How Are Neurotransmitters Made?

Each neurotransmitter is made from a specific amino acid through a series of steps that require specific nutrients (called cofactors). Taking these amino acids and cofactors is the only way to improve neurotransmitter levels and function in the brain because the neurotransmitters themselves cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.

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When Testing is Necessary

The majority of people with trich (over 80%) don’t require any testing to achieve results using amino acid therapy; we can make adjustments to the supplements and lifestyle via weekly or bi-weekly consultations (either over the phone or in office) to help them eliminate the urge to pull. However, a small minority of people may require several tests to optimize their neurotransmitter function and eliminate the urge to pull.

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Whitney’s Story

Following is an amazing testimonial from one of our clients.  Read on to learn Whitney’s story and hear how we can help.

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Imbalances in Neurotransmitters Often Cause Disease Symptoms

Neurotransmitters are a class of chemical messengers in the body that help regulate, either directly or indirectly, most of the other systems and functions in the body. If there are imbalances in these neurotransmitters, many bodily functions will start to function inappropriately, which can lead to a number of unpleasant or debilitating symptoms.

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Excitatory Neurotransmitters

As we discussed in our previous posts, most neurotransmitters are classified as either inhibitory or excitatory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters slow down the flow of information by calming and reducing the activity of neurons; they help to bring balance to the body. Excitatory neurotransmitters generally increase the flow of information. It is the balance between the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters that has the greatest effect on your body functions. We discussed inhibitory neurotransmitters in a previous post; this post will deal with excitatory neurotransmitters.

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Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Most neurotransmitters are classified in one of two types – inhibitory and excitatory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters slow down the flow of information by calming and reducing the activity of neurons; they help to bring balance to the body. Excitatory neurotransmitters generally increase the flow of information. It is the balance between the inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters that has the greatest effect on your body functions. This post will deal with inhibitory neurotransmitters; we will discuss excitatory neurotransmitters in a future post.

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What is a Neurotransmitter?

Neurotransmitters are basically chemical messengers that help relay information throughout the body. They transmit information through nerve cells called neurons. more »

Amino Acid Therapy – CysReplete

This post is a little more technical; if you aren’t interested in the science, read the first and the last paragraph. For the rest of you, have at it.

CysReplete is a formula that is used in conjunction with any balanced amino acid therapy. CysReplete contains only L-cysteine, selenium and folate. CysReplete is necessary for two main reasons: (1) using tyrosine or L-dopa (i.e., Mucuna pruriens) without CysReplete can deplete the sulfur amino acid system and (2) to prevent neurotoxicity due to methylmercury.

The methionine-homocysteine cycle is the primary sulfur amino acid system in the body. Using tyrosine or L-dopa leads to a depletion of sulfur in this system, which can cause heart irregularities, pain, decreased immune function and insomnia. Luckily, there is a simple strategy to remedy this depletion: take sulfur.

S-adenosyl-methionine, also known as SAMe can be used for this purpose; however SAMe is quite expensive at the doses needed (about 4500 mg/day). We have found cysteine to work equally as well at a substantial cost savings.

The selenium is added to the formula to prevent cysteine (or any sulfur amino acids) from creating an environment that contributes to neurotoxicity from methylmercury. Methylmercury is formed in the body if body stores of mercury come into contact with a methyl donor, such as SAMe or cysteine. Methylmercury is a much more toxic and dangerous substances than elemental mercury, as it can cross the blood-brain-barrier and studies have shown that administration of sulfur-containing amino acids can increase the concentration of methylmercury in the brain. However, selenium irreversibly binds to methylmercury rendering the methylmercury biologically inactive and non-toxic. Therefore, by providing the body with sufficient selenium along with adequate sulfur amino acids, such as cysteine, the potential danger of methylmercury exposure is avoided.

Folic acid is required in order to provide optimal function of the folic acid cycle which keeps the methionine-homocysteine cycle functioning properly. Folic acid also plays a vital role in keeping homocysteine levels in check..

CysReplete is an important component of any balanced amino acid therapy program and needs to be included any time a person takes tyrosine or L-dopa (Mucuna pruriens) to insure optimal long-term care.

Trich and Stress

I have been reading a lot of blog posts from people that suffer with trich and although the exact reasons and situations in which they find themselves pulling are very different, many of them find that they pull more (or begin pulling again) after acute periods of stress. We’ve discussed this topic a couple times on this site (search for “Stress” for more information), but it’s worth repeating that stress can increase the urge to pull because it can create neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain.

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Lifestyle Habits to Help Improve Sleep

Recently, we did a post on the negative impacts lack of sleep can have on increasing the symptoms of trichotillomania (see Can Skimping on Sleep make Trichotillomania Worse?). This happens due to the relationship between sleep and neurotransmitter levels – if you sleep less (or erratically), your neurotransmitter levels will likely become imbalanced, which will increase your urge to pull.

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