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Major transmitters are manufactured inside neurons (brain cells) and then used as needed. Neurons specifically use two key amino acids as precursors, or building blocks, to make transmitters from. By supplying your brain with a ready daily supply of these 2 amino acids, neurotransmitter levels are maintained.
As levels are restored, you notice that you sleep better, think more clearly, are slower to anger, feel more at peace and relaxed. You find you're more positive, focused and motivated. These feelings begin to replace negative thoughts, hopelessness and depression.
How We Feed Our Brain Directly Affects
Our Production of Neurotransmitters.
"If the 'smart nutrient' intake of all Americans was optimal, the widespread use of psychotropic drugs that are designed to treat depression, anxiety, senility and personality disorders would greatly diminish."
--Robert Haas
renowned author on nutrition
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During the Gulf War U.S. fighter pilots were given an amino acid, vitamin, and mineral formulation to relieve the debilitating stress of combat, enhance mental sharpness and improve sleep between missions (documented pilot report available.) The same amino acid, vitamin, and mineral formulation works for animals! In large poultry farms where thousands of chickens are housed in one large area for months, the amino acid and vitamin formulations are placed in the drinking water of the chickens to keep them from killing each other!
Your Brain Uses to Make Neurotransmitters From -- Phenylalanine* is an essential amino acid, meaning that if you're not getting it from your diet then your brain isn't getting what it needs to make the transmitters that cause you to feel happy, loving and motivated. The other amino acid, Glutamine, is a conditionally essential amino acid. It is used to make neurotransmitters which keep you feeling calm, focused and in control, but during periods of stress the body cannot make its own supply of glutamine and needs an outside source, diet or otherwise.
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in Providing the Brain with a
Daily Supply of These Key Amino Acids
- DIET: Overharvesting of fields resulting in nutrient depleted soils, fruits and vegetables not allowed to fully ripen on the vine, and over-processing of foods have all combined over the last century to rob our diets of many life-giving nutrients. Experts in the field of brain nutrition all agree that it is virtually impossible to get the necessary supply of the specific amino acids from our American Diet that our brain needs to create enough of the neurotransmitters that keep us feeling balanced and happy.
- BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB): The BBB is a membrane or sack that completely surrounds the brain and filters all of the blood as it enters the brain. The difficulty in acquiring the high levels of the specific amino acids the brain needs to manufacture the "feel good" transmitters exists because other nutrients compete with them for entry through the BBB. For example, it is difficult to impossible for the two key amino acids to pass through the BBB when PROTEIN and OTHER AMINO ACIDS are present because they will compete with them for entry through the BBB. Thus, the brain cannot readily utilize these amino acids from protein sources such as meat, eggs and dairy products. The same is true when they are combined in a formula containing other amino acids or unassociated nutrients.
- SYNERGISM: It has been discovered that in order for the brain to establish the proper ratio of one neurotransmitter to another it uses these two key amino acids best when formulated together with trace amounts of other specific associated co-factor nutrients. The inter-conversion process of these amino acids, in order to function optimally, REQUIRES these certain co-factors. When all of the necessary raw elements are present together, and in exact formulation, a higher quality and quantity of ALL desired transmitters can then be naturally produced. The result is that brain chemical balance is then possible.
The Neuro-Body Link
Stress Depletes Neurotransmitters
In handling daily stress the brain uses feel good transmitters called endorphins (opiods). When large amounts are needed to handle stress, the RATIO of many of the other transmitters, one to another, becomes upset creating a chemical imbalance. We begin to FEEL stress more acutely -- a sense of urgency and anxiety creates more stress. Harmful chemicals are released in our bodies that do damage, causing more stress. We call this vicious cycle the "stress cycle." Emotional fatigue can result, and be experienced and felt as depression.
