Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells. This is how cells in the brain communicate with one another as well as with organs throughout the body. This is a complex process that requires an adequate supply of neurotransmitters properly.
Neurotransmitters are made in the body from amino acids. If the body does not have a sufficient supply of the right amino acids neurotransmitter levels can become depleted and this chemical imbalance can result in many symptoms.
NeuroScience focuses on the following group of neurotransmitters:
- Epinephrine
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- PEA (phenylethylamine)
- Histamine
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
- Glutamate
- Glutamine
These neurotransmitters are required for proper brain function and suboptimal or deficient levels can cause serious health problems.
The most frequently encountered neurotransmitter related symptoms are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- ADD/ADHD
- Poor appetite control
- Compulsive behaviors
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Owered ability to focus
- Sleep problems
Causes of Neurotransmitter Disorders
Neurotransmitter-related disorders occur when the current levels of neurotransmitters are unable to properly relay the electrical signal from one nerve cell (neuron) to the next. A neurotransmitter imbalance can result from the levels being either too high or too low.
Low neurotransmitters levels: If neurotransmitters are low, the nerves fire ineffectively or not at all.
Low neurotransmitter levels can result from prolonged stress, genetic predisposition, and diets low in the amino acids from which neurotransmitters are made. Toxic substances like heavy metals, pesticides, illicit and some prescription drugs can cause permanent damage to the nerves that make neurotransmitters.
High neurotransmitters levels: If the levels of neurotransmitters are too high, nerves may fire inappropriately.
Neurotransmitters exist in a delicate balance with one another. If the levels of one neurotransmitter become too low, the balance can shift and other neurotransmitter levels can become too high.
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