NEUROTRANSMITTERS are chemical “messengers” in our bodies and brains that travel between nerve cells, muscles and/or glands delivering “information” that leads to certain actions. There are about 100 different neurotransmitters that have been identified but I suspect that are countless more that perform functions in our bodies and brains. These chemicals are present in very miniscule concentrations. When I performed studies on the serotonin nutraceutical I patented years ago, the concentration of serotonin in rats was found to be in the 10 to the minus ninth dilution. Basically, this is looking at a beach of sand and picking up a few granules.
Imbalance of neurotransmitters can lead to incredibly impactful medical conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- Bipolar
- Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- PTSD
Many other bullet points may be added to this list.
Although we can measure the levels of neurotransmitters in our bloodstream, such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and others, these may not reflect the actual balance occurring in the brain. The most subtle imbalances of these neurotransmitters may cause significant suffering.
To a large extent, we inherit neurotransmitter imbalances. This is why you will find conditions such as depression and anxiety impacting a number of family members.
Medications that treat neurotransmitter imbalances, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiety meds etc. have success rates not too much above placebos. Our knowledge of neurotransmitter imbalances is not advanced as we would like, hence the reason why there is often disappointment in the response when people are placed on these meds.
Please take a step back and evaluate whether you are suffering from a neurotransmitter(s) imbalance condition and then if present, seek the help of your doctor.
And although I cannot find any songs about neurotransmitters, here is one that was probably written by someone with no imbalances! A very happy person…