The body responds to EMOTIONAL STRESS exactly as it responds to PHYSICAL DANGER. Without our being aware of it, usually not feeling it at all, our bodies are continuously reacting to emotions such as frustration, irritation, resentment, hurt, grief and anxiety -- responding to these MENTAL and EMOTIONAL STRUGGLES with a primitive physiological "fight or flight" response designed to prepare our bodies to face immediate danger. In modern day life we don't fight, we don't flee. Instead, the high-energy chemicals produced in many everyday situations boil inside of us, potentially taking years off our lives.
Your body responds to stress with a series of physiological changes that include increased secretion of adrenaline, elevation of blood pressure, acceleration of the heartbeat, and greater tension in the muscles. Digestion slows or stops. Within 24 to 48 hours after a stress-anxiety-anger reaction, major physical symptoms can and do occur.
Increased adrenaline production causes the body to step up its metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to quickly produce energy for the body to use. The pituitary gland increases its production of andrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the release of the hormones cortisone and cortisol. These have the effect of inhibiting the functioning of disease fighting white blood cells and suppressing the immune system response. This complex of physical changes known as the "fight or flight" response is also the reason that stress can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Continual stress eventually wears out the body. Consider the fact that only a few of the veterans, Russian or German, who fought during the siege of Stalingrad lived to age 50. Few lived to 45, and most died soon after their 40th birthdays. All of these individuals suffered extreme stress 24 hours a day for more than six months.
High-energy chemicals are not pumped into your body to do damage. You remain relaxed, at peace, and maintain a sense of well-being.
- Researchers estimate that stress contributes to as many as 80% of all
major illnesses that include cardiovascular disease, cancer, endocrine and
metabolic disease, skin disorders and infectious ailments of all kinds.
Studies by the American Medical Association have shown stress to be a factor in over 75% of all illnesses today.
Research linking stress to a variety of diseases and illnesses has been the subject of more than 20,000 scientific studies.
| PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Dr. James Chuong, director of Baylor University Medical School's PMS Program, has found LOW LEVELS of endorphins ("feel good" neurotransmitters) in women suffering from PMS! |
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The afternoon hunger that leads us to the cookie jar, soda pop or chocolate bar may have more to do with a brain chemical imbalance than actual hunger. When the stress of the day accumulates and too many of our own natural "feel good" transmitters become depleted we reach for something to make us feel better. Consider the fact that chocolate contains high amounts of phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of bliss and is involved in feelings of infatuation. Hence, the love affair many "chocoholics" have with chocolate! Four decades of research strongly suggests that when the brain has adequate supplies of the specific amino acids that it uses to make the transmitters that help us to think clearly, pay attention and sleep well, behavior tends to be normal. Did you ever notice that when you are feeling good you are less hungry?
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| Neurotransmitter | Function | Drugs that
Affect Neurotransmitters |
Neurotransmitter Deficiencies Result In |
Amino Acid Supplement |
| Norepinephrine | Arousal, energy, drive | Cocaine, speed, caffeine, tobacco | Lack of drive, depression, lack of energy | L-phenylalanine |
| GABA | Staying calm, relaxation, focus | Valium, alcohol, marijuana, tobacco | Free-floating anxiety, fearfulness, insecurity, can't relax or sleep, unexplained panic | L-glutamine |
| Endorphins | Psychological / physical pain relief, pleasure, reward, good / loving feelings toward others | Heroin, marijuana, alcohol, sugar, tobacco | Overly sensitive, feelings of incompleteness, anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure normally), world lacks color, inability to love | dL-phenylalanine |
| Serotonin | Emotional stability, pain tolerance, self-confidence | Sugar, marijuana, ecstasy, tobacco | Depression, obsession, worry, low self-esteem, sleep problems, hunger, irritability | Chromium Picolinate Increases L-Tryptophan availability |
Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder
ADD has nothing to do with intelligence. Many people with ADD are highly intelligent. According to experts in the field of ADD/ADHD, the disorder is the result of a neurotransmitter imbalance.
