Depression is one of the many symptoms linked to amino acid deficiencies. Once thought primarily a mental or neurological condition, it turns out that depression can also be a problem with nutrition.
The body runs on 22 amino acids -- each with their own names and unique duties to perform. A special few amino acids are precursor to brain chemicals -- the neurotransmitters -- that regulate our mood. This article aims to explain the link between amino acid deficiencies and depression, and why is amino acids and nutrient testing important.
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate our mood and appetite. When the body is flushed with neurotranmitters, you'll get to experience first hand all the synonyms for happy. However, when the levels of these brain chemicals are way down, you get the exact opposite -- lethargy, melancholy and depression.
The five key neurotransmitters that affect our moods are:
Endorphins - The body's natural painkiller.
Serotonin - Natural anti-depressant and sleep promoter.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid) - Natural tranquilizer.
Catecholamines - Examples of catecholamines are norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. They are the body's natural tranquilizer and helps you focus.
Glucose - Adequate levels keeps brain fuel supplies stable.
What affects neurotransmitter levels?
The causes of neurotransmitter repletion includes; high consumption of mind altering substances, high consumption of sugar and caffeine, chronic stress, food allergies and sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies. Certain amino acids such as; tryptophan, taurine, theanine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and glutamine, are precursors for neutransmitters.
It is important to have your amino acid levels tested to confirm if your depression is caused by nutritional deficiencies.
Amino acids and nutrient testing
Amino acid testing are usually done through blood and/or urine sampling. Blood testing assesses the levels of amino acids present within the circulatory system at the time of sampling. While urine amino acids, which require more samples throughout a 24-hour period, assesses the amino acid activities on the specific times of the day. These laboratory tests determine the overall state of amino acids levels of your body and help diagnose whether your depression is caused by deficiency of the special amino acids that fuel the neurotransmitters or cause by other conditions.
Depression is just one among the many body health conditions that can result from amino acids and nutrient deficiency. If you or a loved one is feeling overly melancholic, consult your doctor. If tests reveal your condition is caused by the lack of nutrients, it’s nothing that healthy diet of foods with amino acids, a change in lifestyle and some supplementation can’t help.
Showing posts with label amino acids deficiency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amino acids deficiency. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Amino Acid Nutrient Testing - Restoring Ideal Amino Acids Level
Amino acid nutrient testing is a critical tool for assessment of your body's amino acids levels. It determines any deficiencies of certain amino acids that might be causing symptoms like, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain and overall lack of vitality. This article aims to shed light to how you can use nutrient testing and diagnosis to start treatment and restore your body's ideal amino acids level.
Amino acids are the basic building block of protein. It is critical in functions of cells and tissues which affects the bigger body functions such as immune system function, body metabolism, cardiovascular function and neurological function.
A healthy body needs the a combination of the ideal level amino acids - twenty, in all. They are categorized as essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that the body can not produce and to obtain them, we need to consume foods rich with amino acids. On the other hand, non-essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize on its own.
Amino Acid Deficiencies
Specific amino acids have specific functions. Arginine, for example, influence mood and has a great impact on weight loss by processing fats for burning. The lack of arginine in the body can lead to depression as well as weight gain. You can find the different symptoms of amino acid deficiencies in my previous post "Amino Acids and Nutrient Testing."
Causes
The causes of amino acids deficiencies are varied but it is reflective of dietary and lifestyle choices. Some of the causes of imbalances include:
Not getting enough protein
Your digestive system can't break down your dietary protein properly
You are insulin resistant (amino acids may note be able to get into your cells where they are needed)
Chronic stress
Toxic elements in your body (this used up certain amino acids quickly)
Amino Acid Nutrient Testing
Urine amino acids and blood amino acids are the gold standard for amino acids nutrient testing. Blood testing assesses the amino acids and nutrients of general blood circulation and provides and overall picture of essential and non-essential amino acids. Urine amino acid are normally done as a 24-hour urine collection, it provides detailed information about the patient's body amino acids storage and circulation throughout the day.
If you are exhibiting symptoms related to amino acids deficiencies, consult your doctor so you can get tested immediately. Laboratory tests are able to determine your body's amino acid levels and detect particular amino acid that needs attention. From these test results, doctor draw up treatment and management plans to restore your ideal amino acids levels.
Amino acids are the basic building block of protein. It is critical in functions of cells and tissues which affects the bigger body functions such as immune system function, body metabolism, cardiovascular function and neurological function.
A healthy body needs the a combination of the ideal level amino acids - twenty, in all. They are categorized as essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that the body can not produce and to obtain them, we need to consume foods rich with amino acids. On the other hand, non-essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize on its own.
Amino Acid Deficiencies
Specific amino acids have specific functions. Arginine, for example, influence mood and has a great impact on weight loss by processing fats for burning. The lack of arginine in the body can lead to depression as well as weight gain. You can find the different symptoms of amino acid deficiencies in my previous post "Amino Acids and Nutrient Testing."
Causes
The causes of amino acids deficiencies are varied but it is reflective of dietary and lifestyle choices. Some of the causes of imbalances include:
Not getting enough protein
Your digestive system can't break down your dietary protein properly
You are insulin resistant (amino acids may note be able to get into your cells where they are needed)
Chronic stress
Toxic elements in your body (this used up certain amino acids quickly)
Amino Acid Nutrient Testing
Urine amino acids and blood amino acids are the gold standard for amino acids nutrient testing. Blood testing assesses the amino acids and nutrients of general blood circulation and provides and overall picture of essential and non-essential amino acids. Urine amino acid are normally done as a 24-hour urine collection, it provides detailed information about the patient's body amino acids storage and circulation throughout the day.
If you are exhibiting symptoms related to amino acids deficiencies, consult your doctor so you can get tested immediately. Laboratory tests are able to determine your body's amino acid levels and detect particular amino acid that needs attention. From these test results, doctor draw up treatment and management plans to restore your ideal amino acids levels.
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