Neurotransmitters Overview
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that allow communication to occur in the brain. Different neurotransmitters allow and/or produce different functions. We can link various thinking, feeling and behavioral actions and states to various transmitters.
We discussed earlier there is a balance of these neurotransmitters. What happens if we become deficient or have too much of one or more of these? What causes these interruptions to the natural balance? How can we compensate and help our body rebuild and rebalance? Below is a table of the specific neurotransmitters that are involved with the our daily lives and affect our moods, feelings, ability to focus and concentrate, energy, self-confidence, and our pleasure.
| Neurotransmitter | Amino Acid (Building block) | Deficiency | Toxicity | Genetics or Natural Depletion | External/Chemical Source of Depletion | Present in Foods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dopamine | l-phenylalanine | Reduced pleasure, reduced ability to feel attachment and love, lack of remorse about actions | Schizophrenia like symptoms, voices “in your head” | Depleted by trauma. If mother and/or father had diminished dopamine this level can be passed on via genetics. | Depleted by all stimulant drugs, Rx or otherwise. If stimulants, including nicotine and caffeine, used during pregnancy this can lower available dopamine in fetus. | Lean beef, Shellfish, Fowl, Soy products |
| GABA | l-glutamine | Anxious, Racing thoughts, panic | Excessive sedation | Depleted by trauma. Reduced levels in parents can result in DNA/RNA reduction of GABA in child. | Depleted by sedative drugs, including tranquilizers and alcohol | Lean beef & pork, Sesame seeds, Fowl, Sunflower seeds |
| Norepinephrine | l-phenylalanine | Lack of energy, lack of drive, reduced focus on goals | Manic (extremely hyperactive), increased heart rate and BP | Diminished dopamine results in reduce Norepinephrine. | Depleted by stimulants of all kinds. Can be made inactive by marijuana. | Lean beef, Shellfish, Fowl, Soy products |
| Enkephalin (Opioids) | l-phenylalanine, glycine, methionine | Deep sense of inadequacy, incompleteness. Reduced ability to combat physical pain | Excessive sedation, can be fatal if combined with other sedating agents. | Opioid levels passed from parents to offspring. Trauma reduces availability | All drugs effecting opioid system will eventually reduce natural supply if used for prolonged periods. | Seafood, Fowl, Lima beans, Ham |
| Endorphins (Opioids) | l-phenylalanine, glycine, methionine | Deep sense of inadequacy, incompleteness. Reduced ability to combat physical pain | Excessive sedation, can be fatal if combined with other sedating agents. | Opioid levels passed from parents to offspring. Trauma reduces availability | All drugs effecting opioid system will eventually reduce natural supply if used for prolonged periods. | |
| Serotonin | 5HTP | Edgy, irritable, tearful, irrational emotions | Can result in “serotonin syndrome” if multiple SSRI’s used together | Females more susceptible to reduced availability during menstrual periods. Prolonged lack of direct sunlight reduces serotonin | Drugs which prolong action of serotonin may result in excessive breakdown of the transmitter. All psychedelic drugs, LSD, PCP etc reduce serotonin. | Turkey, Ham, Milk, Cheese |
This is all good information, but exactly what are neurotransmitters?
