Neurotransmitter Depletion-Associated Medical Conditions

By Mark Gunderson, MD |

Researchers have shown that essential amino acids are precursors for serotonin and dopamine molecules. Tryptophan is the precursor for serotonin; tyrosine and phenylalanine are the precursors of dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the primary neurotransmitters that seem to be involved in the regulation and sensation of appetite. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are involved in the transfer of electrical energy between nerve cells.

These are “essential” amino acids because they cannot be produced by the body and must be supplied in the diet. Levels of neurotransmitters that are too low to facilitate proper transfer of electrical energy can cause disease and illness. Prescription medications have been the standard of treatment for neurotransmitter diseases such as depression or anxiety. These medications can lower neurotransmitter levels even further. This can make the real cause of the problem worse. They can temporarily trick the body by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters in the “gap” between nerve cells. This leads to more neurotransmitter being degraded in the long run.

Research is now becoming clear that there are common diseases and symptoms that are associated with neurotransmitter depletion including:

• Migraine headaches

• Depression

• Panic disorder, anxiety.

• Obesity

• Irritable bowel disease

• Fibromyalgia

• Eating disorders

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Premenstrual syndrome

Practitioners of Age Management Medicine have developed protocols of amino acid supplementation of neurotransmitter depletion-associated medical conditions. Such protocols help patients improve these and other medical conditions, using safe and natural methods. For example, serotonin, which controls mood, can be elevated. By giving specific amino acids, many medical conditions can be safely treated. Amino acids, being natural to the human body, are extremely well tolerated.

Practitioners of Age Management Medicine now have additional tools to treat patients “drug free!”

References:

1. The Healing Nutrients Within, Eric Brauerman, MD. Basic Health Publications, Inc. 2003

2. Life Extension Revolution, Philip Lee Miller, MD. Life Extension Foundation, Bantam Books, May 2005

For more info, contact The Age Management Institute at (775) 787-8300 or mgunderson@renoami.com.