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April 8, 2004 |
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Depression Depletion Equals Depression When your neurotransmitters are low, you are at a higher risk of developing mood-related medical problems. This is especially true for women with low serotonin levels. While it is not uncommon to see deficiencies in just one of these pathways, some women in their 40s and 50s may have imbalances or deficiencies in both pathways, resulting in a number of chronic conditions, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, low sex drive, food allergies, or even hypothyroidism. If you are deficient in one or both of these neurotransmitter pathways, you can correct this problem and then enjoy a high level of energy, well-being, and good health. Many factors besides the aging process may contribute to low levels of neurotransmitters, including stress, toxic chemicals, medications, and diet. When your body experiences stress, it releases neurotransmitters in response to the stress. The more stress you are under, the more neurotransmitters are released. In extreme cases, you can actually deplete your store of neurotransmitters, which in turns causes more stress, only this time the body cannot help itself. This is when disease and the other negative side effects I mentioned earlier start to occur. Toxic chemicals can also create havoc with neurotransmitter function. Nicotine, alcohol, pesticides, and some heavy metals can cause irreversible damage to neurons and neuron receptors. When the neurons and neuron receptors are damaged, additional neurotransmitters are needed to fill in the gaps. Some prescription medications can deplete your store of neurotransmitters. Ironically, commonly used antidepressants fall into this category. In many cases, these medications inhibit reabsorption of a neurotransmitter, so that your neurotransmitter levels stay elevated, when in actuality, you are producing less. Finally, a poor diet can also lead to neurotransmitter deficits. All of the neurotransmitter precursors I discussed above are synthesized from certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that must be obtained through your diet or from supplementation. Sadly, women who eat a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet are often deficient in these crucial nutrients.
Read More on Depression: Getting Started Quiz: How Balanced are Your Neurotransmitters? Keep it SIMPLE tip Secret Weapon Against Depression Nutritional Therapies Neurotransmitters Are Derived From Nutrients in Your Diet SAMe – the Natural Antidepressant Complementary Therapies Depression Release Breathing Exercise Yoga Pose for Depression Relief
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