What are Neurotransmitters?
The human brain makes over 100 chemical messengers called neurotransmitters--each programmed to relay special messages throughout the brain and body. Neurotransmitters are produced and stored in the brain cells (neurons), and are released into action when neurons are electrically activated. Neurotransmitters are responsible for every thought, mood, pain and pleasure sensation that we feel. They control our energy level, appetite and what foods we crave. Neurotransmitters regulate how well we sleep and even our sex drive.
Two highly profiled neurotransmitters controlling mood, food, and energy are serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is responsible for our feelings of well-being, serenity, mood stability and appetite satiety (fullness). Dopamine is necessary for mental concentration, alertness, high energy, motivation, hunger regulation and sex drive.
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How Neurotransmittters Work
The brain is composed of billions of branching tree-like nerve cells called neurons. They stretch out but never actually touch each other. Neurotransmitters are small messenger chemicals that are produced and stored in the nerve cell endings.
When a neuron is activated, an electrical current passes through the cell out to its branching nerve endings causing the release of its neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters drift out into the space between cells (synaptic space). The neurotransmitters attach onto surfaces of neighboring neurons at special docking sites called receptors. When enough receptors are occupied, the cell is activated and an electrical current rapidly pulsates down the cell causing release of its neurotransmtters. This electro-chemical process passes on affecting millions of neurons in an instant.
When sufficient amounts of neurotransmitters are not available to dock onto receptors, the resulting brain electrical signal is weak. Signs and symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies occur.