Neurotransmitters

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and neurotransmitter released by the adrenal glands. It plays a crucial role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for rapid action during stress. Adrenaline increases heart rate, dilates airways, and boosts energy availability, supporting quick and effective survival reactions.

Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that supports the brain’s reward and motivation systems. It plays vital roles in regulating mood, pleasure, focus, memory, and movement control. Imbalances in dopamine levels can impact mental well-being and are associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, vital for reducing neuronal excitability and maintaining the balance of the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep by encouraging relaxation and counteracting the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. Proper GABA function supports mental and emotional well-being.

Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. It is essential for brain development and synaptic plasticity. However, excessive levels of glutamate can cause neuronal overstimulation, leading to potential neurotoxicity. This balance makes glutamate crucial for normal brain function while also linking it to various neurological disorders.

The noradrenaline/adrenaline (NA/A) ratio is a measure that reflects the balance between two key stress hormones — noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Both play vital roles in the body’s fight-or-flight response, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilisation. This ratio can shift in response to factors such as stress, physical activity, and overall health status.

Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a chemical that acts both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It plays a crucial role in the fight-or-flight response, increasing alertness, arousal, and reaction speed. Noradrenaline also contributes to mood regulation and helps maintain blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter often referred to as the “happiness chemical,” involved in regulating mood and emotional well-being. It also plays important roles in sleep, digestion, bone health, and blood clotting. Mainly produced in the gut, serotonin influences both the brain and body by affecting various physiological functions and emotional states. Imbalances in serotonin levels can have significant effects on mental and physical health.