Neurotransmitter Evaluation
What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are an integral part of the body’s nervous system. They are chemical messengers that are released by neurons in order to communicate with other neurons and control other cells in the body. The neurons are not connected to target cells; instead, chemical messages are relayed by neurotransmitters flowing across a gap between the cells, called a synapse. The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the surface of the target cells in a lock-and-key fashion.
Are there different types of Neurotransmitters?
Did you realize there are over 100 neurotransmitters that have been identified in the human brain?
You’ve probably heard of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters. Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is also a neurotransmitter. Melatonin, histamine, and acetylcholine? Yep –all neurotransmitters! Other neurotransmitters you might not have heard of but which perform crucial functions include glutamate (important in memory and learning) and GABA (promotes muscle relaxation and relieves anxiety).
What are neurotransmitter imbalances?
When we have imbalances in neurotransmitter levels, neurons cannot communicate as effectively with each other and with target cells. This results in a vast array of medical conditions, both physical and psychological.
Most of us know that imbalances in the neurotransmitter serotonin are strongly linked with depression and mood swings. This discovery was the basis of researchers developing drugs such as Prozac and Paxil, which are called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Dopamine depletion in the brain is the cause of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Imbalances in any type of neurotransmitter can cause significant problems. That’s why the neurotransmitter testing – performed by Dr. Shiva Lalezar, a respected Los Angeles holistic doctor and family practitioner at LA’s Health and Vitality Center – is so valuable. Dr. Lalezar often finds that these imbalances may be the root cause of many serious diseases and conditions.
Dr. Lalezar’s unique Functional Medicine approach
A neurotransmitter evaluation can help discover the root cause of your discomfort.
Dr. Lalezar can provide a safe and effective holistic treatment using natural amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients, which allow your body to make its own neurotransmitters. At the Health and Vitality Center, we will typically obtain a baseline neurotransmitter level and then perform follow-up urine neurotransmitter testing so we can accurately assess the effectiveness of your treatment regimen.
How is a neurotransmitter evaluation performed?
Neurotransmitter testing is easy; you simply provide a urine sample and we send it to a specialized lab for evaluation of neurotransmitter levels. We use urine tests because blood levels of neurotransmitters tend to be very low and thus unreliable for testing purposes.
What underlying medical conditions might be identified by neurotransmitter evaluation?
- Depression and Mood Swings
- Memory Problems and Brain Fog
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Heavy Metal Burden/Heavy Metal Overload
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Food allergies
- Digestive disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Substance abuse
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Bacterial and fungal overgrowth; infections
- Parasites
Treatment Options for Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Based on the results of this diagnostic test, we may recommend the following treatments:
- Allergy-elimination/anti-inflammatory diet
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics
- Infusion therapies (IV therapies)
- Nutritional supplements:
- Amino acids and other nutrients stimulate neurotransmitter biosynthesis
How do I learn more about getting a neurotransmitter evaluation?
Call the Health & Vitality Center at 310-477-1166 or click here to schedule an appointment. We are one of the leading centers for natural medicine in Los Angeles. Holistic doctor Shiva Lalezar, D.O. utilizes neurotransmitter evaluation to identify specific biochemical imbalances in the brain. Dr. Lalezar designs a customized, comprehensive treatment plan for you to re-balance and replenish the appropriate neurotransmitters.
As in all of Functional Medicine, the focus is on using sophisticated diagnostic tests to determine the underlying causes of disease processes rather than merely treating the symptoms. Our practice uses an integrative approach, combining the best conventional therapies with the latest techniques and treatments in Functional Medicine for optimal results.
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