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Neurotransmitters dysfunction and obesity

Neurotransmitters dysfunction

Neurotransmitters are the naturally occurring chemicals inside your body that transmit messages between nerve cells. In the brain alone there are 183 different neurotransmitters. Two major neurotransmitters are…..

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals that “transmit” electrical messages between nerve cells, called “neurons” hence the name neurotransmitters. They are produced in the body by amino acids with the help of vitamins and minerals. We get these amino acids, vitamins and minerals from the food we eat. However, if we are not getting enough of these or in an imbalanced ratio a deficiency occurs and over time can lead to the development of diseases and illnesses associated with low levels of neurotransmitters.

What diseases are associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction?

According to Neuro-Research a list of diseases or illnesses are caused by or associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction. Neurotransmitter dysfunction leads to obesity and the diseases resulting from obesity, as well as other diseases not associated with obesity. Causes of neurotransmitter dysfunction There are four known primary causes of neurotransmitter dysfunction. 1: Nutritional Deficiency 2: Prescription drugs 3: Damage to the neurons of the brain 4: Excess excretion of neurotransmitters by the kidneys

 Neurotransmitter dysfunction -Why is lab testing only used after starting amino acid therapy?

This is a common question. We are used to a medical community that runs tests first and then treats based on the test. However with neurotransmitters, hyper excretion is a common problem. Hyper excretion results when the kidneys are excreting excessive amounts of neurotransmitters so that the urinary values don’t match up with the systemic values. Once treatment starts with amino acids this problem doesn’t seem to occur. Therefore testing is NOT performed prior to supplementation with amino acids.

Neurotransmitter dysfunction -How many supplements are involved in treatment and what is each doing?

There are two different programs available for treatment. The first specifically treats neurotransmitter dysfunction resulting in the “conditions related to obesity and neurotransmitter deficiency” listed right. The second program treats neurotransmitter dysfunction as well as weight loss by incorporating an appetite suppressant in the formula. This will assist in controlling your appetite, however, calorie restriction is still necessary to accomplish long-term weight loss. This second program can also be used to treat symptoms associated with Parkinsonism. If only one neurotransmitter system is not functioning properly, why do I have to take supplements that affect both systems? The reason is simple, according to Neuro-Research’s extensive research, they have found that 5% of patients have only serotonin dysfunction, 5% of patients have only catecholamine dysfunction and 90% of patients are a mixture of both. Both systems must be functioning properly for the entire system to be healthy and free of neurotransmitter disease. After you have started the program we will monitor your symptoms and lab test results and adjust the supplements accordingly. So in the end you may take more of one supplement than another to achieve an appropriate “balance”. More about the Neurotransmitter Support Supplements available! Proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body. Proteins are the essential components of muscle tissue, organs, blood, enzymes, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in the brain. Your brain needs the proper nutrients every day in order to manufacture proper levels of the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood. Neurotransmitter Effects:

  1. Control the appetite center of the brain.
  2. Stimulates Corticotrophin Releasing Factor, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, & Cortisol.
  3. Regulate male and female sex hormone.
  4. Regulates sleep.
  5. Modulate mood and thought processes.
  6. Controls ability to focus, concentrate, and remember things.
  7. The Mind Body Connection.
  8. The chemistry of our bodies can alter, and be altered by our every thought and feeling. Our bodies and our minds are truly interconnected; the health of one depends on the health of the other.

There are many biochemical neurotransmitter imbalances that result in mental health symptoms such as:

  1. Adrenal dysfunction
  2. Blood sugar imbalance
  3. Food and Chemical allergy
  4. Heavy Metal Toxicity
  5. Hormone imbalance
  6. Nutritional Deficiency
  7. Serotonin/Dopamine/Noradrenalin imbalance
  8. Stimulant and drug intoxication
  9. Under or overactive thyroid

  Neurotransmitter Imbalances Disrupted communication between the brain and the body can have serious effects to one’s health both physically and mentally. Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are thought to be directly related to imbalances with neurotransmitters. The four major neurotransmitters that regulate mood are Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA and Norepinephrine.

Neurotransmitter dysfunction -The Inhibitory System

Neurotransmitters dysfunction

Neurotransmitter system dysfunction may contribute to the borderline personality disorder traits of impulsive aggression and affective instability

This is the brains braking system, it prevents the signal from continuing. The inhibitory system slows things down. Serotonin and GABA are examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters. GABA (Gamma amino butyric acid) GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It helps the neurons recover after transmission, reduces anxiety and stress. It regulates norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin; it is a significant mood modulator. Serotonin imbalance This is one of the most common contributors to mood problems. Some feel it is a virtual epidemic in the United States. Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression. You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, low energy, migraines, sleeping problems, obsession or compulsions, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex. Additionally, your hormones and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels and this may explain why some women have pre-menstrual and menopausal mood problems. Moreover, daily stress can greatly reduce your serotonin supplies. The Excitatory Neurotransmitter System This can be related to your car’s accelerator. It allows the signal to go. When the excitatory neurotransmitter system is in drive your system gets all raved up for action. Without a functioning inhibitory system to put on the brakes, things (like your mood) can get out of control. Among other things, the following should be in place to restore neurotransmitters in attempt to achieve weight loss.   Epinephrine It’s also known as adrenaline is a neurotransmitter and hormone essential to metabolism. It regulates attention, mental focus, arousal, and cognition. It also inhibits insulin excretion and raises the amounts of fatty acids in the blood. Epinephrine is made from norepinephrine and is released from the adrenal glands. Low levels have been can result in fatigue, lack of focus, and difficulty losing weight. High levels have been linked to sleep problems, anxiety and ADHD.   Dopamine It’s responsible for motivation, interest, and drive. It is associated with positive stress states such as being in love, exercising, listening to music, and sex. When we don’t have enough of it we don’t feel alive, we have difficulty initiating or completing tasks, poor concentration, no energy, and lack of motivation. Dopamine also is involved in muscle control and function. Low Dopamine levels can drive us to use drugs (self-medicate), alcohol, smoke cigarettes, gamble, and/or overeat. High dopamine has been observed in patients with poor GI function, autism, mood swings, psychosis, and children with attention disorders. Glutamate It’s the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is required for learning and memory. Low levels can lead to tiredness and poor brain activity. Increased levels of glutamate can cause death to the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Dysfunction in glutamate levels are involved in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Tourette’s. High levels also contribute to Depression, OCD, and Autism. Neurotransmitter Levels Neurotransmitter levels can now be determined by a simple and convenient urine test collected at home. Knowing your neurotransmitter levels can help you correct a problem today or prevent problems from occurring in the future.

