What are Neurotransmitters?
The human brain makes over 100 chemical messengers called neurotransmitters--each programmed to relay special messages throughout the brain and body. Neurotransmitters are produced and stored in the brain cells (neurons), and are released into action when neurons are electrically activated. Neurotransmitters are responsible for every thought, mood, pain and pleasure sensation that we feel. They control our energy level, appetite and what foods we crave. Neurotransmitters regulate how well we sleep and even our sex drive.
| Dopamine
works like an 'on/off hunger switch' while
serotonin adjusts appetite like a 'dimmer switch'
signaling fullness. |
Two highly profiled neurotransmitters controlling mood, food, and energy are serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is responsible for our feelings of well-being, serenity, mood stability and appetite satiety (fullness). Dopamine is necessary for mental concentration, alertness, high energy, motivation, hunger regulation and sex drive.
| Low
levels of serotonin and dopamine reduce immune defenses, making a
person more susceptible to infections, allergies and cancers. |
How Neurotransmittters Work
The brain is composed of billions of branching tree-like nerve cells called neurons. They stretch out but never actually touch each other. Neurotransmitters are small messenger chemicals that are produced and stored in the nerve cell endings.
When a neuron is activated, an electrical current passes through the cell out to its branching nerve endings causing the release of its neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters drift out into the space between cells (synaptic space). The neurotransmitters attach onto surfaces of neighboring neurons at special docking sites called receptors. When enough receptors are occupied, the cell is activated and an electrical current rapidly pulsates down the cell causing release of its neurotransmtters. This electro-chemical process passes on affecting millions of neurons in an instant.
When sufficient amounts of neurotransmitters are not available to dock onto receptors, the resulting brain electrical signal is weak. Signs and symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies occur.
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Neurotransmitters & Deficiencies
Conditions Associated With Neurotransmitter Deficiencies
Proper amounts of neurotransmitters are necessary for maintaining optimal mental and physical health. Common conditions associated with serotonin/dopamine deficiencies include:
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Depression
-
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
-
Chronic fatigue
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Headaches-especially migraines
-
Premenstrual Syndrome
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Appetite and Eating Disorders, especially binging or bulimia
-
Seasonal Affective Disorder
-
Addictions
-
Attention Deficit Disorder
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Chronic pain
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Insomnia
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Irritability and Anger Disorders
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Low motivation
-
Compulsive Disorders
-
Decreased sex desire
| Neurotransmitter
levels are highest in the morning and dwindle
by late afternoon and evening. |
Signs and Symptoms of
Neurotransmitter Deficiencies
Neurotransmitter levels can be measured by laboratory testing. However, signs of deficiencies can be easily recognized clinically by the symptoms they cause. Our mood, behavior, attitude, energy level and certain thoughts toward food (i.e. cravings) give important clues. The types of food we crave (starches, chocolate, or sweets) and times of day we crave them (late afternoon or evening) characterize specific neurotransmitter deficiencies.
| Predictable
'slumps' in serotonin occur: daily around 3
p.m.; monthly 1-2 weeks before menses; and yearly
in the fall and winter. |
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