What is this mysterious blue liquid that has been appearing on social media and shopping channels? Are the claims about Methylene Blue true? Can it really be used to assist in fortifying your brain, supply energy, and improving focus?
We had the same questions as you, so we decided to compile and share our findings. We will plan on going over a short history of the substance and the pros and cons of taking it. With bonus information on how to take it if you want to try it and go blue.
Short History of Methylene Blue
Methylene blue, a compound with a striking blue color, has a surprisingly varied past. Originally created in the late 1800s to dye fabrics, including the first blue jeans, it quickly found its way into medicine. Before powerful prescription drugs were common, methylene blue was used to treat malaria, fungal infections, viruses, and bacterial infections.
Even today, it's used in fish tank cleaners to prevent fungal growth. It's important to note, though, that drinking fish tank cleaner is incredibly dangerous and should never be attempted. In the mid-1900s, scientists discovered that methylene blue could also affect mental health, showing potential as an antipsychotic and mood enhancer.
It was even added to some medications to visually confirm if patients were taking their medicine, as it could turn urine blue. Throughout the 20th century and continuing today, methylene blue has been a staple in laboratories and hospitals, used for staining bacteria, cells, and tissues, and for marking areas during surgery.
Recently, there's been a renewed interest in methylene blue due to studies suggesting it might improve memory and protect the brain. It's also being re-examined as a treatment for malaria, especially against drug-resistant strains, and as a way to fight other infections, particularly when combined with specific types of light.
7 Reasons Why Science Claims Methylene Blue May Be A Biohack
Methylene blue (MB) acts like an electron transporter, both giving and receiving electrons. When taken, MB concentrates in tissues with high mitochondrial activity, such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. In small amounts, MB has some remarkable effects. Here are seven of its most promising actions:
1. MB helps the electron transport chain (ETC) function, boosting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's energy currency.
Why is this important? Think of it like the gasoline that fuels all cellular processes. Without enough ATP, cells can't perform their essential functions, and the entire organism can suffer.
2. Enhances the function of cytochrome oxidase (COX), a key enzyme in the ETC, making it work faster and more efficiently. This leads to increased oxygen use and ATP production, especially in brain cells involved in memory.
Why is this helpful? By making COX work faster, cells, especially energy-demanding brain cells, can generate more energy, which is vital for processes like memory formation.
3. MB stimulates glucose metabolism without oxygen and increases the production of NAD+, a molecule linked to cellular health and aging.
Why is this important? MB helps cells create energy without oxygen, a backup process, and increases NAD+, a molecule crucial for cell health and slowing aging. Essentially, MB provides an energy boost and supports cellular longevity.
4. MB changes the iron in hemoglobin in red blood cells, improving its ability to carry oxygen and leading to more ATP production.
Why is this important? MB assists red blood cells in carrying more oxygen by changing how iron works in hemoglobin. More oxygen means cells can make more ATP, their energy source.
5. MB acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals in cells.
Why is this important? This means it could have neuroprotective effects and potential to reverse some damage.
6. MB has antidepressant properties by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO).
Why is this important? Inhibiting MAO helps maintain healthy levels of crucial brain chemicals, which are vital for mental and emotional well-being.
7. MB may also act as a cholinesterase inhibitor and increase acetylcholine.
Why is this important? Cholinesterase inhibitors help boost acetylcholine levels, positively impacting brain function, especially memory and attention.
What's fascinating is that MB boosts cellular energy production in four different ways, three of which directly affect the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. This little blue molecule has a lot going on.
This information was pulled from scientific studies from off the web. We do not validate these claims as factual. We recommend speaking to a doctor before taking Methylene blue.
What Is The Standard Dosage For Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue dosage varies based on whether it's for short-term issues or long-term health. High doses, especially over time, are risky and can cause serious side effects.
High doses of methylene blue (over 1 mg/kg) can harm healthy gut bacteria layers (biofilms), which are important for digestion and immunity. While these biofilms usually protect your gut, they can sometimes cause problems, like certain infections. Methylene blue can help fight these bad biofilms, especially with light therapy.
However, high doses build up in your body due to its half-life (how long it takes to break down). For example, an oral dose takes 4-6 hours to halve. This buildup can cause side effects, including stomach ulcers and red blood cell damage in people with G6PD deficiency, a rare blood disorder. So, while helpful, high-dose of methylene blue increases the need for careful consideration.
In addition to its well-established uses, Methylene Blue is being actively studied for its potential to treat other serious conditions. Research is exploring its ability to assist in treating cyanide poisoning, where it may play a crucial role in counteracting the toxic effects of cyanide exposure.
Side Effects Of Methylene Blue
Methylene blue side effects are generally safe at low doses, with blue urine being a common, harmless side effect. However, it shouldn't be mixed with drugs that increase serotonin, like serotonergic drugs, antidepressants, or certain psychedelics, due to the risk of a dangerous potential drug interaction condition called serotonin syndrome.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid MB entirely. High doses can cause serious problems like high blood pressure, dizziness, and life-threatening conditions around blood disorders. So, while often safe, MB requires caution, especially with other medications or in high amounts.
Sum It Up
After reading this, please don't go buy the first thing that has Methylene Blue written on it and start swallowing it. If you do, you could be consuming fish tank cleaner. Even Methylene Blue, which has been diluted to around 2% purity, could have impurities and heavy metals if it is not USP (pharmaceutical grade) grade.
Methylene Blue is a versatile compound with various medicinal uses. It also has antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damage. However, its dosage should be personalized, as factors like body weight and health conditions influence how the body processes it.
Methylene blue is a new and trending product. Use of this substance may result in amazing benefits, while possible side effects may occur. At Zatural, we are excited to see the possibilities of this substance after further research is performed.
That said, we understand and hope our readers understand that this information is new and that more information is needed to ensure safety. Before taking Methylene blue, we recommend talking with a healthcare professional to see if this option is right and safe for you.
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Our products are made from organically grown, natural ingredients and are formulated by a doctor to ensure you receive professional-grade formulas that deliver results. Zatural values transparency and is committed to being upfront with our customers about our products.
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