Neurotransmitter imbalances often have many origins. Genetic predisposition certainly plays a role; however, genetic impact can often be overridden or minimized with other therapies. However, the most common reasons for neurotransmitter imbalances are stress and a nutrient-deficient diet.

Long periods of chronic stress gradually deplete serotonin as the body tries to down regulate excitatory signals. Once serotonin is sufficiently depleted, the excitatory arm of the nervous system has free reign, often creating prolonged states of anxiety and agitation or irritability. Many people describe that they ‘just can’t relax anymore’. With continued stress, excitatory neurotransmitters also become depleted; this is when the body just can’t keep up anymore and many people struggle just to get up in the morning (or anytime during the day). These people often experience depression or chronic fatigue.

The problem is greatly exacerbated by a nutrient-deficient diet. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is almost designed to cause neurotransmitter imbalances, emphasizing lots of carbohydrates as well as many highly allergenic foods that can cause the body to dump serotonin and stimulate the output of excitatory neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are made from specific amino acids, so a balance of high-quality protein is essential for long-term balance. However, the SAD diet is very high in refined carbohydrate, which provides plenty of stimulation for an already burn-out system and offers nothing to replenish the exhausted neurotransmitter supplies. This sets the stage for immediate and long-term imbalances.

What we choose to drink also has a dramatic effect. Stimulants like coffee and energy drinks deplete the excitatory neurotransmitters (like epinephrine and norepinephrine) and alcohol adversely affects serotonin and GABA production, which are inhibitory neurotransmitters. Alone or combined, these drinks immediately confuse the brain and cause all sorts of biochemical imbalances.

The biggest wrench in the neurotransmitter machinery, however, has to be soda. Soda is the perfect food to promote neurotransmitter imbalance – many contain lots and lots of sugar, often up to 12 teaspoons in one 12 ounce can (just imagine what the ‘large’ sodas contain!), caffeine, artificial colors and flavors and no amino acids. Diet soda is often worse, as many of the artificial sweeteners are known to be neurotoxic or cause dramatic swings in neurotransmitter levels. And people in the US drink a LOT of soda – upwards of 54 gallons per person per year! It’s no wonder that drugs that manipulate neurotransmitter levels are the most prescribed group of drugs in this country!

You have a lot of control of your neurotransmitter levels. While it is true that you cannot appreciably raise your neurotransmitter levels through dietary changes or stress management, you can dramatically limit the deficiencies caused by both of these by making some simple, daily changes, such as: ditching soda, coffee and alcohol; eating protein at every meal; limiting simple carbohydrates; eating lots of whole vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes along with good-quality protein; and undertaking daily stress management. It’s not glamorous, but I doubt glamour is what you are after. Oh, yeah – and it works!