Neurotransmitters control most of the body’s functions in one way or another and neurotransmitter imbalances have been linked to hundreds of different disorders and symptoms. Although many medications attempt can shuffle neurotransmitters around (like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)) or try and mimic the action of specific neurotransmitters (like sleep medications and triptans for migraines), the only way to actually increase the total amount of neurotransmitters in the brain is through the use of amino acid therapy.
How to Increase Neurotransmitters in the Brain Using Amino Acid Therapy
Every neurotransmitter is made from a specific amino acid (or combination of amino acids) through a series of steps that requires other nutrients (called cofactors). Taking the required amino acids along with these cofactors is the only way to increase the level and function of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Picture from Marty Hinz, MD: www.neuroassist.com
This is an important distinction between how amino acid therapy differs from medications that are typically used to alter neurotransmitter levels. Drugs, like SSRIs and SNRIs only increase the amount of neurotransmitter in the synapse between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons, which can increase the effect of those neurotransmitters, for a while.
These drugs work by preventing the reabsorption of the neurotransmitters back into the pre-synaptic neuron (where they are stored for future use and safe from enzymatic destruction). The result is a larger amount of neurotransmitter in the synapse, which can cause a brief period of improved function (which can last hours to months). However, the body will eventually degrade these neurotransmitters, causing the release of more neurotransmitter from the pre-synaptic neuron, and the process continues.
Eventually, there isn’t enough neurotransmitter left in the pre-synaptic neuron and the drugs seem to quit working. Unfortunately, at this point, a person is actually in a more depleted state than before they started the medication(s) and can actually feel worse than before they started the drug(s).
Amino acid therapy is different. Using properly balanced amino acids can provide the brain the exact combination of nutrients it needs to make more neurotransmitter, increasing the total amount of neurotransmitter available to use in the brain. Amino acid therapy can be useful to not only increase the overall amount of neurotransmitter in the brain, it can also be used to replenish depleted stores due to medication use. This makes amino acid therapy one of the best ways to optimize neurotransmitter function and achieve relief from a wide number of symptoms.
