The Link Between Artificial Sweeteners and Neurotransmitter (Dys)Function

The Link Between Artificial Sweeteners and Neurotransmitter (Dys)Function

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener. Since its discovery in 1965, it has been used in thousands of food products as a non-caloric sweetener. Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). However, aspartame is not the only artificial sweetener found in foods; others include saccharin, neotame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. More than 6000 new products that contain artificial sweeteners were launched in the United States between 1999 and 2004, including soft drinks, baby food, Pedialyte, frozen foods, chewing gum and many (many) foods aimed at weight loss and blood sugar management (see other posts on the effects of artificial sweeteners and blood sugar and weight gain). (more…)

A Deficiency of This Compound Links IBS, Migraines, Fibromyalgia and More

A Deficiency of This Compound Links IBS, Migraines, Fibromyalgia and More

Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fibormyalgia, obesity and even ADHD can all be traced back to depleted serotonin levels – and the effects on your body can be as damaging as they are diverse. When most people think of serotonin deficiency, the first thing they usually think about is depression. If that someone is you, you’d be right. But there’s a lot more to this neurotransmitter than meets the eye – a lot more. (more…)

Causes of Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Causes of Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Neurotransmitter imbalances can be caused by many different factors, including:

  • Food intolerances
  • Stress
  • Toxic burden
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Alcohol
  • Digestive imbalances
  • Dietary deficiencies
  • Genetics
  • Drug use
  • Medication use, including antidepressants, anti‐anxiety, sleep and migraine medications

Therefore, one of the keys to determining how to correct the underlying imbalances is to determine each individual’s unique cause(s) of imbalance and addressing them

Neurotransmitters are made in the body from specific amino acids and cofactors, like B‐vitamins, selenium, and other vitamins and minerals. Given the right proportions of each of these nutrients at the right time, the body will make the neurotransmitters it needs.

We often use a very powerful test, called a Comprehensive Metabolic Profile, that identifies each individuals specific needs for B‐vitamins, nutrients involved in cellular energy production, neurotransmitter metabolism, nutrients involved in detoxification, markers for gastrointestinal flora (dysbiosis) imbalance, essential fatty acids balance, free radical and antioxidant status and sensitivities to the thirty (30) most common food intolerances. It is a wonderful test that can be performed in the comfort of your own home and sent in. Once we get the results, we review them with you over the phone and give you recommendations to address any imbalances present.

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If you are not interested in doing testing to determine your exact imbalances, all is not lost. We have used several formulas with great success in helping people rebalancing their neurotransmitter levels naturally. For more information on testing and non‐testing options, please contact us by phone (608.274.7044) or email (customercare@naturalpathhealthcenter.com).

Eliminating Cravings and Reducing Appetite = Neurotransmitter Balance

Eliminating Cravings and Reducing Appetite = Neurotransmitter Balance

Neurotransmitters are a class of chemical messengers in the body that help regulate many body functions. Most people have heard of several common neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and are familiar with some of their functions in regards to mood and sleep. What many people do not know is that your neurotransmitter balance may dramatically affect your ability to lose and maintain your weight. Read more…

Is Neurotransmitter Function Your Underlying Metabolic Imbalance?

Amino Acid Therapy: Heal Underlying Causes of Chronic Conditions

Amino Acid Therapy: Heal Underlying Causes of Chronic Conditions

When most people think about neurotransmitter imbalances, they think of things like depression, insomnia and obsessive-compulsive disorders. That’s because the medications used to treat these disorders often try to shuffle around neurotransmitters in an attempt to relieve symptoms.

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How Dr. Marty Hinz’s Research Changed Parkinson’s Therapy

How Dr. Marty Hinz’s Research Changed Parkinson’s Therapy

There have been some amazing findings published in the last several years in regards to managing the symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s disease using natural methods. Most of these papers have been written or co-written by Marty Hinz, MD. What Dr. Hinz has shown is that it is possible in many cases to manage the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease while eliminating the potentially devastating side effects of the drugs used in the medical treatment of Parkinson’s disease using amino acid therapy. Read more…