Understanding Neurotransmitters- Part 1

UNDERSTANDING NEUROTRANSMITTERS– PART 1

There are numerous transmitters (NT’s if you’re nerdy like me) sending messages in the body that are responsible for controlling mood. They are the most important neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and in mechanisms of action of antidepressants.

WHAT ARE THEY?

A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries, boosts, and balances signals between neurons (also known as nerve cells) and target cells throughout the body. These target cells may be in glands, muscles, or other neurons.

Billions of neurotransmitter molecules work constantly to keep our brains functioning, managing everything from our breathing to our heartbeat to our learning and concentration levels. They can also affect a variety of psychological functions such as fear, mood, pleasure, and joy.

When Neurotransmitters Do Not Work Right 

As with many of the body's processes, things can sometimes go awry. It is perhaps not surprising that a system as vast and complex as the human nervous system would be susceptible to problems.

A few of the things that might go wrong include:

• Neurons might not manufacture enough of a particular neurotransmitter

• Neurotransmitters may be reabsorbed too quickly

• Too many neurotransmitters may be deactivated by enzymes

• Too much of a particular neurotransmitter may be released

Over the next few months I will be sending you 4 of my favorite NT’s and what they do so you can understand more deeply how to support these in your own body.