Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body.  They relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons.”  The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest.  They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, libido and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. 

The body’s immune system is in constant communication with the nervous system, with neurotransmitters playing a key role in this cross-talk. Neurotransmitters bind to immune cells and alter their activity, while immune cells release neurotransmitters once they are activated. No longer are neurotransmitters understood only as chemicals in the nervous system –  they are now being redefined as neuro-immuno-transmitters that affect the body as a whole.

They can accentuate emotion, thought processes, joy, elation and also fear, anxiety, insomnia and that terrible urge to over indulge in food, alcohol, drugs, etc. 

While all neurotransmitters are important, the “big four” are serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and GABA. They are often categorized by their function — whether they are excitatory or inhibitory.

Excitatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily exciting – they are what stimulates the brain and helps it to focus. Main one are Dopamine(motivation) and Acetylcholine(memory and focus).

Inhibitory neurotransmitters help to calm the brain and to create a balance in our mood.  They are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive. Examples are Serotonin(happiness) and GABA(relaxation). 

It is important to know which neurotransmitter needs a boost. Laboratory testing and questionnaires are available to determine what supplements will help to improve your symptoms and balance your brain activity. 

Test kits from several laboratories you can do at home. Every kit has a prepaid Fed Ex label in it. If you have gastrointestinal symptoms or stress it is important to test and support. 

We can help!