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NEUROTRANSMITTERS are the brain chemicals that communicate

information throughout our brain and body. They relay signals between nerve

cells, called neurons. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to

beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also aectmood, 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 8! of Americans have suboptimal

neurotransmitter levels. "tress, poor diet, neuroto#ins, genetic predisposition,

drugs $prescription and recreational%, alcohol and caeine usage can cause

these levels to be out of optimal range.

There are two &inds of neurotransmitters ' INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY.

(#citatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily e#citing ' they are whatstimulate the brain. Those that calm the brain and help create balance are

called inhibitory. )nhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are easily

depleted when the e#citatory neurotransmitters are overactive.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

SEROTONINis an inhibitory neurotransmitter ' which means that it does not

stimulate the brain. Ade*uate amounts of serotonin are necessary for a stable

mood and to balance any e#cessive e#citatory $stimulating% neurotransmitter

+ring in the brain. )f you use stimulant medications or caeine in your dailyregimen ' it can cause a depletion of serotonin over time. "erotonin also

regulates many other processes such as carbohydrate cravings, sleep cycle,

pain control and appropriate digestion. ow serotonin levels are also

associated with decreased immune system function.

GABAis an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is often referred to as nature-s

A)/01li&e substance. 2hen 3A4A is out of range $high or low e#cretion

values%, it is li&ely that an e#citatory neurotransmitter is +ring too often in the

brain. 3A4A will be sent out to attempt to balance this stimulating over1+ring.DOAMINEis a special neurotransmitter because it is considered to be both

e#citatory and inhibitory. 5opamine helps with depression as well as focus,

which you will read about in the e#citatory section.

E!"itatory Neurotransmitters

DOAMINE is our main focus neurotransmitter. 2hen dopamine is either

elevated or low ' we can have focus issues such as not remembering where we

put our &eys, forgetting what a paragraph said when we 6ust +nished reading it

or simply daydreaming and not being able to stay on tas&. 5opamine is also

responsible for our drive or desire to get things done ' or motivation.

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"timulants such as medications for A557A55 and caeine cause dopamine to

be pushed into the synapse so that focus is improved. /nfortunately,

stimulating dopamine consistently can cause a depletion of dopamine over

time.

NOREINEHRINE is an e#citatory neurotransmitter that is responsible for

stimulatory processes in the body. Norepinephrine helps to ma&e epinephrine

as well. This neurotransmitter can cause AN9)(T: at elevated e#cretion levels

as well as some 0;;5 5A0=(A"(5 ?;>/" ability and sleep cycle

problems.

EINEHRINE is an e#citatory neurotransmitter that is re@ective of stress.

This neurotransmitter will often be elevated when A55 li&e symptoms are

present. ong term "T=("" or )N";0N)A can cause epinephrine levels to be

depleted $low%. (pinephrine also regulates (A=T =AT( and 4;;5