Much of the information provided here is from the website and seminars
provided by NeuroResearch of Duluth, MN. Refer to their website
for more complete information or call us with questions.
What is a neurotransmitter?
Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals that "transmit" electrical messages between nerve cells, called "neurons"...thus the name neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are produced in the body by amino acids with the help of vitamins and minerals (co-factors). 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 NeuroResearch a list of diseases or illnesses (see right) 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.
What causes 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
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, hyperexcretion is a common problem. Hyperexcretion 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.
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?
According to NeuroResearch'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".