Emotional and Psychological Considerations
When it comes to emotional well being, naturopathic doctors will focus on underlying causes of imbalance. Depression, anxiety, Attention deficit/ADHD, panic attacks, obsessions and compulsions and psychosis can be caused by low levels of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes. They control the appetite center of the brain, stimulate corticotropin releasing hormone, stimulate adrenalcorticotropic hormone and cortisol, regulate male and female sex hormones, regulate sleep, modulate mood and thought processes and control the ability to focus, concentrate, and remember things.
In addition to emotional imbalances, a neurotransmitter deficiency can also cause insomnia, irritable bowel, PMS/ hormone dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, obesity, eating disorders, adrenal dysfunction, chronic pain, and migraine headaches.
Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters. They are the brain’s chemical messengers. Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good, we feel more directed, motivated, and vibrant. Unfortunately, if neurotransmitter levels are inadequate these energizing and motivating signals are absent and we feel more stressed, sluggish, and out-of-control.
The most well known neurotransmitter to the public is serotonin. There are many others that come into play such as dopamine, noriepinephrine, and epinephrine to name a few.
Proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body. Proteins are the essential components of muscle tissue, organs, blood, enzymes, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in the brain. Your brain needs the proper nutrients everyday in order to manufacture proper levels of the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood.
At Conscious Living Alternatives will use laboratory evaluations to define nutritional and neurotransmiter deficiencies and determine if there is a physical cause for psychological or emotional disruption. Then natural medicine such as nutritional interventions and targeted amino acid therapy is used. Lifestyle counseling and other treatment modalities are also recommended to restore balance.