Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in the nervous system that relay signals in the body, much like emails relay information from one person to the next. Due to stress, poor diet or genetic factors, these chemical messengers can become imbalanced over time leading to a variety of symptoms and conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, headaches, migraines, fatigue, weight issues, insomnia, memory problems, and chronic pain. Advances in scientific technology now provide the ability to measure these neurotransmitters to identify what is out of balance. Discovering your neurotransmitter excretion values in urine provides information on how to support the body using customized diet and nutrient regimens for optimal health.
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine play important roles, collectively, in focus, memory, attention, and the pleasure and reward system.
The urinary excretion of these neurotransmitters do not provide a direct measure of the those in the brain, however they do show what is happening in the central nervous system as a whole, which correlates to brain function. Neurotransmitters produced in the brain, cross the blood-brain barrier where they enter the blood, some are made in the gut (95% serotonin), and by other tissues. These neurotransmitters are then filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Neurotransmitter excretion reflects overall neurotransmitter health which can contribute to mood-related issues.
Researched enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) is used for the quantitative and sensitive determination of neurotransmitter levels. (Tecan Sunrise ELISA microplate readers are utilized.) All samples (as well as standards and controls) are run in duplicates with ELISA assay formats.
Please note that all parameters are calculated around creatinine. Higher creatinine levels will result in lower values for neurotransmitters across the board. Lower creatinine will result in higher values across the board. It is important to note that it is the ratio between specific neurotransmitters and not the individual parameters that are being assessed.
Ok, But What Does All of That Mean?
Basically, if you have issues focusing or find yourself asking, "why is my memory so bad?" the answer may be related to chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, that communicate messages between cells. These guys are the information super-highway responsible for just about everything from basic metabolic processes to... you guessed it—focus and memory. Dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and histamine are some of the busy-body neurotransmitters that can impact focus and memory (positively and negatively)—it really just depends on the chemical balance, or chemical imbalance, of these neurotransmitters.
Finding out is easy! It's a simple at home urine test, your results are delivered securely online (#DataPrivacy) and, if things aren't looking good, our Clinical Nutritionists will create a custom regimen of professional-grade supplements for improving memory or supplements to improve your focus. So let's get focused on the issues and don't forget, our Clinical Nutritionists are here for you every step of the way!