Lesson 1:
Introduction to Neurotransmitters
What is a Neurotransmitter?
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.
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.
How do Neurotransmitters Work?
The brain is composed of billions of branching tree-like nerve cells called neurons. They stretch
out but never actually touch each other. How do the cells talk to each other? You guessed it - Neurotransmitters.
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 neurotransmitters. 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.
What are the signs of a Neurotransmitter Deficiency?
Proper amounts of neurotransmitters are necessary for maintaining optimal mental and
physical health. Common conditions associated with serotonin/dopamine deficiencies include:
- Appetite and Eating Disorders, especially binging or bulimia
- Very strong cravings for sweets
- Depression
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches-especially migraines
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Addictions
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Irritability and Anger Disorders
- Low motivation
- Compulsive Disorders
- Decreased sex desire
While neurotransmitter levels can be measured by laboratory testing, you can
easily recognize signs of deficiencies 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.
We suggest you keep reading the articles for now, but later on you can take our
Self Test to determine if your neurotransmitters are low.
What causes a Neurotransmitter Deficiency?
Excellent questions, and this is the subject of Lesson 2 -
Lesson 2 - What leads to neurotransmitter deficiency?
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