Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Depression OH MY!

As a practitioner, I am faced with a number of health issues. Most people come into my office for pain relief, but many times our conversations will take a turn into other health concerns. I hear “I have trouble sleeping”, “I crave sweet or salty food”, “I have dealt with depression”, “I am having trouble with my memory.”

A number of differentials run through my mind when I hear these comments, but the common thread among these is; they are all related to neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are biochemicals produced by the brain (and other areas) acting as signals to the rest of the body, each having a unique effect. The four neurotransmitters produced are: 1) Dopamine, 2) Acetylcholine, 3) GABA, and 4) Serotonin.

Each person produces these four neurotransmitters in varied amounts. This is what gives us each our disposition or personality. Have you ever wondered why some people are the life of the party and others are laid back? Certain neurotransmitters create those personality traits.

You may have experienced times throughout your life where you did not feel like your usual self. This may be due to an imbalance or deficiency in one or more of the four neurotransmitters. Many times, people will self medicate without knowing what they are doing through caffeine, alcohol or drugs. Anyone on medication for depression, ADD/ADHD, Parkinson’s or sleep disorders are chemically trying to balance their neurotransmitters. I propose that we aim to do this naturally when possible.

How can we affect neurotransmitters through nutrition and vitamins? There are a number of foods and vitamins that will affect 2 or more neurotransmitters or overall brain function and these are the ones I want to review.

Vitamins B6 and Folic Acid are involved in the production of each neurotransmitter therefore should be supplemented in times of deficiency. Caution should be used when supplementing with folic acid because supplementing can cover up a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) are an overall brain booster. Your nerves as well as every cell in the body are coated with this essential fatty acid which makes it vital to nerve and cell transmission. Any inflammation in the body will benefit from this essential nutrient as well. You want to get a good source of this or else you risk taking an already rancid supplement which will only cause further damage. The bottle must not let in light and capsules should be opaque, not clear. It should contain both DHA and EPA.

Other brain vitamins:

Antioxidants including Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Co-Q-10, N-acetylcysteine(NAC), also vitamin D (found to be low in dementia patients), Phosphatidylserine(for increased cortisol)

Brain boosting diet:

Lean meats, fish, nuts (almonds/walnuts/pine nuts), Dark green vegetables, Sulfur containing vegetables(Broccoli/Cauliflour), Eggs, Avocado, Artichoke, Oats

If you are dealing with a chronic imbalance or have neurological disorders in your family history, I urge you to get help and start supplementing appropriately. The suggestions above are not specific to any one imbalance, therefore you may need more support. There may also be other primary factors to deal with such as blood sugar issues, chronic stress and hormone imbalances or vascular problems. To schedule a personal evaluation contact me at 305-259-8755. Phone consultations can be arranged. Feel free to comment below.

Be blessed,

Dr. J