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Roughly 86 billion neurons make up the human brain and its complex communication center where molecules known as neurotransmitters carry chemical messages through the small gap in cells, known as the synapse. [10]
These neurotransmitters are produced within neurons and are necessary for the many functions and processes involving the brain and body.
Neurons have three parts including the cell body that manages neuron activity, the axon that transmits messages from the cell body, and the dendrites that receive messages from neurons.
The myelin sheath protects the axon so messages can travel faster.[8]
Neurotransmitters can either act locally on a small region of the brain or more diffusely, spread over a wide area.
Some neurotransmitters act as neurotransmitters in the brain in one region while acting as a hormone in others.[7]
Within the brain, a multitude of neurotransmitters exist.
In fact, research suggests that more than 100 molecules meet at least some of the criteria used to define a neurotransmitter.
Seven main neurotransmitters are responsible for major function, however.
These are considered either excitatory because they allow the brain to give commands, or inhibitory since they stop a particular action within the body.
Both are necessary for optimal function and communication between the brain and the body.[6]
The majority of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmissions involve amino acids.[2]
Each of the following neurotransmitters plays an important role in neurotransmission.
Glutamate—This is the main excitatory neurotransmitter involved that is present in 90% of the brain’s synapses. Glutamate works to excite brain cells in order to respond to commands.
The brain's neuroplasticity depends on glutamate as well.
GABA(γ-aminobutyric acid)-GABA acts as a main inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces central nervous system activity. This promotes a calming effect that lowers the heart rate and allows the body to fall asleep.
Dopamine—Dopamine activates the pleasure and reward centers of the brain. It gets released whenever an activity, accomplishment, or substance brings pleasure. A dopamine feedback loop is created when we remember the reward and wish to re-create it. One of the functions of the neurotransmitter dopamine includes its ability to support smooth motor function in the body as well.[3]
Adrenaline—Adrenaline (epinephrine) prepares the body for fight or flight. By sending more oxygen to the muscles and increasing the heart rate the body can respond quickly to a threat. Epinephrine and norepinephrine help control the body’s reaction to perceived or real stressors.[3]
Serotonin— The neurotransmitter serotonin helps modulate mood, sleep, appetite and emotion.[3]
This neurotransmitter works in the gut as well as in the brain.
It is one of the chemicals that helps individuals feel satisfied after eating and promotes feelings of well-being and sleepiness when tired.
Oxytocin—This neurotransmitter helps foster bonding between humans and facilitates contractions during childbirth. Men need oxytocin to help create feelings of loyalty and trust in friendships.
Acetylcholine—Acetylcholine makes muscles contract and affects learning and memory as well.
One specific type of neurotransmitter known as endorphin helps to relieve pain and create an overall sense of well-being.
Endorphins are peptides that bind to opioid receptors in the body’s central nervous system.
Certain behaviors such as physical exercise, or eating can help release endorphins in the brain.[5]
Anxiety and Depression
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks are often associated with neurotransmitter imbalance.
While glutamate affects panic attack activity chronic stress is related to epinephrine and norepinephrine levels.
Phenethylamine, histamine, and serotonin are also involved in neurotransmitter function associated with stress and mood.
According to recent statistics, more than 40 million Americans suffer from some type of anxiety disorder that affects their daily living and the ability to function happily and effectively.[1]
Chronic Fatigue
Long-term, persistent fatigue can be directly related to a neurotransmitter imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity, a feature in conditions such as ADHD and OCD often involves the chemical messengers dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
Insomnia
Insomnia involves a number of neurotransmitters including glutamate, histamine, dopamine, GABA, and Serotonin. When these levels are out of balance sleeplessness can occur.
PMS or PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome and the more serious premenstrual dysmorphic disorder involve hormone imbalances that affect neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia involves thoughts and experiences that are not based on reality, disorganized thinking and speech, and concentration and memory difficulties.
There are a number of factors that contribute to neurotransmitter production and the way in which neurotransmitters function.
These include exposure to environmental elements such as heavy metals or other toxins, genetic predisposition, medications, or psychological stressors.
While researchers don’t know exactly what causes some serious mental illnesses they believe that a chemical imbalance and predisposition toward the disorder may be at play.
The neurotransmitter dopamine is closely linked to schizophrenia for example, and complications during pregnancy or childbirth causing damage to the brain are also implicated in the condition.[9]
At times, disruptions in normal neurotransmission arise from a brain chemical imbalance.
This situation necessitates neurotransmitter tests, which can be conducted in a lab setting or at home with a discreet, prepackaged test kit tailored for urine neurotransmitter testing.
