Home Blog

Neurotransmitter Testing: What Can It Do For You? Useful Information To Consider

Neurotransmitters, chemicals in our brains that work as messengers between brain cells, are responsible for most of what goes on in our bodies. They normalize our behavior, our emotions, our ability to study, and the way we sleep. When these chemicals are not there in the appropriate balance, it can affect everything from our energy levels to our ability to concentrate to how we feel.

Studies have shown that neurotransmitters have a great influence on our mood, and unsatisfactory levels of certain neurotransmitters have been identified in patients with emotional disorders and psychological disease.

* What, exactly, are neurotransmitters, and how do they work?

Our brain contains specialized nerve cells, called neurons, which are responsible for receiving info, processing it, and transmitting it to other cells. Neurons are not in direct connection with one another; in order for neurons to pass messages to each other, they rely on highly specialized chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are made out of amino acids, which come from proteins – you will see why this is significant further on. The neurotransmitters in actual fact join the “gaps” (called synapses) between neurons to transmit their messages. When these neurotransmitters exist at not enough levels, principal info may not be passed along appropriately.

Some of the crucial neurotransmitters that have an effect on our moods are described here.

- Acetylcholine -regulates intended movement, sleep, memory, and learning. Too much acetylcholine is
present with depression, and too little is present in patients with dementia.

- Serotonin – helps to control appetite, sleep, impulsive behavior, aggression, and mood. Too little serotonin is
present in cases of depression and anxiety disorder, in particular obsessive-compulsive disorder.

- Dopamine – helps to control learning, focus and movement. Excessive levels of dopamine are present in
patients with schizophrenia; too little dopamine is linked with depression, plus the tremors
exhibited by patients with Parkinson’s illness.

- Epinephrine (adrenaline) – this neurotransmitter regulates glucose metabolism and energy levels; low levels
are linked to depression.

- Norepinephrine (noradrenalin) – helps to regulate appetite and attentiveness; low levels are found in patients with
depression, while excessive norepinephrine has been found in patients with schizophrenia.

- GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) – GABA is known to reduce nervousness and excitation. Too little GABA is
associated with anxiety disorders.

- Endorphins – These are the “happy” neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and pleasure;
they are in addition involved in pain relief.

* What conditions are caused by neurotransmitter imbalance?

Low levels of neurotransmitters are known to cause many emotional and physiological disorders:

- Depression;
- ADD/ADHD;
- Anxiety disorder, together with panic attacks in addition to obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- Fibromyalgia/chronic pain disorders;
- Consumption disorders;
- Sleep disorders (insomnia);
- Fatness;
- Migraines;
- Premenstrual syndrome and PMDS;
- Adrenal dysfunction;
- Psychosis.

* What causes neurotransmitter imbalance?

Neurotransmitter imbalance can be caused by extreme levels of stress. Diet also plays a critical part in maintaining neurotransmitter levels. The formation of neurotransmitters requires sufficient levels of dietary protein, in addition to certain vitamins and minerals. Medications, drugs and alcohol, hormone imbalances, genetics, and serious metal toxicity can all play a role in neurotransmitter reduction, as well.

* Neurotransmitter Testing

Normally, treatment for any of the disorders described here involves medication, which is prescribed to treat the symptoms without any real evidence of what is causing the condition. In many cases, several different medications are tried before coming across one that works.

Neurotransmitter testing provides a plain tool for determining the precise cause of the symptoms by pinpointing accurately which neurotransmitters are in imbalance.

Neurotransmitter testing enables medical pros to guide treatment toward the cause of the condition, rather than tossing medications at it until one of them finally works. In numerous cases, therapeutic drugs may not be essential at all. Changes in food and life habits and the use of natural remedies and neurotransmitter supplements can correct neurotransmitter imbalances devoid of the use of prescription medications that may have harmful side effects.

Testing for neurotransmitter imbalances comprises taking a simple blood or urine sample. Neurotransmitter tests are covered by a large amount of insurance plans, making them easily reasonably priced. By identifying the neurotransmitter imbalance that is causing your health issues, you can make certain that you are receiving the correct care and that you will begin to feel better as soon as possible.

Visit us and find out more about how Dopamine Levels and Serotonin Levels influence the human?s condition. You will also find here a lot of useful information about Neurotransmitter Tests. Click now!

Tags: condition, disorder, neurotransmitter
Posted in Conditions · January 25th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Can Lack Of Sleep Be Dangerous To Your Health?

What is Insomnia?

The average person spends in the region of 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet wholly understand either the reason or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our individual relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting a suitable amount of rest.

The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as insomnia, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; about 1/3 of all folks face a period of insomnia at least once during their life span. Individuals with insomnia usually experience at least one of the next symptoms:

- Difficulties falling asleep;
- Inability to stay sleeping, or waking up too early;
- Sleepiness during the day;
- Weakness or lack of energy;
- Irritability;
- Headache;
- Decreased ability to focus;
- Increased errors or accidents;
- Depression and/or nervousness;
- Continual concern about sleep.

Health Risks of Insomnia

If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your insomnia may sooner or later lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while fatigue may prevent you from participating in your ordinary activities.

In the long-term, the complications of sleeplessness can be even more dangerous. Hypertension, cardiovascular disorder, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will certainly reduce the quality of your life.

What Causes Insomnia?

Insomnia is symptomatic of a large number of physiological disorders; if you are having difficulty sleeping, chances are that an underlying health problem is to blame. Illness, infection, mental health disorders, and medications can all keep you from getting the right amount of rest. Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances can influence your body’s ability to fall asleep, and dietary deficiencies can cause insomnia, as well. Exposure to toxic elements such as heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have as well been shown to impair sleep.

Finding the Cause of Sleeplessness

By determining what is causing your sleeplessness, your health care provider will be better able to help you create a plan for managing your sleep difficulty. To discover what is keeping you up at night, your medical doctor may ask you a series of questions about your daily life, your sleeping environment, and even the sleep habits of your partner. A variety of lab tests can as well be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved.

Managing Insomnia

The first step to getting back to sleep is to treat the main cause. Establishing good sleep habits may include nutritional support, working out, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation procedure into your each day routine.

Good sleep hygiene is essential for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the constant worry about getting enough sleep each night.

- Stick to a constant sleep schedule, with a regular bed time and wake-up time;
- Avoid bright lights (including the TV and PC) for in any case two hours before bedtime;
- Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime;
- Make certain your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the Television, PC, and any other distractions in another room;
- Check your sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet;
- Stay away from caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, especially before bed;
- Don’t eat right before you go to bed;
- Try a relaxation exercise such as deep breathing before you turn in.

Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications are best avoided; they may help you fall asleep, but they can be habit-forming, and they have a variety of damaging side effects. By identifying the cause of your insomnia and making some adjustments to your daily life, you should be able to overcome your sleep difficulties naturally.

Are you looking for more info about Sleep Supplements and Natural Sleep Aids? Just visit us and find out everything you need to know about Sleep Remedies

Tags: condition, health, insomnia, sleep disorders, sleeplessness
Posted in Conditions · January 22nd, 2010 · Comments (0)