The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in nature. It is responsible for coordinating thousands of processes. The center of the nervous system is the brain, which contains over 100 billion specialized cells called neurons. The nervous system also contains very important chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell the heart to beat, the lungs to breathe, and the stomach to digest. Neurotransmitters are also necessary for thought processes, emotions, and other essential body functions including sleep, energy, and fear.
Clearly, a system with this much responsibility needs to function properly in order for an animal to remain healthy. Unfortunately, the nervous system can be disrupted by a number of factors such as stress, poor diet, toxic chemicals, infections, and genetics. These factors can cause the levels of neurotransmitters to become too high or too low. Imbalanced neurotransmitter levels can lead to: anxiousness, fatigue, fear, and behavioral problems.
Every behaves differently. Some are inhibitory, meaning they tend to calm the brain. Others are excitatory and have the opposite effect. For example, extensive scientific research has revealed a close link between imbalances in gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA, the central nervous system's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) and anxiety disorders. Elevations in a number of excitatory neurotransmitters including: epinephrine, norepinephrine, PEA, glutamate, and histamine may also be associated with anxiety disorders.
Most of the drug-based methods used to treat anxiety include chemicals that either imitate a neurotransmitter or redistribute existing neurotransmitters. Many affect serotonin, and some affect other neurotransmitters like GABA, norepinephrine, or dopamine. It is generally believed that drugs supporting serotonin signaling will be beneficial when anxiety results from a lack of serotonin and that GABA supporting drugs will be effective when symptoms are caused by a lack of GABA. While the idea of matching a drug to a chemical imbalance is generally supported, the vast majority of healthcare practitioners prescribe psychological drugs based only on an individual's symptoms and very few try and match a drug to a biochemical imbalance. This may explain why some drugs are ineffective for some individuals.
The good news is that neurotransmitter levels can be measured and options for improving nervous system function can be developed. Neurotransmitter function can be supported with nutrient-based programs. Neurotransmitters are made from various components of food in a normal, healthy diet. Increasing the amounts of these dietary constituents can help maintain normal neurotransmitter levels.
John B. Smith, DVM ♦ "The Dog Doctor" ♦ DrJohn@DogDoctor.us ♦ 734-434-9055 ♦ 2894 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197