Balancing Neurotransmitters Naturally

by Dr. Nishal R.
Serotonin

Neurological Functions: Mood, social behavior, appetite, digestion, sleep, memory, sexual desire, etc.

Firstly, Serotonin is produced from an amino acid known as Tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted to 5-
HTP which is then further converted into Serotonin. In addition to this, Trytophan requires healthy gut
bacteria to be properly metabolized, so consuming foods that are rich in probiotics is also essential. In
fact, there is a substantial amount of evidence linking probiotics and gut health to mental health.
Secondly, B-Vitamins also essential for producing neurotransmitters including Serotonin. Serotonin is
further converted into melatonin.

Tryptophan foods: Eggs, Walnuts, Cheese, Salmon, Turkey, etc.

Probiotics: buttermilk, kefir, yogurt, or even a supplement

B-Vitamin foods: Berries, Eggs, Lean meats, Organ meats, Fish, Chicken, and Dark leafy vegetables.

Herbs for Serotonin: St. John's Wort & Licorice Root - both is these inhibit serotonin reuptake and are
seen clinically, to improve the symptoms of conditions of low serotonin levels, such as Depression.

Acetylcholine

Neurological Functions: Memory, Learning, Alertness, Attention, Neuro-muscular function, etc.

This neurotransmitter tends to be reduced in memory related diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Acetylcholine is produced via the action of an enzyme known as choline-acetyltransferase, the

molecule Acetyl-Coenzyme A and the vitamin like nutrient Choline. Choline is the main building block
for Acetylcholine and must be supplemented/consumed to form this neurotransmitter.

Choline rich foods include Eggs, Liver, Wheat, Beets, Spinach, Poultry, Rice, and Fish.

Herbs for Acetylcholine: Ashwagandha & Barcopa - both of these have been seen to significantly
improve memory, alertness, and attention. Studies suggest that these herbs assist in acetylcholine
formation. Infact Ashwagandha contains Choline and Bacopa activates choline-acetyltransferase.
Studies have also shown that both of these inhibit the enzyme Acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that
breaks down acetylcholine.

Dopamine

Neurological Function: Attention, Mood, Sleep, Cognition, Behavior, Memory, Movement, etc.

Dopamine's precursor L-DOPA, is synthesized from the amino-acids Tyrosine and Phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine is converted to Tyrosine, which is then converted to L-DOPA and then Dopamine is
formed. Dopamine is further converted into norepinephrine and then epinephrine.
Tyrosine and Phenylalanine foods: beef, chicken, cheese, eggs, etc.

Herbs for Dopamine: Mucuna Pruriens & Fava Beans both of these contain L-DOPA and are seen to
improve dopamine levels. Mucuna pruriens specifically, improves not only dopamine levels but also
the function of the neurons located in the substanti nigra which are responsible for dopamine
production.

GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric acid)

Neurological Function: Calms the CNS by regulating and restricting electrical activity, Sleep, Memory,
etc.

First, the precursor amino-acid Glutamine is converted to the excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamate.
Glutamate, with the help of Vitamin B6 and the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, is further converted
to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

Glutamine foods: Chicken Beef, Fish, Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Kimchee, Sauerkraut.

Herbs for GABA: Valerian & Passionflower

THE BEST SOLUTION

Eggs are the best food for neuro-transmitter production as well as overall neurological health due to its
high amino acid content, b-vitamins, cholesterol and omega 3s. Cholesterol assists in myelination via
progesterone production. Omega 3's assist in protecting the brain from dementia, fighting depression &
anxiety, reducing the symptoms of ADHD, reducing mood swings and relapses in psychiatric illness
such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and assists in fighting insomnia. B vitamins, specifically
vitamin b12, helps in neurotransmitter production, myelin production (needed for Multiple Sclerosis),
nerve health, neurotransmitter signalling. Amino acids such as Tryptophan, Glutamine, Tyrosine, and
Taurine are the raw materials for producing neuro-transmitters such as Dopamine (needed for
Parkinson's), Serotonin (needed for depression), and GABA (needed for fibromyalgia). Eggs also
contain Choline which is used for the production of Acetylcholine (needed for dementia).