione → testosterone, or further to cortisol and aldosterone.

In the brain and peripheral nerves, pregnenolone is rapidly reduced by 5α-reductase type 1 and then 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase to form allopregnanolone and pregnanolone, two of the most potent positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptors known.

If we are healthy (and young), we synthesize roughly 35–50 mg of pregnenolone per day.

Surprisingly, the brain produces almost as much de novo as the adrenal glands (15–20 mg/day each), with smaller contributions from gonads, skin, retina, and placenta during pregnancy.

Brain synthesis is largely independent of peripheral cholesterol pools and continues even in Addison’s disease.

Acute regulation is handled by ACTH and LH, which phosphorylate StAR within minutes.

Chronic regulation depends on the orphan nuclear receptors SF-1 (stimulatory) and DAX-1 (inhibitory), as well as local cytokines, insulin, and IGF-1.

1) Pregnenolone sulfate and allopregnanolone are among the most abundant neurosteroids in human cerebrospinal fluid.

They potentiate both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors (especially δ-subunit-containing receptors), producing benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis WITHOUT tolerance.

They also weakly antagonize NMDA receptors at higher concentrations.

2) Pregnenolone upregulates myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein expression and promotes oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation.

3) It stabilizes neuronal microtubules by binding microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and increases acetylcholine release in the hippocampus.

4) Pregnenolone inhibits TLR4 signaling and microglial activation in the spinal cord, yielding analgesic effects in chronic low-back pain and fibromyalgia trials.

Now aging causes a 60–70 % decline by age 75 through reduced StAR and CYP11A1 expression.

Also, chronic stress diverts pregnenolone toward cortisol at the expense of DHEA and progesterone (“pregnenolone steal” is an oversimplification, but the ratio shift is real (chronic stress dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to imbalances where cortisol rises while pregnenolone, DHEA, or other downstream hormones decline)).

Because it sits at the very top of the cascade, pregnenolone is shunted toward whichever downstream hormone is most needed.

Then, statins, severe caloric restriction, hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, long-term SSRI use, and high-dose opioid therapy all lower levels significantly.

So before supplementing with pregnenolone (if you choose to supplement start with a dose as little as 10mg and increase the dose only after 10-14 days if you don’t notice anything)) go and test your free and sulfated levels.

Then, if your levels come back low, address the negative factors that were just mentioned.

Now if you choose to supplement and experience insomnia, irritability, headache, or oily skin and even scalp hair shedding, stop.

If you, on the other hand experience:
-Improved resilience to stress, less anxiety, and depression
-Improved sleep quality
-Improved memory recall
-Improved libido
-Improved energy levels
and your blood work is fine, then you are using the right dose.

Please stop neglecting the health of your kidneys.

A scary amount of people have kidney issues and most didn't even consider that this is the case despite symptoms such as fatigue, high blood pressure, intolerance to amino acid and mineral supplements, urine changes etc.

In fact, almost 1 in 5 Americans has kidney disease.
Kidney failure is, after all, one of the most common diseases today.

So let's talk about how to take care of your kidneys (tests, dietary interventions, supplements, etc) .

Thread 🧵

*Yes, i'll also mention gout.
*Standard disclaimer that nothing in this thread should be used as a substitute for medical advice*

It's George and today we will talk about the kidneys.
A quite important, yet neglected organ.

As always the structure of this thread will follow my typical writing style which is:
-A basic breakdown of the organs
-Why they are important
-Tests you can take in order to assess their function
-What our kidneys need by default in order to be healthy
-Supplements/tools overall you can use for certain conditions
-Genetic factors

Why all these?

Well, because by understanding the main functions of an organ for example, you will immediately understand why its dysfunction causes certain symptoms that you might be experiencing.

Let's dive in.

Hypomanic and manic episodes are beginning to peak this season, so here are a few things that you need to know.

Thread🧵

*Some parts might also help you with bipolar in general. It’s George.

First things first: Listen to your doctor and nothing in this article should be viewed as a substitute for medical advice.

Now, hypomania is a distinct mood state involving abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy or activity.

It is milder than full mania and does not cause the same level of severe impairment, psychosis, or need for hospitalization.

Here's how repressed emotions can make you sick and what to do about it.

Thread🧵 It’s George.

In this thread, we will talk about why emotional release is a missing piece for many people with chronic illness.

“The tragedy of our time is that we have lost the ability to feel. We have armoured ourselves against pain, but in doing so we have also armoured ourselves against pleasure and against life itself.”

-Alexander Lowen (Bioenergetics (1975)).