A positive mood is supported by normal, healthy levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers neurons release to convey information within the brain and from the nervous system to other parts of the body. They process sensory information and control behavior. [1]
Many neurotransmitters are synthesized in the gut as well as the brain, including dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and endocannabinoids. In fact, roughly 95% of serotonin in the body comes from the gut, where it acts as both a paracrine messenger and a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters also play a role in the immune system, signaling certain actions to occur. New evidence points to the potential for some immune cells to release neurotransmitters as well. [1] †
Studies have pointed to possible connections between dysfunction in neurotransmitters to several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and fibromyalgia. [1] †
Some of the best known of the neurotransmitters—include:
- Glutamate or Glutamic acid
- GABA
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine
- Dopamine
- Acetylcholine
Several nutrients are involved in the production of these neurotransmitters. They can be thought of as the essential “building blocks” in making them (ie: the synthesis and regulation) of neurotransmitters.
Some of which include [1]:
There are certain foods known for their overall benefits for the brain.
One example is tea, most likely due in part because theanine increases serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels in the brain. [1]
There are several herbs and other nutraceuticals that may help support a “healthy” mood including (but not limited to):
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub native to Europe. It is widely regarded for its mood supporting benefits. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effects of St. John’s Wort on mental and emotional functioning. The main active ingredient in St. John’s Wort is hypericin. Studies show hypericin helps support normal, healthy levels of serotonin in the brain. This herb has been widely used throughout the world due to its efficacy, safety, and lack of side effects. †
- Siberian Eleutherococcus (more commonly known as Siberian ginseng)is native to the Taiga region of the Far East (southeastern part of Russia, northern China, Korea, and Japan). The root and the rhizomes (underground stem) are used medicinally. It is an effective adaptogen, which has been shown to support a healthy stress response, and a natural “boost” in energy levels.†
- Griffonia bean extract is a West African shrub. It naturally has the largest source of the compound 5-HTP, a precursor of serotonin. 5-HTP is an amino acid which the body converts into serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. 5-HTP has many advantages over L-tryptophan. Besides being safer to produce and arguably more potent, it can cross the very selective blood-brain barrier more easily than L-tryptophan. Once it passes through the blood brain barrier it is able to help increase levels of serotonin; a neurotransmitter, whose levels are positively associated with mood.†
Dr. Kenawy’s formula was created to help address the “deficiencies” that may contribute to difficulty in stabilizing a person’s mental state (mood) using the most natural ingredients to help you maintain a normal positive outlook. This special formulation contains 5 all-natural ingredients specifically designed to help improve ones mood & mental state without the side effects found in prescriptions (such as: appetite changes, decreased libido, impotence/difficulty getting an erection, anorgasmia (delayed or no orgasm), low sexual desire, etc.) Our goal is to provide you with just the “lift” you need to counteract those everyday stresses in your life. †
Features:
- St. John's Wort herb and flower extract 300 mg (hypericum perforatum) (standardized to 0.3% [0.9 mg] Hypericin);
- Griffonia 25 mg (Griffonia simplicifolia) bean extract (standardized to 98% [24.5 mg] L-5-hydroxyTryptophan;
- Siberian eleutherococcus root extract 25 mg (Eleutherococcus senticosus) (standardized to 0.5% [0.125 mg] Eleutherosides);
- L-Tyrosine 50 mg;
- Inositol 50 mg
- Our Standardized St. John’s Wort, Griffonia Bean (L-5-HTP) and Siberian eleutherococcus extracts are manufactured by European phytopharmaceutical companies under strict European quality control standards. Like all European herbal extracts, their production is regulate to the same high standards as Over-The-Counter drugs.
† Benefits:
- St. John’s Wort supports a normal positive outlook.
- Studies have shown a benefit in mild to moderate mood disorders. St. John’s has not been studied for major depression and therefore should not be used for such.
- 20 out of 23 clinical studies (including 2,745 patients) on European standardized St. John’s Wort demonstrated positive results for depression. Five of these studies were randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled (totaling 626 patients) and showed significant benefits without significant side effects.
- Eleven clinical studies have been done comparing St. John’s Wort to prescription antidepressants, concluding that it is effective for mild to moderate mood disorders. Our St. John’s Wort is made to the exact same specifications as that used in the studies.
- Griffonia bean extract is included in Mood Support for its contribution of 5-HTP. 5-HTP is an amino acid which the body converts into serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. Numerous scientific studies show 5-HTP is of benefit in individuals with mood disorders.†
- Siberian eleutherococcus root extract is an adaptogen. It may help provide support for a healthy response to stress, which in turn may help support a better mood and brighter “outlook”. Also, this adaptogen aids the body return to a normal balance after being put under stressful circumstances.
- L-Tyrosine is an amino acid (non-essential fatty acid) that is used to manufacture necessary neurotransmitters (including epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) which work together to regulate your mood. Also both dopamine and norepinephrine both required for normal, brain and nervous system function.
- Inositol is a vitamin-like substance which is closely associated with the B complex that supports brain health.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Dr. Minich, D. (2018, October 11). Eating for Your Neurotransmitters. FOOD & SPIRIT, LLC. https://www.deannaminich.com/eating-for-your-neurotransmitters/