How to Stimulate Parasympathetic Nervous System with Exercise

exercisemigraineWe have received an incredible response to our series on Balancing the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems (if you haven’t read it, but sure and check it out – it’s a great primer for what we will discuss here!). Out of that series, we received several questions about how to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) with exercise. This is an interesting question, because exercise, especially when someone is just starting out or they are exercising intensely increases the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) rather than the PNS. However, the body is designed to spend most of its time in the PNS, and doing certain exercises can improve the PNS response and reduce the impact that stress has on your health. (more…)

How to Order Amino Acid Therapy Products

There are many products that can be used to supply the body the necessary building blocks that it needs to re-establish proper neurotransmitter function. Unfortunately, most of the products available over-the-counter, as well as many that are only available through licensed health care providers, do not provide adequate (or reproducible) amounts of the needed components. (more…)

Vitamin B6 and Amino Acid Therapy

neuronWhen discussing amino acid therapy, many people focus in on the actual amino acids themselves – including 5-HTP and L-tyrosine – and understandably so, as they are the building blocks for the neurotransmitters we are trying optimize. However, a number of other nutrients are necessary to convert these amino acids into their respective neurotransmitters; these are often referred to as ‘cofactors’ and one of the most important cofactors in regards to neurotransmitter balance is vitamin B6. (more…)

Neurotransmitter Imbalances and Genetics

neurotransmitterI am often asked if and/or what role genetics plays in some with neurotransmitter imbalance(s). There is no doubt that some people are genetically predetermined to have suboptimal neurotransmitter function. In fact, it is quite common to see patterns of disorders related to neurotransmitter imbalances run through many generations. The confusing part is that it doesn’t have to be the same neurotransmitter-based disorder that is passed on from one generation to the next. (more…)

NeuroReplete Side Effects – Part 1 of 2

neurorepleteNeuroReplete is a product that is often used in amino acid therapy to help restore proper neurotransmitter function. It contains 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-tyrosine along with the cofactors necessary to convert these amino acids into serotonin and dopamine, respectively. On occasion, a person taking NeuroReplete may experience some side effects. The most common are listed here along with the proper solution. Additional side effects are noted in Part 2 of this series. (more…)