Causes of Neurotransmitter Deficiencies
Prolonged Emotional or Physical Stress: The human body is programmed to handle sudden, acute or short bouts of stress. Prolonged, chronic stress takes it toll on the “fight or flight” stress hormones and neurotransmitters. Eventually, these become depleted and coping becomes more difficult.
Aging: Sixty percent of all adults past age 40 have some degree of neurotransmitter deficiency. Aging neurons make smaller amounts of neurotransmitters. Also, as we get older, the body does not respond as well to them.
Weight Loss Dieting: This is the most common cause of self-induced neurotransmitter deficiencies. Limiting food intake in order to lose weight restricts the amounts of basic building blocks (neurotransmitter precursors) needed produce enough neurotransmitters.
Studies from major universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, have documented that women on diets significantly deplete their serotonin within three weeks of dieting. This induced serotonin deficiency eventually leads to increased cravings, moodiness and poor motivation. These all contribute to rebound weight gain – the most common yet unfortunate consequence of dieting.
Increasing neurotransmitter production during dieting is strongly encouraged to avoid yo-yo dieting. This is accomplished by taking dietary neurotransmitter precursor supplements during dieting.
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Abnormal Sleep: Many neurotransmitters responsible for proper sleep, especially serotonin, are produced during REM sleep around 2-3 a.m. Serotonin converts to melatonin, the sleep hormone. When serotonin levels are low, melatonin levels will also be low. Disrupted sleep occurs and less neurotransmitters are produced causing a vicious cycle.
Certain Medications: Long-term use of diet pills, stimulants, pain pills, narcotics and recreational drugs can deplete neurotransmitter stores. The use of ma huang, ephedra and prescription diet pills (like phen-fen, Fastin, phentermine) use up large amounts of dopamine and serotonin. This can result in “rebound” appetite control problems, low energy, unstable mood and sluggish metabolism.
Neurotoxins: Heavy metal toxicity, chemical pesticides, fertilizers, certain cleaning agents, industrial solvents, and recreational drugs cause damage to the neuron and decrease neurotransmitter production. Excess caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can be neurotoxic. The street drug, Ecstasy, has particularly concerning neurotoxic effects. It can completely drain serotonin and permanently damage the neuron making treatment impossible.
Hormone Imbalances: Hormones influence neurotransmitter release and activity. If hormones are deficient or are off balance, neurotransmitters do not function well.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a classic example of how low serotonin levels can temporarily shift each month. Mood, appetite and sleep can be severely disrupted one to two weeks before the menstrual cycle.
Another neurotransmitter imbalance occurs during menopause when dramatic changes in mood, energy, sleep, weight, and sexual desire occur.
Genetic Predisposition: Some people are born with a limited ability to make adequate amounts of neurotransmitters. They exhibit deficiency symptoms as children or young adults and often have relatives who suffered from significant mental illnesses. As they get older, affected individuals experience even more profound symptoms and debilitation.