Neurotransmitters and Their Functions
Channel: Health4ever
Date: 2017-06-03

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow signals to cross synapses to transmit information from a nerve cell or neuron to a target cell. Neurotransmitters coordinate behavior by stimulating an action or inhibiting an impulse. The identification and function of neurotransmitters remains an open field of scientific study. However, we do now know that a single neuron can produce several different neurotransmitters.
Some of the more familiar identified neurotransmitters include:
Dopamine - Dopamine functions as both an inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter and is critical for memory and motor skills. Dopamine plays a role in behavior, learning, sleep, mood, focus, attention, immune health and pleasurable reward.
GABA - As the major inhibitory neurotransmitter widely distributed in the brain, GABA is considered a significant mood modulator. When GABA levels are too low or GABA action is impaired, neurons can become overexcited, which can lead to restlessness, anxiety and irritability.
Glutamate - The most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, glutamate is an excitatory relative of GABA that is involved in most aspects of brain functioning, including cognition, learning and memory. Glutamate is considered a major mediator of excitatory signals, regulating brain development as well as the elimination and formation of nerve synapses.
Serotonin - Present in the brain and digestive tract, inhibitory neurotransmitter Serotonin has been identified as an important factor in mood, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, emotions and the regulation of appetite and body temperature. Serotonin imbalances are involved in depression, impulsive behavior, sleep and emotional disorders, increased appetite and aggressiveness.
Acetylcholine (ACh) - This widely distributed excitatory neurotransmitter was the first neurotransmitter to be identified. ACh triggers voluntary muscle contraction, controls the heartbeat and stimulates the excretion of certain hormones.
Research suggests that ACh may be critical for sleep, attentiveness, sexuality and memory.
Norepinephrine - Also known as nor-adrenaline and widely distributed throughout the body, norepinephrine acts as a neuromodulator, optimizing brain performance. As part of the body's fight or flight response, norepinephrine quickly provides an accurate assessment of danger or stressful situations. Excessive amounts of this chemical, especially when no actual danger exists, can leave you anxious and hyperactive.
Epinephrine - Widely known as adrenaline, epinephrine is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone that is essential to metabolism, attention, mental focus and our innate response to stress, fear, anger, panic or excitement. Abnormal levels of epinephrine are linked to sleep disorders, anxiety, hypertension and lowered immunity. The importance of neurotransmitters cannot be understated as they have a part in so many processes within the body. If you have any questions or would like to speak to our registered nurse about choosing the right vitamins and supplements for you, please call or email the Professional Supplement Center and one of our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
Wikipedia Neurotransmitters: