| Neurotransmitter | |||||
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Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals from one nerve cell (neuron) to the next across synapses. Neurotransmitters have a wide variety of roles in many of the processes in the body.
There are two types of neurotransmitters - excitatory and inhibitory.
- Excitatory neurotransmitters - stimulate the brain (acetylcholine, dopamine, epinephrine, glutamate, norepinephrine)
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters - calm the brain and balance the moods (dopamine, GABA, serotonin)
Dopamine is considered both an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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Important neurotransmitters facts
- The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell the stomach to digest food, the heart to beat and the lungs to breathe
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transfer messages between different brain cells
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Why neurotransmitters are important
The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways.
| Inhibitory neurotransmitters | |
| GABA | * nature's natural relaxer * balances high levels of excitatory neurotransmitters * low levels of GABA could lead to anxiety |
| Dopamine | * helps with depression * regulates mood * low levels of dopamine make the brain fuzzy |
| Serotonin | * balances and stabilises mood * regulates carbohydrate cravings, sleep cycle and pain control * signals fullness to stop eating * balances high levels of excitatory neurotransmitters * low serotonin levels be link to lowered immunity |
| Excitatory neurotransmitters | |
| Acetylcholine | * Controls muscle movement |
| Dopamine | * enables better mental focus and clarity of mind * responsible for high energy, motivation, hunger regulation and sex drive * low levels of dopamine make the brain fuzzy * responsible for motivation and the desire to complete projects / activities / tasks |
| Epinephrine | * reflective of high stress levels * regulates heart rate and blood pressure * long-term stress/insomnia causes epinephrine levels to be depleted |
| Glutamate | |
| Norepinephrine | * helps to make epinephrine as well * can cause anxiety at elevated levels * low levels are associated with low energy, inability to focus and sleep problems |
references
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Baker Heart Research Institute (Australia)
- Northeast Valley of General Practice (Australia)
