out depression

Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as cognitive and mental performance
emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters.

Interactions between neurotransmitters
hormones
and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good
we feel more directed
motivated
and vibrant. Unfortunately
if neurotransmitter levels are inadequate these energizing and motivating signals are absent and we feel more stressed
sluggish
and out-of-control.

Disrupted communication between the brain and the body can have serious effects to ones health both physically and mentally. Depression
anxiety and other mood disorders are thought to be directly related to imbalances with neurotransmitters.Some of the more common neurotransmitters that regulate mood are Serotonin
Dopamine
and Norepinephrine.

Serotonin imbalance is one of the most common contributors to mood problems. Some feel it is a virtual epidemic in the United States. Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression. You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood
anxiety
panic attacks
low energy
migraines
sleeping problems
obsession or compulsions
feel tense and irritable
crave sweets
and have a reduced interest in sex. Additionally
your hormones and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels and this may explain why some women have pre-menstrual and menopausal mood problems. Moreover
stress can greatly reduce your serotonin supplies.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine are responsible for motivation
energy
interest
and drive. They are associated with positive stress states such as being in love
exercising
listening to music
and sex. These neurotransmitters are the one’s that make you feel good. When we don’t have enough of them we don’t feel alive
we have difficulty initiating or completing tasks
poor concentration
no energy
and lack of motivation. Low neurotransmitter levels drive us to use drugs (self medicate) or alcohol
smoke cigarettes
gamble
and overeat. For many years
it has been known in medicine that low levels of these neurotransmitters can cause many diseases and illnesses. A neurotransmitter imbalance can cause Depression
anxiety
panic attacks
insomnia
irritable bowel
hormone dysfunction
eating disorders
Fibromyalgia
obsessions
compulsions
adrenal dysfunction
chronic pain
migraine headaches
and even early death.

What causes neurotransmitter dysfunction?
• Prolonged periods of stress can deplete neurotransmitters levels. Our fast paced
fast food society greatly contributes to these imbalances.
• Poor Diet. Neurotransmitters are made in the body from proteins. Also required are certain vitamins and minerals called “cofactors” If your nutrition is poor and you do not take in enough protein
vitamins
or minerals to build the neurotransmitters
a neurotransmitter imbalance develops. We really do think and feel what we eat.
• Genetic factors
faulty metabolism
and digestive issues can impair absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces are ability to build neurotransmitters.
• Toxic substances like heavy metals
pesticides
drug use
and some prescription drugs can cause permanent damage to the nerves that make neurotransmitters.
• Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine
alcohol
nicotine
NutraSweet
antidepressants
and some cholesterol lowering medications deplete neurotransmitter levels leading to neurotransmitter imbalances.
• Hormone changes cause neurotransmitter imbalances

Testing is now available to detect Neurotransmitter Imbalances.
Basing a treatment on symptoms alone (traditional medicine) will not provide the information needed to address the underlying imbalance. A visit to a doctor or practitioners office for depression involves telling them how you have been feeling emotionally. The typical depressed person leaves the office with a prescription for an antidepressant without ever having any conclusive laboratory evidence of what is causing their symptoms. New sophisticated equipment and tests are now available to evaluate neurotransmitter imbalances using a urine or blood sample. This provides a neurotransmitter baseline assessment and is useful in determining the root causes for diseases and illnesses such as those mentioned above. Laboratory analysis can now provide precise information on neurotransmitter deficiencies or overloads
as well as detect hormonal and nutrient co-factor imbalances which influence neurotransmitter production. Individuals require individual solutions. Testing helps to determine exactly which neurotransmitters are out of balance and helps to determine which therapies are needed for an individualized treatment plan. It also helps in monitoring the effectiveness of an individual’s treatment.

Treatment
Nutrient therapies greatly increase the levels of neurotransmitters that a person has been found to be deficient in. Studies have shown that it is both safe and effective. These nutrients will cross the blood brain barrier into the brain where they will be synthesized into neurotransmitters and this will raise the number of neurotransmitter molecules needed by the brain. They are prescribed according to the results of laboratory testing giving the imbalanced person a more individualized plan of treatment.

Prescription drugs such as antidepressants do not increase the overall number of neurotransmitter molecules in your brain
they merely move them around or stop the breakdown. If your levels are too low to start with
medication may work initially
then “poop out” or not work from the beginning. There is also the issue of side-effects and more recently the FDA warning that SSRI antidepressants could cause suicidal thoughts in some children
teens and adults.
There are specialized nutrient formulas which help antidepressant medications work more effectively. Under the supervision of a trained practitioner these treatments may be used in addition to the persons existing medication to boost their effectiveness or to target another neurotransmitter that is also causing symptoms. Many antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications just target one neurotransmitter but many mental health disorders involve multiple neurotransmitters.