These tests are designed to assess levels of both neurotransmitters and their metabolites, offering insights into potential disruptions.
By analyzing the byproducts of neurotransmitter metabolism, it's possible to gauge neurotransmitter production. This is typically done through urine tests, providing a correlation between neurotransmitter levels and a spectrum of physical and mental health symptoms.
Urinary neurotransmitter testing stands out for its accuracy, ease, and non-invasive nature.
Particularly, dried urine testing presents a methodical way to evaluate neurotransmitter levels at different times of the day, enhancing the understanding of the body's chemical dynamics.
Neurotransmitter testing may measure levels of amino acids, metabolites, and neurotransmitters including:
To further refine the diagnostic picture, tests may extend beyond neurotransmitters to include hormones and heavy metals, based on the symptoms indicative of a neurotransmitter imbalance. This comprehensive approach aids physicians in developing a more detailed health overview, guiding the selection of appropriate treatment options for specific conditions.
Hormones
Hormone levels can directly affect neurotransmitters and the way in which they work to either excite or inhibit the central nervous system and its function.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can damage brain health and affect the neuropathways involved with neurotransmitter function. Oxidative stress can harm nerve cells and cause mood and memory disorders.
Dried urine testing is convenient and easy with an at-home test kit. Neurotransmitters or their metabolites can be evaluated through a certified partner laboratory and may include testing for:
GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA Trp, Kyn, 3-OHkyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr & Crtn
Additional tests for hormone levels can be added as well including:
E2, Pg, T, DS & C Epi-T, DHT, DHEA, & 5α,3a
Cortisol and melatonin may also be tested, as well as essential elements, I, Se, Br, Li, As, Cd & Hg
Medications to treat neurotransmitter imbalances include:
Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy may also help support treatment for a neurotransmitter imbalance.
In cases of anxiety and depression, neurochemistry plays a major role in neurotransmitter imbalance and is complex. Both conditions involve the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin and are interrelated.
Issues such as aging, hormonal changes, illness, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, major life changes, and overconsumption or use of stimulants, or depressants can cause chemical structures within the brain to change. This can lead to neurotransmitter dysfunction and mood disorders.[1]
Certain disorders, substances, and behaviors can alter the way in which the brain functions by stimulating or blocking the neurotransmission of cells between each other. Normally there is a cycle of release, break up, and re-entry of neurons. Addictive drugs, however, cause neurotransmission activity to highly increase or decrease beyond normal limits.[4]
Diet, lifestyle changes, specific therapies, and nutrient support can play a significant role in treating both anxiety and depression in adults.
Natural treatment for anxiety and depression may involve one or more of the following:
The following natural substances include amino acids, minerals, fatty acids, and botanicals and may help relieve anxiety and depression:
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)—The precursor for tryptophan increases serotonin levels while, nutritional D, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine further support the reduction of anxiety.
Theanine—This amino acid found in green tea helps increase GABA and dopamine production, both of which promote a calmer mood and reduce anxiety.
Magnesium and Calcium—In controlled clinical studies magnesium taken together with calcium is shown to reduce anxiety in some individuals.
Selenium—Supplementing with the nutrient selenium has been shown to support the reduction of anxiety.
Omega-3 fatty acids—Omega-3 fatty acids are known to promote elevated mood and reduce the risk of anxiety.
Vitamin C—Vitamin C helps reduce oxidative stress and limits cortisol in the bloodstream, which reduces anxiety.
St. John’s wort—This perennial plant found in many parts of the world including North and South America, Europe, and Asia has been successful in reducing depression in some individuals.
Ginkgo biloba—Extracts from Ginko biloba activate GABA pathways and reduce anxiety in humans.
Ashwagandha—This herb, which contains anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce anxiety in individuals.
Kava kava—This comes from the Piper methysticum plant that binds to GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), dopamine, and opiate receptors. These have shown the ability to reduce anxiety in some individuals.
Valerian root—extracts from this plant have been shown to reduce anxiety in individuals when taken as a supplement.
GABA(Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) —This neurotransmitter is naturally found in herbs and plants and works by reducing excitability in the neuro network involved with stress and anxiety. It further increases delta brain waves associated with relaxation and calm.
A number of foods contain natural neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, the modified amino acids glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid, and biogenic amines dopamine, serotonin, and histamine.
These are powerful compounds that positively affect mental health and promote an overall sense of well-being.
If you suspect you may have a neurotransmitter imbalance talk with your doctor about neurotransmitter testing, or order an at-home test kit and share the results with a healthcare provider.
Healthy neurotransmitter function is important for both physical and emotional well-being as well as optimal neurocognitive function.
