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Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that relay signals between nerve cells and are present throughout the body. Many children who experience attention and hyperactivity issues may suffer from a neurotransmitter imbalance.
The precursors to the neurotransmitters (amino acids) are synthesized in the gut. Diets high in carbohydrates, refined foods and sugar can lead to imbalances of the amino acids and neurotransmitters.
Additionally, underlying food sensitivities to the proteins found in wheat, dairy, soy or eggs may set up a chronic inflammatory process within the gut leading to imbalances in the neurotransmitters.
A neurotransmitter Urine test and a Food Intolerance Saliva test offer an easy way, both for the parents and the child, to collect specimen samples and evaluate neurotransmitters and food sensitivities. Urine is used to test the neurotransmitters and their metabolites which are excreted in the urine. The saliva test measures salivary IgA (SIgA), and if present, antibodies to dairy, wheat, soy and egg.
Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine (PEA) play key roles in maintaining normal attentiveness and behavior. Norepinephrine is normally involved in vigilance and wakefulness; however, high levels of norepinephrine can reduce the rate of information processing and reduce attentiveness1. Epinephrine and norepinephrine enhance memory formation. Patients with attention issues display decreased urinary epinephrine levels which may contribute to difficulties in information retrieval 2,3,4. Dopamine is involved in one’s frustration tolerance, so low levels of dopamine may correlate with increased impulsivity and a lower frustration threshold5. PEA is an excitatory neurotransmitter that appears to be involved in the ability to focus and tends to be lower in patients struggling with attention issues6. Not only are optimal levels of these neurotransmitters necessary to maintain focus, but an imbalance in one neurotransmitter is likely to affect other neurotransmitters.
Once urine and saliva testing has determined imbalances and/or food sensitivities, clinical protocols can be designed to optimize a patients neurotransmitter levels.
If food sensitivities are present, the first step is to clean up the child’s diet, eliminating the food group that is causing the inflammatory process.
Next a protocol using amino acids and herbs is used based on the underlying imbalances as revealed from the urine test. A typical protocol may consist of:
TravaCor provides support for the inhibitory neurotransmitter system through a combination of amino acids with vitamin and mineral cofactors. The formula is packaged in a small capsule, making it easier for children. The amino acid L-theanine is included and has been widely studied for its ability to produce a calming effect and prevent overstimulation. TravaCor is recommended for anxious individuals, and those with restlessness. TravaCor does not contain any amino acids that are excitatory,
Calm-PRT designed to relieve stress and restore proper communication within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Calm-PRT contains an extract of the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea, a source of biologically-active rosavins, which have been found to decrease the effects of stress and fatigue. Rosavins have also been shown to help with the cognitive function of recall and focus.
Using this protocol for a child with ADD, one would expect improvements in restlessness, fidgeting and focus.
Urine and saliva testing offers the health care practitioner an important aspect for addressing neurotransmitter related conditions for the child with ADD. Testing serves three important goals:
· Quantitatively establishes the need for intervention
· Guides the practitioner towards the proper nutritional protocol
· Allows the practitioner to monitor the effectiveness of the protocol
REFERENCE LIST
1. Berridge, C. W. and Waterhouse, B. D. The locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system: modulation of behavioral state and state-dependent cognitive processes. (2003) Brain Res.Brain Res. Rev. 42(1): 33-84.
2. Hanna, G. L., Ornitz, E. M., and Hariharan, M. Urinary epinephrine excretion during intelligence testing in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal boys. (9-15-1996) Biol. Psychiatry. 40(6): 553-555.
3. Hanna, G. L., Ornitz, E. M., and Hariharan, M. Urinary catecholamine excretion and behavioral differences in ADHD and normal boys. (1996) J.Child Adolesc.Psychopharmacol. 6(1): 63-73.
4. Konrad, K., Gauggel, S., and Schurek, J. Catecholamine functioning in children with traumatic brain injuries and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (2003) Brain Res.Cogn Brain Res. 16(3): 425-433.
5. Williams, J. and Dayan, P. Dopamine, learning, and impulsivity: a biological account of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (2005) J.Child Adolesc.Psychopharmacol. 15(2): 160-179.
6. Baker, G. B., Bornstein, R. A., Rouget, A. C., Ashton, S. E., Van Muyden, J. C., and Coutts, R. T. Phenylethylaminergic mechanisms in attention-deficit disorder. (1-1-1991) Biol.Psychiatry.29(1): 15-22.
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