The Neurological Approach to Good Health

By Radhia Gleis PhD, C.C.N.

Inside the brain are billions of neurons that are connected by messengers that transmit electrical impulses from one cell to another, allowing communication and thought to occur in the brain. A neurotransmitter (NT) is the chemical messenger used by these neurons to communicate with other neurons. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels. Stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, genetic predisposition, drug (prescription and recreational), alcohol and caffeine usage can cause these levels to be out of optimal range.

Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. Neurotransmitters are ‘manufactured’ in the brain from the amino acids that the body metabolizes from foods, and their supply is entirely dependent on the presence of these precursor amino acids. Our diet must contain plenty of proteins. They can be derived from muscle meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish and beef and combinations of nuts, seeds, beans, and soy. A variety of proteins, as well as various nutrient cofactors, such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are necessary to make a variety of neurotransmitters. Rotating the protein sources in the diet is very important so that the brain is offered a variety of different types of amino acids to create neurotransmitters.

Another nutrient that is necessary to have in our diet is the good fats, the OMEGA-3 fatty acids. Omega 3’s make the insulation for our nerves. Neurotransmitters conduct along the nerve pipeline on top of this good insulation. A diet that is loaded with bad fats such as hydrogenated and highly refined, rancid fats cannot provide a good insulative coating for the nerves. Good fats can be derived from raw nuts such as almonds and walnuts, flaxseeds, and fish oil, including cold fresh water fish. Scientific research and clinical authorities worldwide are now acknowledging the benefits of omega-3’s in the form of fish oil for brain health. There is increasing recognition of the role of EPA and DHA in the relief of many inflammatory and allergic disorders, cardiac health, and in the maintenance and stimulation of mental health in both children and adults.

There are two kinds of neurotransmitters (NT) – INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY. Excitatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily exciting – they are what stimulate the brain. Those that calm the brain and help create balance are called inhibitory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters work synergistically to counter balance the excitatory neurotransmitters. These inhibitory NTs balance mood and are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive.

Certain neurotransmitters, when depleted, may cause you to be easily agitated or angered, experience mild to severe anxiety or depression and have sleep problems. Depression, for example, can result if certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, are in short supply. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter – which means that it does not stimulate the brain. Adequate amounts of serotonin are necessary for a stable mood and to balance any excessive excitatory (stimulating) neurotransmitter firing in the brain. If you use stimulant medications or caffeine in your daily regimen, it can cause a depletion of serotonin over time. Serotonin also regulates many other processes such as carbohydrate cravings, sleep cycle, pain control and appropriate digestion. Low serotonin levels are also associated with decreased immune system function.

Dopamine and Noradrenalin are stimulatory neurotransmitters. High levels of these catecholomine neurotransmitters will cause an excited firing of the neuron. When these neurotransmitters are imbalanced they can encourage anger, tension, over-arousal, fear, stress, aggressive behaviors, violence impulses, obsessive compulsive actions and thoughts, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Dopamine is our main focus neurotransmitter. When dopamine is either elevated or low, we can have focus issues, such as not remembering where we put our keys, forgetting what a paragraph said when we just finished reading it, or simply daydreaming and not being able to stay on task. Dopamine is also responsible for our drive or desire to get things done – Motivation. Stimulants, such as medications for ADD/ADHD and caffeine, cause dopamine to be pushed into the synapse so that focus is improved. Unfortunately, stimulating dopamine consistently can cause a depletion of dopamine over time.

Norepinepherine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is responsible for stimulatory processes in the body. Norepinephrine helps to make epinephrine as well. This neurotransmitter can cause anxiety at elevated excretion levels as well as some “mood dampening” effects. Low levels of norepinephrine are associated with low energy, decreased focus ability and sleep cycle problems.

Epinepherine is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is reflective of stress. This neurotransmitter will often be elevated when ADHD-like symptoms are present. Long-term stress or insomnia can cause epinephrine levels to be depleted (low). Epinephrine also regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

PEA is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a role in attention, depression, and energy level. It is also known as the “love” neurotransmitter since we emit PEA when we are first in love. Elevated levels of PEA can cause anxiety and insomnia. Very high levels of PEA (in excess of 2,500) are found in autism, schizophrenia, and phenylketonuria (PKU). Low levels often cause lethargy and a lack of focus. PEA may be at a level of 250-300 in the morning, but it will frequently rise during the day, while we are focusing, calculating, or working, to 2,000 or more. It decreases as the day continues so that we can have an appropriate sleep cycle. When it remains high, sleep can be impaired.

There are many disorders now connected to depletion or excess production and excretion of neurotransmitters including hyperactivity and anxiety syndromes such as ADD/ADHD, OCD and others. The amino acid dl-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine for example, are the amino acid precursors to dopamine and noradrenalin. 5HTP is the amino acid precursor to serotonin.

Even if you eat a balanced diet with sufficient protein, impaired absorption, stress, trauma, infection, age, drug use, and imbalances of other nutrients can lead to inadequate amounts of the essential amino acids.

Advanced Health Institute has always realized the need for non- toxic (non-drug) and safer methods of building health and treating disease. We have also recognized the difference between building health as opposed to merely masking the symptoms of ill-health and disease. The use of dietary measures often concurrent with vitamin, mineral, enzyme, herbal, and other forms of natural medicine have proven both life building and life –saving for literally millions of people.

At Advanced Health Institute we believe in incorporating the most cutting edge modalities in natural health care. Therefore, we have allied with Neurogistics to bring you advanced neurochemical analysis and cost effective and unique combinations of highly targeted products, including specific amino acid combination supplements, to support each individual’s healthy brain chemistry. They are all natural, non-prescription, safe, highly effective, and have been proven to be successful in helping individuals with a range of clinical concerns. They combine specific amino acids, vitamins and minerals that adjust your body’s production of specific neurotransmitters. They can be used alone or in tandem with traditional medications, and are recommended by informed healthcare providers around the globe.

Find out more about Neurologistics analysis and custom targeted amino acid protocols designed to put your body back into neurochemical balance by contacting our office and making an appointment. Ask us about our Corporate Wellness Program or Brown Bag Lunch Nutrition Education Series for you or your company.