________________
(246) : Nandanavana
meters per second to transmit cognitive and motor information. These are connected with spinal chord. Their activity is dependant upon foods, environment, emotions and hormonal secretions. Most of these depend upon chemicals and chemical reactions involving respiratory oxygen.
There are large number of endocrine glands, which have specific secretion of hormones activating different functions involving impulses and emotions. They are mostly autonomous. It is these glands, which are important for mental activities. It has been observed that the proper quantities of their secretions are required for normal healthy and peaceful life on HPA-axis. Behaviour Modifiers
The medical scientists have found that there are four types of chemical systems, which may be called behaviour modifiers: (1) Nor-epinephrine system: Producing hormones from adrenal glands. It is produced from food containing the amino acid of tyrosine. It accelerates anger, fight or flight etc. (2) Serotonin system: It affects sleep, pain, depression etc. It is produced from foods containing the amino acid of tryptophan. It accelerates anger, fight or flight etc. (3) Dopamine system: It exerts inhibitory effects. It is produced from foods containing gama-aminobutryrie acid (GABA). (4) Acetylcholine system: It is epinephrine, formed in adrenal medullar extracts. It has excitory effects. However, they may be inhibited by many inhibitors.
It is observed that pituitary and adrenal glands and, therefore, their secretions are very important in originating and controlling also, the mental states. Hence, if one could get their secretions under proper quality and quantity, we may have better peaceful state of mind. It is seen that it is the two amino acids of protein's - tyrosine and tryptophan that yield useful secretions for effecting mental states. If we intake proteinus foods which contain these amino acids in proper proportion, it could serve our purpose. Also daily minimum quantity of these amino acids required has been given in FAO Bulletin as below: (1) Tryptophan
180 mg for 60 kg man (2) Tyrosine
260 mg for 60 kg man
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
