Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that the body uses to relay information. Many people are on medications to alter neurotransmitter levels or function in an attempt to improve their health. However, people need to know how these medications work and which neurotransmitters are impacted in order to understand if and how they can optimize their health.
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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…)
Neurotransmitter imbalances can cause an incredibly wide range of health issues. The reason is clear: neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that relay information between the brain and the rest of the body; if neurotransmitter imbalances are present, improper information gets sent. In essence, the wiring of the body gets fouled up and this can have a very wide range of effects. (more…)
In a previous post, we highlighted research that showed that those that consumed non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) experienced higher blood sugar levels and gained more weight than those that did not. This baffled researchers at the time, as NAS had been assumed to be helpful to those trying to lose weight and are often marketed to those with blood sugar imbalances, including diabetes. New research is uncovering why NAS have such detrimental effects. (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…)
Neurotransmitter imbalances can be caused by many different factors, including:
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.
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 ([email protected]).
Give the gift of health!
