Most of the time when we think about neurological disorders and how to manage them, we often think about targeting the brain. Resent research indicates that we may want to include investigations of the microbial environment in the gut to uncover each person’s root imbalances.
L-Tryptophan is the dietary precursor to serotonin production in the body. However, there are many reasons why dietary tryptophan may not provide an adequate supply of serotonin to optimize a person’s health.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavor enhancer in many foods. Unfortunately, research has shown that it can also lead to numerous derangements and even damage the brain, altering how our brains’ function. Therefore, it is vitally important that everyone knows how to properly identify and avoid MSG.
When using amino acid therapy to correct underlying neurotransmitter imbalances, there are many nutritional co-factors that are needed to support normal neurotransmitter function. Sulfur is one of those compounds, but all sulfur compounds are not created equal when it comes to neurotransmitter production.
(more…)Adequate vitamin B6 levels are absolutely essential for proper neurotransmitter production and function. This is especially true if someone has previously taken a medication or substance that binds irreversibly with B6, such as carbidopa. Thus vitamin B6 supplementation is often needed to address B6 deficiency or insufficiency.
(more…)When a person is working with a provider using amino acid therapy, periodic testing provides vital information to optimize neurotransmitter function as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many providers misuse or misinterpret neurotransmitter assays, which can cause a great deal of confusion.
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