Neurotransmitters
A neurotransmitter is the key chemical messenger of the nervous system. The brain uses neurotransmitters for a multitude of functions, such as signaling your heart to beat, telling you digestion to function and telling your brain to experience certain moods. Neurotransmitters affect the functions of many systems in the body.
How Does it affect you?
The key to feeling better is through the balance and proper response of both the calming (inhibitory) and stimulating(excitatory) neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters produce their effect by connecting to specific receptors in the neural membrane. A neurotransmitter can either excite its neighboring neuron to increase its activity or inhibit its neighboring neuron to suppress its activity.
We can help you support your brain and neurotransmitters by utilizing a specially developed questionaire, appropriate blood tests, and support with important nutrients, such as amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Certain amino acids are used by the brain as neurotransmitters or to support or regulate certain other neurotransmitters to regulate moods, feelings, and body functions.
Other nutrients in botanicals or foods are also used in a similar way by the brain. A deficiency in these key neurotransmitters may result in many symptoms.
The nervous system and neurotransmitters can be affected by a multitude of factors, such as:
Chronic Stress
Poor Nutrition/Diet
Genetic Predispositions
Toxic Exposure
Blood Sugar Imbalances
Infection
Allergies and many more factors.
Some important neurotransmitters include:
GABA: (Gamma-amino-butyric acid), an amino acid and key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It helps support relaxation and sleep. A deficiency of this amino acid can cause excitation of the brain with related symptoms such as fear, anxiety, and worry.
SEROTONIN: A deficiency in serotonin may result in depression, anger, and loss of interest and enjoyment of life. Relationships are similarly affected and sleep disorders may result.
DOPAMINE: This neurotransmitter has numerous functions in the brain related to motivation,cognition,mood,and attention. It is associated with the pleaseure system of the brain and promotes feelings of enjoyment. A deficiency of Dopamine can result in physical and mental fatigue, cravings of various types, feelings of hopelessness, anger, and worthlessness.
ACETYLCHOLINE: Is used by the central nervous system to promote cognition, memory, and arousal. Its deficiency can result in memory loss of various kinds, such as verbal, visual, numbers, faces, and objects.
Do you experience any of the following?
Mood swings
Sleep disturbances
Tiredness
Depression
Food cravings
Memory loss
Weight gain
Low libido
Anxiety
Headaches
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you may benefit from a comprehensive clinical/neurological/nutritional assessment for your neurotransmitter health.
Click here for your Neurotransmitter assessment form, fill it out and call our office at 252-758-2222 for an evaluation. You can also fax the form to 252-758-2524 for a no obligation assessment. Be sure to include your contact information so we can report back to you.