Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by our brain that send specific messages that influence our brain and/or our body. We send messages out and then hope that they make it to where they need to go…and that the body part we are sending it to opens, reads and understands it. But sometimes there can be errors – not read, not arrived or read incorrectly…and that is when imbalances happens

What do neurotransmitters have to do with weight?

Neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, three chemicals that exert great influence over our impulse control, mood, appetite, cravings, anxiety, motivation, focus, pleasure and ability to emotionally manage stress.

If these neurotransmitters are out of balance then the message to calm down, stop eating, and make good food choices or eat the right portion size isn’t going to be delivered. In effect our brain chemistry overrides what we know we should be doing!

The problem is that by eating regularly, consuming high-quality foods, exercising and getting enough sleep are so important in the production and function of these neurotransmitters and proper production and function of these neurotransmitters depends on them in return! Without enough rest, nutritious food and movement, our neurotransmitter production is impaired.

MORE ABOUT WHAT NEUROTRANSMITTER DO
What does serotonin do?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.

What does dopamine do?It is a special neurotransmitter because it is considered to be both excitatory and inhibitory and 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 and not being able to stay on task.  Dopamine is also responsible for our drive or desire to get things done – or motivation.  Stimulants such as 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.

What does Norepinephrine do? It 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 and at low levels cause low energy and sleep problems.

What role do amino acids play in balancing brain chemistry?
Amino acids are building blocks of  both protein and neurotransmitters. Certain amino acids, 5-HTP and L-tyrosine, are directly converted into serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways respectively (GABA and DLPA are important for balancing excitatory/inhibitory stimulation in the brain as well as dopamine and norepinephrine balancing). Unlike hormone pathways that can split off and convert into many possible hormones, the conversion of amino acids into the neurotransmitter pathways is quick and straightforward.

So what happend if my neurotransmitters are out of control?
If you are sleep deprived, have mood swings, are protein deficient, feel out of control with food choices and portion control, crave sweets and carbs, suffer from low energy, are easily stressed or quick to anger…then we mayl need to address neurotransmitter and amino-acid levels.

Using questionnaires and health history case take and physical testing we can find out what is happening with you as an individual…so many things could be going on that it would be wrong to advise a general programme as it will not suit everyone. Check out Sheena Hendon Health Weight Loss programme  to have you feeling, looking and being better than ever before.