What Are Neurotransmitters?

NEUROTRANSMITTERS are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body.  They relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons.”  The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest.  They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways.  As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels.  Stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, genetic predisposition, drugs (prescription and recreational), alcohol and caffeine usage can cause these levels to be out of optimal range.

There are two kinds of neurotransmitters – INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY.  Excitatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily exciting – they are what stimulate the brain.  Those that calm the brain and help create balance are called inhibitory.  Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive. 

What Is Amino Acid Therapy?

Amino acid therapy is a term used to describe the use of supplemental amino acids to help balance brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) and other aspects of the physiology. For this type of treatment to be most effective, it should include a specialized urinalysis test which provides a reliable means of measuring excretory values for neurotransmitters. From these findings an individualized amino acid supplementation is devised to improve the quantity and ratios of neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Neurotransmitter Services

NeuroFocus - $500.00
  • Tests 7 neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, GABA, glutamate, histamine, as well as creatinine.
HPA Focus - $600.00
  • In addition to the 8 parameters listed above the HPA Focus also includes 6 salivary cortisols and 3 DHEA (s) for analysis. 

Brain Wellness Program Includes:

For your Neurotransmitter Testing, you have two panel options: the Neuro Focus panel or the HPA Focus panel. Your comprehensive personalized program includes:
  • Exclusive, proprietary clinical laboratory assessment starting with an easy-to-use, in-home testing kit.
  • Expertise from a clinician specialized in neurotransmitter testing and evaluation.
  • A customized Brain Wellness Report including:
    • Your laboratory results and interpretation.
    • Your personalized protocol of targeted amino acids, vitamin co-enzymes, and mineral supplements.
    • Simple dietary recommendations and lifestyle guidelines that enhance neurotransmitter performance.
    • Neurotransmitter information: a section designed to provide you with quick reference information to understand the role of neurotransmitters.
    • Program prices include all laboratory and shipping fees.