Neurotransmitters are the important messengers of the body that send messages from the nerve cells to target cells. Without neurotransmitters, your body could not function. Many neurotransmitters are also considered hormones, however there are some major differences between these two classifications. The main difference between hormones and neurotransmitters is that hormones are produced in endocrine glands and are released into the blood stream where they find their targets of action at some distance from its origin whereas neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic gap by a terminal of a stimulated presynaptic nerve cell, transmitting a nerve signal to its neighboring postsynaptic nerve cell.
There are additional differences as well, such as the fact that hormones appear in both plants and animals; but neurotransmitters are specific to animals. Additionally, neurotransmitters are proteins while hormones can be proteins, lipids, or cholesterol-based molecules.
We are going to look at the main neurotransmitters in your body, and provide some intel on what they are so that you can take steps to empower your body and have your electrical body functioning well by having your neurotransmitters and hormone health in check.
7 Main Neurotransmitters for your Electrical Body
Glutamate - Found in approximately 90% of synapses. It is very common in diet and is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. Neuroplasticity depends heavily on glutamate. Glutamate is considered a non-essential amino acid due to the ability for it to be derived from other amino acids. Found in a variety of foods, including both plant- and animal-derived foods — such as bone broth, meats, mushrooms and soy products. Glutamate needs to be present in balanced levels in the body. It has excitatory effects, meaning it makes neurons more likely to fire.
GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) - GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter and functions by blocking certain signals in the brain. Benefits of GABA may include lowering blood pressure, reducing muscle spasms, and managing mood. GABA is present in fermented foods such a kimchi, sourdough and sake.
Dopamine - Major role in the reward system of the body. Considered as one of the happiness hormones; can be related to the rush of joy one would feel when you accomplish something. Dopamine plays a part in controlling the movements a person makes, as well as their emotional responses.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) - Released whenever a person experiences fear, anxiety, or stress. It is the hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response. It can be released during times of emotional stress as well.
Serotonin - The majority of serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter, is created in the. One of the happiness hormones, serotonin are one of the major mood modulators in the body. Many SSRIs function by blocking serotonin receptors so that more free floating serotonin can exist in the body; but this can have additional affects. MACA has been known to actually assist with side effects such as a drop in libido from anti depressants.
Oxytocin - The Love and bonding neurotransmitter. A major part of friends and creating bonds, oxytocin allows us to trust each other. Moving in sync with other human beings also assists in a health amount of this love hormone and neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholine - The very first discovered neurotransmitter. It is about the connection between your neurons and the muscle. Involved in the voluntary and unconscious movements. When we think about the pathway of the mind-muscle connection, it is about this specific neurotransmitter.
How to Leverage this Knowledge about Neurotransmitters
As you can tell from the brief description of the major neurotransmitters of your body, many of them require building blocks from food. And additionally, you actually need a delicate balance of each of them. This part is actually a little more challenging than we give it credit for, since everyone does have unique thresholds and happy mediums within themselves.
It can also be hard to get the amount of the building blocks and nutrients from food alone, hence why we have our line of Soma Supplements which leverage Nature's Apocathary to provide specific supplements that are meant to assist you in upkeeping your body.
We also have an upcoming webinar in time for the new moon to prep women's electrical bodies by using the moon cycles as a guide. If you are interested in joining that FREE webinar you can sign up below:
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