Understanding How Neurotransmitters Can Affect Our Health
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the nervous system to relay information from one nerve to another.
The body relays information through the nervous system about anything that it experiences, hears, touches, smells or ingests – continuously communicating back and forth between the brain and the body.
Optimal neurotransmitter balance is required to maintain proper health. Imbalances can cause the brain and thebody to be over- or under- stimulated, producing neurological or psychological symptoms.
Can a Dysregulated Nervous System Impact Health?
Like hormones, neurotransmitters require a delicate balance to keep the body functioning at a peak level. Genetics, environment, chemicals and nutritional deficiencies are a few factors that can result in over- or under-production of neurotransmitters.
Once out of balance, the nervous system begins to compensate – which, in time, can lead to neurological or psychological symptoms.
Some of the more common psychological conditions today are known to be accompanied by neurotransmitter imbalances. However, it’s also
possible for individuals to present with similar symptoms yet have unique foundational imbalances. Testing helps clarify these root issues.
Neurotransmitters You Should Know About
There are many neurotransmitters in the body. The primary messengers are divided into two groups.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
- Dopamine, generally regarded as the brain’s pleasure and reward center, plays the central role in addiction, improves attention, focus and motivation, and modulates movement control
- Epinephrine and Norepinephrine regulate the “fight or flight” response, elevated blood pressure and heart rate,stimulate wakefulness and reduce digestive
- Glutamate functions as the “on” switch in the brain. It’s the major excitatory neurotransmitter that decreases sleep, optimizes learning, memory and mood and improves libido.
- Histamine plays a role in the body as a neurotransmitter that increases metabolism, promotes wakefulness and suppresses appetite.
- PEA (phenylethylamine) promotes energy, elevates mood, regulates attention, aggression and serves as a biomarker for ADHD.
- Serotonin, generally regarded as the “happiness molecule,” contributes to the feeling of calm and well-being that eases depression and anxiety, supports sleep and decreases appetite
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
- GABA functions as the “off” switch in the brain. It’s the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that improves mood, relieves anxiety and promotes sleep.
- Glycine plays a dual role as a neurotransmitter and amino acid that serves as a building block to proteins, improves sleep quality, calms aggression and serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Serotonin, generally regarded as the “happiness molecule,” contributes to the feeling of calm and well-being that eases depression and anxiety, supports sleep and decreases appetite.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance & Chronic Conditions
Numerous neurotransmitter imbalances may cause persistent health concerns:
- Anxiety & Depression: Imbalances are often associated with Glutamate (panic attacks), PEA, Histamine, Serotonin, as well asEpinephrine and
- Fatigue: An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters is
- Impulsivity: GABA, Dopamine and Serotonin are three chemical messengerscommonly linked to disorders like ADD, ADHD and
- Insomnia: Glutamate, Histamine, Dopamine, GABA and Serotonin are severalchemical messengers often linked to sleep disturbances and
- PMS or PMDD: Imbalances such as Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and GABA are often
- Do you often feel worried or anxious?
- Is your mood low – do you struggle to be happy?
- Are you prone to panic attacks – heart racing, difficulty breathing?
- Do you struggle with impulsivity issues?
- Do you have issues with addictions – food, medications, drugs or alcohol?
- Have you been diagnosed with a mental health disorder?
- Are you easily agitated, or prone to irritation and impatience?
- Do you harbor negative or critical feelings?
- Do you have a gloomy outlook or pessimistic thoughts?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by life or feel like your life is out of control?
- Do you find it hard to get out of bed most mornings?
- Is it impossible for you to get going without coffee or sugary drinks/foods?
- Do you often feel “tired and wired”?
- Do you often have sleep disturbances, restlessness or bad dreams?
- Do you have repetitive behaviors – like handwashing, cleaning or checking and straightening objects?
- Are you prone to hyperactivity or poor concentration?
- Do you get symptoms of excessive moodiness, tears, anger or depression around your period?
We will also go over recommendations for a treatment plan and the cost.
A treatment plan often Focuses on the Following.
Disclaimer: At-home lab testing is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from your medical doctor.
