Neurotransmitter Testing

At David Allen Nutrition, we offer non-invasive urine and saliva tests to provide a convenient, at-home collection method to test for any imbalances of neurotransmitters.  Some biomarkers that we analyze are serotonin, GABA, Glutamate, Dopamine, DHEA, Cortisol, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine. Achieving a well-balanced level of neurotransmitters in the body modulates feelings of well-being, satisfaction, calmness and sleep.

Not only are the overall levels of neurotransmitters important to analyze, the way that they rise and fall throughout the day is also crucial to maintain optimal brain and body functions. For example, cortisol, the stress hormone that regulates the immune system and energy level, should be the highest in the morning and gradually levels off as one gets through the day. Low cortisol levels at night promote better and deeper sleep.

[blockquote cite=”Allison Mueller” image=”http://davidallennutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Allison-Mueller.jpg” align=”right”]I eat really clean and I work out alot, but I never feel good. A month after being with David I felt like a different person. [/blockquote]

Neurotransmitter testing is helpful to address mild to severe forms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea and autism. Once areas of imbalance have been identified, nutrition is an excellent tool to reverse symptoms and lessen disease conditions in place of traditional drug therapies. Nutritional protocols are natural, not detrimental to bodily organs, have fewer side effects and have a longer lasting effect than active drugs.

Believe it or not, there are many neurotransmitters that reside in our gut. Ever wondered why our thanksgiving turkey dinner makes us sleepy? The abundant amino acid found in turkey, tryptophan, is a precursor to the calming neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin gives us a sense of well-being, peacefulness and stimulates sleep. Due to the fact that there are many neurotransmitters found in our gut, food becomes a drug to us, and that is why we turn to food at times of sadness or happiness. Other times, people reach for food to gain more energy when they are fatigued, but what neurotransmitters may be the real culprit behind the lack of energy.

In addition to improving cognitive function and neurological disorders, achieving an even balance of neurotransmitters also has the ability to prevent stress eating and promote satiety with meals. Reaching an optimal balance of neurotransmitters can be natural and easy with food, nutrient supplementation and lifestyle changes. But first, testing for your current levels is crucial and the safest way before starting any kind of regimen.