Not all children who are naturally rambunctious or extraordinarily curious have ADHD. Nor do all disorganized adults who have many things going on at one time have ADD. A professional diagnosis is the best way to determine ADD / ADHD in any individual. However, the following description, as given by experts in the field of ADD / ADHD, serves as a guide.
| ADD / ADHD, like depression, occurs in varying degrees of intensity. Not all symptoms are present. There may be just one or a combination of them. |
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A high level of frustration causes ADD people to be impatient. Whatever is going on -- they want it to go quickly and be finished. People with ADD suffer from "overload"; they have a heightened awareness of incoming environmental stimuli. Their world tends to be too bright, too loud, too abrasive and too rapidly changing for comfort. Unable to filter out normal background "noise" they find it difficult to concentrate on a task before them. Disorientation to time and space is often a problem. For instance they may have to stop and think which hand is their right or left. They may have difficulty following a set of instructions or reading a map. ADD people tend to be disorganized. They have trouble making and carrying out plans. Many ADD people are hyperactive. As youngsters they're constantly moving, squirming, twisting and getting into everything. As adults they're restless and easily distracted. They often tend to forget appointments, to pay bills and complete tasks. Because they're always in a hurry, delays of any kind make them frantic. ADD people live under such stress, frustration is difficult to tolerate, and when they're frustrated they're likely to become angry.
The Amino Acid Link
The Hypothalamus
A little place IN YOUR BRAIN called the Hypothalamus, a gland about the size of the tip of your thumb, is often referred to as the "master controller" as it regulates your entire hormonal (endocrine) system, orchestrating what all the other glands of the endocrine system do. In addition to this aspect of metabolism the hypothalamus also regulates body temperature and the hunger response. More blood gushes through the hypothalamus than any part of the brain.
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The ENDOCRINE SYSTEM'S glands (a gland is an organ or tissue that secretes HORMONES, substances for use elsewhere in the body, into the bloodstream) include the pituitary, thyroid, thymus and adrenal glands, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes.
HORMONES float through your blood, messengers telling various cells that they come in contact with what to do. They are essential to life as they regulate and determine how well your body performs many of its functions. Hormones affect your overall health and well-being, and determine how youthful you remain throughout life.
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In order to function properly, the body MUST HAVE the
essential amino acid phenylalanine. Essential meaning that the body cannot
convert it from other nutrients and so it is dependent on an outside source to
acquire sufficient amounts of this amino acid. If the diet is not providing
adequate amounts of phenylalanine then recommended therapeutic dosage is 500 to
2000 milligrams per day.
Just before menopause many women experience anxiety. The
body ceasing to ovulate brings on a major transition largely due to the
reduction of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Many different organs and systems of the body are affected by this change as
many will take over from the ovaries to produce some estrogen and other
hormones. The brain and body has to adjust to all of the changes. The transition
usually lasts up to five years.
According to the National Women's Health Resource Center,
as many as 95% of women have some premenstrual discomfort; for 30% to 35% of
them it's severe. Besides hormonal imbalance being a cause, it has also been
discovered that women suffering with PMS have LOW ENDORPHIN LEVELS, the brain's
natural "feel good" chemicals. This might explain why PMS has also been linked
to clinical depression!
| In both instances of menopause and PMS, emotional stress exaggerates the symptoms experienced. Relieving stress and anxiety through proper brain nutrition will help to lessen the associated difficulties of both experiences, making the transition periods smoother. In addition, by supplying the hypothalamus with sufficient amounts of the essential amino acid, phenylalanine, for proper regulation of the hormonal system, symptoms may also be improved |
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| Give HCF a 30 day trial to see if it is the answer to your family's needs.
Free Trial Bottle of HCF - Happy, Calm, Focused |
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Give me a call... I'll be happy to answer your questions.
Kristi Rushing
kristi.rushing@gmail.com
Phone: 208-543-4125
