NEUROTRANSMITTER BALANCING, THE OTHER ROUTE TO GETTING YOUR LIFE BACK

I’ve talked about the many benefits of BHRT to balance hormones. But if you suspect there may be more going on, it could be a neurotransmitter imbalance.

Neurotransmitters are natural brain chemicals that send out signals telling your body to breathe, to be happy, alert, confident, and so on. When neurotransmitters are out of balance, you don’t feel like yourself. In fact, imbalances can even affect your personality. So while you might think that shyness, for example, may just be in your DNA, it could actually be a neurotransmitter imbalance, caused by–you guessed it–a hormonal imbalance.

Be Yourself, Only Better.

Many people believe we can’t change our personalities. It’s just “who we are.” But it’s not true. You can improve aspects of who you are.

THINK ABOUT SOME OF THE PERSONALITY TYPES YOU KNOW.

• The boss. They are leaders, social, successful and confident, handling situations with authority. People look up to them.
• The free spirit. Someone who goes their own way, answering to a different drummer with confidence and happiness.
• The thinker. The thinker seems to be able to solve problems instantly. Planning and concentration is easy.
• The doer. Tenacious, hard-working, task-focused, this person gets the job done without getting distracted.

You can become more of a leader, or a free spirit, or whatever you want to become. The solution is neurotransmitter balancing, along with a program of lifestyle modification. Many of the deficiencies that you see in yourself can be solved with neurotransmitter testing and neurotransmitter balancing.

Take a look at what neurotransmitter imbalances can do to your personality:

DOPAMINE:

Dopamine is a prevalent neurotransmitter in leaders, achievers and decision-makers, people who are socially and sexually confident. You may be dopamine deficient if:

• You feel like people often take advantage of you
• You have trouble concentrating or thinking quickly
• You aren’t interested in sex anymore
• You have trouble losing weight
• You’re fatigued and depressed

People who are dopamine deficient often have these symptoms and others. They are often overweight, and struggle with addictions. Their interest in sex is also decreased and they may sleep too much. They are followers, not leaders.

Do you wish you were more of a leader? More confident? Read on.

DOPAMINE: THE CONFIDENCE CHEMICAL

A holistic doctor can do neurotransmitter balancing, and work with bioidentical hormone replacement to help balance estrogen, ED, cortisol, HGH, DHEA and thyroxine, which determines the traits in which you are deficient.

Foods to eat:

• Eat small, high protein meals, including chicken, turkey, eggs, pork and soy beans
• Restrict carbohydrates like bread and potatoes
• Eat rice and leafy greens
• Have milk, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese

ACETYCHOLINE: SHARPEN YOUR THINKING

Acetylcholine is responsible for memory. These personalities can quickly recall facts and dates. It’s also easy for them to quickly process and use information. Acetycholine personalities are quick to learn languages, and they pay attention well. They have good imaginations and are often smart. They also enjoy aroma and beauty. They like to flirt and are romantics. If that doesn’t sound like you, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have a hard time remembering dates and numbers?
• Are you often embarrassed for forgetting anniversaries?
• Does your partner say you’re not romantic?

People with low acetylcholine have poor memories, insomnia, and have a hard time being romantic. They may suffer from depression, have difficulty with relationships and are often obsessed with their own deficiencies. They may have a loss of creativity and even suffer from learning disorders. Some conditions associated with low acetycholine include Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Do you want to be more focused?
• Wish you had a better memory at work?
• Do you want to be more romantic, and better about remembering facts, figures and special dates?

Take control and talk to a holistic doctor about neurotransmitter balancing. The hormones that could be responsible for an imbalance include estrogen, pregnenolone, HGH and DHEA.

Foods to eat:

• Almonds
• Artichokes
• Avocado
• Beef
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cucumber
• Eggs
• Liver
• Pork
• Shrimp
• Zucchini

GABA: The Calming Chemical

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, is associated with calmness, memory, and concentration. People with sufficient GABA are very focused, dependable, fiscally responsible and handle pressure well.

Are you short on GABA?

• Trouble concentrating
• Nervousness and shaking
• Sweaty palms
• Disorganized
• Easily overwhelmed and panicked

People who have GABA deficiency find it hard to concentrate, remember or focus. Physical symptoms often accompany this, including sweating, palpitations and shaking. People with a severe deficiency can’t keep friends, have mood swings, and often lie. They may even break the law.

Some serious side effects include tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA deficient people tend to be associated with epilepsy, sleep disorders, and drug and alcohol addiction. But that doesn’t have to be you! Get checked for a GABA deficiency.

Hormones associated with a GABA deficiency are progesterone and pregnenolone, which can be balanced with bioidentical hormones.

Foods to eat:

• Almonds
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Brown rice
• Lentils
• Liver
• Oranges
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Walnuts

SEROTONIN:

Serotonin is the key to loving life, learning, and being happy. People with a serotonin personality are enthusiastic, love challenges, and are very perceptive. They’re open, spontaneous and experimental. Who wouldn’t want to be a serotonin personality?

• Do you wish that you were happier?
• Do you crave sugar?
• Are you uninterested in sex or any sexual partner?
• Is your enthusiasm for life at a low ebb?
• Are you forgetful?

Serotonin deficiency can include memory problems and slow reactions. Insomnia and depression can also be the result of low serotonin, as are sugar cravings. Suicidal thoughts are also related to serotonin deficiency.

Progesterone, HGH and pregnenolone are the hormones associated with serotonin deficiency. Have your hormones checked right away if you believe you’re deficient. A holistic doctor can balance your hormones and serotonin level.

• Find more joy in your life
• Become more interested in sex
• Sharpen your memory
• Cut your sugar cravings

Foods to eat:

• Avocado
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Chocolate
• Cottage cheese
• Duck
• Eggs
• Milk
• Pork
• Turkey
• Yogurt

Exercise is also a good idea. Jogging, walking, yoga and aerobics are encouraged.

The New and Improved You

You might now wonder if it’s really possible to become someone different. Can you actually change the way you have been for years? Yes! You don’t have to suffer with symptoms or deficiencies. By balancing your hormones and neurotransmitters, you can adjust the way your brain and body react to different situations. So get your balance back, and become a better you!

If you want to know more about how we could support you and your neurotransmitter levels, give us a call or visit us at our Long Island, NY or Brooklyn location. We are easily accessible from any borough in New York City, whether you’re from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, or the Bronx.