Neurotransmitters are used by the nervous system as chemical messengers to deliver information from one nerve to another. When an imbalance in neurotransmitters occurs, the body and the brain fail to communicate effectively.
This may lead to an over- or under-stimulation in the neurological system, thus contributing to the improper function and signalling between the body and the brain.
This imbalance may contribute to disorders such as:
• Obesity
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Fatigue and insomnia
• Low energy
• Cravings and poor appetite control
• Bipolar Disorder
• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Hormone and Adrenal Dysfunction
• Memory Impairment
For this reason, neurotransmitter balance is required to maintain optimal health.
What is Functional Neurotransmitter Testing?
Though it only requires a simple urine sample, functional neurotransmitter testing may identify issues with neurotransmitter imbalance and metabolism. The results of this test may help determine which medications or natural therapies would be beneficial in treating symptoms while helping to determine potential root causes of existing conditions.
Functional neurotransmitter testing is a non-invasive tool that can be completed in a clinical setting to address the nervous system function.
Neurotransmitter tests are available to determine the levels of neurotransmitters including:
• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Epinephrine
• Glutamate
• Histamine
• Norepinephrine
• GABA
• PEA
What are the Advantages of Functional Neurotransmitter Testing?
Neurotransmitters have a crucial role in helping the brain balance hormonal signals that are sent to other organs in the body. One of the significant advantages of a neurotransmitter test is that the results may serve as a guide to determining an individualized treatment plan. These plans are formulated to focus on a natural approach to remedying the identified imbalances and may include appropriate medications, supplements, and/or diet and lifestyle modification.
When neurotransmitters are balanced, patients may experience improvements in their concentration, overall mood, and focus. In contrast, unbalanced neurotransmitter levels may lead to fluctuating moods, increased stress, or feeling of fatigue and low motivation.
Where to get a Functional Neurotransmitter Test:
Functional neurotransmitter test kits may be obtained through qualified health care practitioners. The testing can be done in the comfort of your own home, then sent to a lab directly. From there, a professional healthcare practitioner will be able to interpret the test findings and provide a detailed explanation of the results. Based on these findings, one’s individual symptoms and neurotransmitter imbalances can be correlated, and a customized treatment plan may be created.