Neurotransmitters, sounds like a long medical term right? It is a medical term but balancing this long word can change your life. We are not exaggerating; it can literally change your life.
What Exactly are Neurotransmitters? They are natural chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as mental performance, emotional state, physical energy and pain response. Neurotransmitters assist the brain balance the highs and lows of feelings, and manage the hormonal signals that are sent to other organs of the body. These chemicals play an extremely important role in allowing the body to function properly and sustain optimal mental and physical health. Like many things in our body neurotransmitters can become imbalanced. When this happens, these energizing and motivating signals are decreased resulting in feelings of stress, sluggishness and even confusion. When balanced properly, concentration and focus are enhanced, feelings of direction, motivation and vitality are greatly increased.
Symptoms of Imbalanced Neurotransmitters:
- Mood Concerns (depression and anxiety)
- Poor Mental Focus (ADD and ADHD)
- Low Physical Energy and Stamina
- Fatigue and Sleep Disorders
- Addiction and Dependency
- Low Libido and Sexual Dysfunction
- Cravings and Poor Appetite Control
- Low Pain Tolerance
Understanding the Different Types of Neurotransmitters: There are a few different types of neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. How do they affect your health?
Serotonin: Imbalance of serotonin is one of the most common contributors to mood related issues, and pharmacologic agents that alter serotonin levels are among the most commonly used class of drugs prescribed for depression and anxiety. The imbalance of serotonin can cause depression, anxiety, worry, obsessive thoughts and behaviors. For women PMS and sleep cycle disturbance can also occur. Serotonin regulates many processes connected to other health issues such as carbohydrate craving, pain tolerance, and appetite digestion.
Dopamine: This is often referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter because it is responsible for motivation, drive and positive feelings associated with activities such as being in love, exercising, listening to music, and having sex. Lack of dopamine can result in difficulty in initiating or completing tasks, poor concentration, low energy, and lack of motivation. Low dopamine can also lead to addictive and compulsive behavior.
Norepinephrine and Epinephrine: Sometimes these neurotransmitters are referred to as “noradrenaline and adrenaline”. These are critical in managing the body’s stress response. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are responsible for a wide variety of actions including attention, focus, regulating heart rate, and suppressing inflammation. Involved in arousal, they prepare the body for an action by relaying messages in the sympathetic nervous system as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. High levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine are often linked to anxiety, stress, elevated blood pressure, hyperactivity, and sleep issues whereas low levels are linked to lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, depression, and poor motivation.
Finding Your Balance:
The first step towards better health is to identifying possible imbalances with lab testing. Summerlin Center for Wellness offers testing that is:
- Simple and Convenient Sample Collection
- Non-Invasive (No Needles)
- Will Identify Specific Imbalances
- Highly Sensitive/ Accurate Test
Summerlin Center for Wellness believes in only natural solutions to rebalancing neurotransmitters that will include:
- Natural supplements that include amino acids and proper nutrients specific to neurotransmitter support
- Lifestyle factors that include health foods, exercise and relaxation
Life is too short not to enjoy each moment of each day, call to book your consultation today at 702-796-7546