Neurotransmitters dysfunction and obesity-Exposition

 

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Stress Slow Killer is Serious Business

Stress Slow Killer

Dr. Dalal Akoury

 

Stress Slow Killer is Serious Business

Stress Slow Killer affects us physically and emotionally. The stress response is mediated through HPA axis and activation of the autonomic nervous system. The aim is to mobilize energy for the “fight or flight” response. This brings about changes in almost all organs and tissues as a whole. In an acute event, after the stressor disappears, the homeostasis or internal equilibrium is regained. In case where the stress continues it leads to chronic disorders involving many organs and this also depends on the nature of stress.

The effects of Stress Slow Killer on each organ

Stress Slow Killer and the Nervous System:

Stress leads to activation of HPA axis once the hypothalamus receives signals from cerebral cortex which are perceived as stress. Then hypothalamus releases corticotropin releasing hormone which stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is secreted into the systemic circulation and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce stress hormone called cortisol.

There is stimulation of autonomic nervous system which is caused by direct stimulation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. This is done by hypothalamus. The sympathetic activation leads to release of adrenaline and noradrenaline by the adrenal medulla. These hormones increase the heart rate, raise blood pressure, increase glucose levels in the blood and suppress digestive and reproductive functions. This stimulation is more obvious when the stressor is strong like acute pain. In people with chronic pain, this effect is weak and not clinically obvious unless there is aggravation of symptoms. After the stressor disappears, the parasympathetic nervous system helps in reverting back to normal and regain of internal equilibrium. The autonomic nervous system also interacts with the enteric nervous system and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Stress Slow Killer and the Musculoskeletal system

Due to the effect of stress, the muscle tone increases as the body is prepared for the “fight or flight” response. It results in tension headache and back pain.

 Stress Slow KillerStress Slow Killer and the Respiratory system

Stress increases respiratory rate to increase the availability of oxygen to all organs and muscles so as to prepare for the stress response. This occurs due to direct stimulation of the respiratory center. An excessive stimulation may bring panic attack in some individuals.

Stress Slow Killer and the Cardiovascular system

Acute stress causes activation of the cardiovascular system. This occurs mainly due to release of noradrenaline and adrenaline from the adrenal medulla. These hormones act on the heart to produce the effects which include rapid heart rate, stronger contractions of heart and palpitations. The blood flow to the skeletal muscles and heart increases due to dilatation of blood vessels. These changes occur with acute stress.

Chronic stress is associated with inflammation of arteries of heart (coronary arteries) and may lead to heart attack. There is also higher incidence of hypertension, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Stress Slow Killer and the Endocrine system

Stress related ACTH stimulation results in enlargement of adrenal glands which are required to produce increased amounts of stress hormones. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol and adrenal medulla secretes noradrenaline and adrenaline. These three adrenal hormones play a crucial role in the stress response.

Stress Slow Killer and the Gastrointestinal system

Stress promotes increased consumption of palatable food. Severe stress is associated with nausea and vomiting. It may result in reflux esophagitis. Under the effects of cortisol and adrenaline, liver produces more glucose which is used for energy production by various organs and skeletal muscles. Stress affects digestion adversely and may modulate gut motility to produce diarrhea or constipation.

 

Stress Slow KillerStress Slow Killer and the Reproductive system

The stress response leads to suppression of reproductive function. Chronic stress impairs testosterone secretion in the testes. The sperm production is reduced and infertility may occur. In women, the menstrual cycles become irregular and painful or may develop complete amenorrhea. The sexual desire is reduced significantly.

Stress Slow Killer and the Immune system

Stress leads to suppression of immunity so as to conserve energy. In case of chronic stress, this increases the risk of infections due to poor immunity.

Stress Slow Killer and the Cellular and molecular effects of stress

Stress increases intracellular calcium. This effect is seen in association with message induced stress which stimulates the mast cells to release histamine which causes local vasodilatation and improves perfusion.

On exposure to stress, the cells generate heat shock proteins which promote cell survival. Exposure of cells to temperature of 3 to 5 °C above normal, reactive oxygen species causes induction of heat shock proteins 27 and 70. These proteins inhibit apoptosis and promote survival.

Apoptosis or programmed cell death occurs if a cell is partially damages due to stress or fails to sustain stress. During this process, special enzymes called caspases are activated which bring about protein changes resulting in cell death.

Autophagy is characterised by self-destruction of cell organelles like mitochondria and cytoplasmic proteins. Autophagy is observed in cells exposed to stressors like starvation, ischemia reperfusion injury, increased intracellular calcium and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

So Stress Slow Killer affects each system in the body, each organ and each cell.

Stress Slow Killer is Serious Business

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