Let's be happy!

Who needs anti-depressants when our neurotransmitters are functioning?
Serotonin...what's that?

Most of the neurotransmitters in the brain and in the gut are formed by amino acids.  Amino acids are found in proteins.  A diet rich in amino acids is essential for helping to keep our moods stabilized.  Nutritional approaches and lifestyle behavior modifications for treating emotional imbalances, such as anxiety and depression, are often as effective as medications, yet without the many side effects.

Sugar, refined white flour, alcohol, some medications and stress all have a negative impact on how the neurotransmitters function in the brain and gut (our second brain).  As the “ill-function” of the neurotransmitters increases, so does the craving for more sugar.  As the dis-regulation of the receptor sites and the neurotransmitters get unregulated by the “empty” calories and stress, mood imbalances start to intensify and cravings continue to increase.  It seems to be a vicious cycle.

It is imperative that you eat a good, healthy diet, low in refined sugar, high in fiber and essential fatty acids.  It is important to include good quality protein on a daily basis to help get the proper amino acids that are needed for all the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Additional supplementation may be needed.  Supplements such as 5-HTP, Sam-e, L-Tyrosine, GABA, L-Taurine, and L-Glutamine can help with the proper regulation of neurotransmitters.  There are also herbs, certain vitamins and lifestyle behaviors that help with mood imbalances.

It is best to work with a health practitioner when incorporating these supplements, herbs and lifestyle changes into your routine.  It takes a holistic approach when healing one’s emotional imbalances, thus techniques to help reduce stress and to get adequate sleep, and incorporating a healthy, whole foods diet are imperative.