Clinically reviewed by Adair Anderson,  MS, RDN, LDN

The brain relies on neurotransmitters to keep everything from mood to digestion running smoothly. An imbalance of these chemical messengers can cause a ripple effect across the body, contributing to mental health disorders, sleep issues, digestive problems, and even chronic disease. For integrative health professionals, understanding neurotransmitter function is critical to providing targeted, effective care.

In this article, we’ll explore what neurotransmitters are, how they work, and why they’re essential to overall health. We'll also cover common health issues linked to neurotransmitter imbalances and offer strategies to support neurotransmitter health through diet, lifestyle, and therapeutic approaches. Understanding this biochemical foundation can help practitioners create more personalized treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.Table of Contents

What Are Neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are molecules produced by the nervous system to communicate across different parts of the body. Think of them as biochemical “text messages” sent between cells to trigger or suppress specific actions. When a neuron needs to send a message, it releases neurotransmitters into the tiny gap—called a synapse—between itself and the receiving cell. The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the target cell, activating a specific response.

Why Neurotransmitters Are Essential for Wellbeing

Neurotransmitters are essential to a wide range of bodily functions, including:

• Emotional regulation: Chemicals like serotonin and dopamine influence our mood, motivation, and emotional health.¹
• Sleep patterns: Neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin help regulate sleep cycles.²
• Cognition: Chemicals such as acetylcholine contribute to memory, attention, and learning.
• Heart rate and muscle contraction: Neurotransmitters also play roles in regulating heart rate, muscle control, and digestion.³

Imbalances in neurotransmitter levels are often linked to mental health disorders, digestive issues, and chronic disease.¹ The Vibrant Wellness Neurotransmitters Panel can be a valuable tool here, offering practitioners a clear, individualized picture of a patient’s neurotransmitter levels. This urine-based test provides insight into how the nervous system is communicating and can help pinpoint specific imbalances that may be affecting health.

How Neurotransmitters Work

The process by which neurotransmitters function is as fascinating as it is complex. Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles within neurons and are released in response to electrical impulses.

Here’s a closer look at how they work in the body:

Synthesis and Storage

Neurotransmitters are synthesized within the neuron, often from amino acids in our diet. Once created, they are stored in vesicles– small sac-like structures – within the neuron’s terminal end.

Release into the Synapse

Binding to Receptors

Reuptake or Breakdown

After delivering their message, neurotransmitters are either reabsorbed by the releasing neuron (reuptake) or broken down by enzymes. This ensures that the neurotransmitter’s effect is temporary and that the neuron is ready to send a new message when needed.

This process keeps communication in the nervous system fast and precise. Without this constant signaling, our bodies couldn’t respond to the stimuli of our daily lives in real-time. Neurotransmitter testing can reveal disruptions within this pathway, helping practitioners identify where issues may arise—whether in synthesis, release, receptor binding, or reuptake.

Types of Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are generally categorized into two types based on their effects: excitatory and inhibitory. Each type plays a unique role in regulating our nervous system's balance.

1. Excitatory Neurotransmitters

• • Dopamine: Known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, dopamine plays a critical role in motivation, pleasure, and reward. It is often associated with activities that bring joy or accomplishment.⁵
  • Glutamate: The most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate is essential for cognitive functions like memory and learning.⁶
  • Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline): Involved in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, norepinephrine helps increase alertness and energy.⁷

2. Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

• • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Known for its calming effects, GABA helps regulate anxiety and promotes relaxation.⁸
  • Serotonin: Often associated with mood regulation, serotonin also plays roles in digestion, sleep, and wound healing.⁹

The Impact of Neurotransmitters on Health

Because neurotransmitters affect so many systems, they have a broad implications on health. A balanced neurotransmitter system contributes to emotional stability, cognitive clarity, and physical wellness. However, imbalances or deficiencies in neurotransmitters can disrupt this balance and lead to a variety of issues, including:

Mental Health

Neurotransmitter imbalances are often linked to mental health disorders. For instance, low serotonin levels are associated with depression¹⁰, while high dopamine levels have been linked to Parkinsons.¹¹

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA are involved in regulating sleep¹². Low levels of these chemicals can lead to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, impacting overall health.

Pain Perception

Endorphins and serotonin influence how the body perceives pain¹³. Low endorphin levels, for example, can increase sensitivity to pain, whereas adequate levels help provide pain relief.¹⁴

Digestion and Appetite

Neurotransmitters also impact digestive health¹⁵. For example, serotonin is heavily involved in the digestive tract and helps regulate bowel movements. Additionally, dopamine and serotonin play a role in appetite, influencing cravings and satiety.

Cognitive Functions

Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and glutamate¹⁶ are essential for cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and learning. Acetylcholine, in particular, is vital for forming new memories and maintaining mental clarity.¹⁷

Common Health Issues Linked to Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Understanding the connection between neurotransmitters and health issues can help in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions, including:

Depression and Anxiety

• Serotonin: Known as the “happiness molecule,” serotonin affects mood, sleep, and appetite. Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression and anxiety.¹⁰
• GABA: Reduced GABA levels are linked to increased anxiety, as GABA acts to calm the nervous system.¹¹

Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

• Dopamine: Imbalances in dopamine levels are implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. High dopamine levels are often associated with psychotic symptoms.¹⁸
• Glutamate: Emerging research suggests that glutamate may also play a role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, particularly in cognitive and mood regulation.¹⁹

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Dopamine and Norepinephrine: Both of these neurotransmitters play a role in focus and attention. Low levels of dopamine in particular are linked to ADHD symptoms.²⁰

Parkinson's Disease

• Dopamine: A shortage of dopamine due to neuron loss in specific brain areas leads to motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including tremors and stiffness.²¹

Complementary Lab Tests for Deeper Insights

For a fuller understanding of the factors influencing neurotransmitter levels, the Neurotransmitter Test pairs well with additional lab tests, including:

• The Micronutrient Panel: Many neurotransmitter synthesis pathways rely on specific nutrients as cofactors. Testing for levels of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients can provide essential context when interpreting neurotransmitter results.
• Gut Zoomer: The gut plays a major role in neurotransmitter synthesis, especially for serotonin. Testing for gut health and nutrient absorption can reveal whether impaired digestion may be contributing to neurotransmitter imbalances.
• Neural Zoomer Plus: This test assesses antibodies to neurotransmitter receptors, which can help identify autoimmune reactions that may be interfering with neurotransmitter function.
• Methylation Panel: Since many neurotransmitters rely on methylation for synthesis and degradation, this test can help identify issues in the methylation cycle that might be impacting neurotransmitter balance.
• Total Tox Burden: Toxins can interfere with neurotransmitter synthesis, receptor function, and overall nervous system health. This test evaluates environmental toxin exposure that may contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances.
• Hormone Testing: Hormones and neurotransmitters interact closely, influencing mood, energy levels, and stress response. Hormone testing can provide insight into whether hormone imbalances are affecting neurotransmitter levels.
• Wheat Zoomer: For patients sensitive to gluten, this test can help assess how gluten exposure might be impacting neurotransmitter pathways, especially the balance between glutamate and GABA.

Supporting Healthy Neurotransmitter Function

Maintaining balanced neurotransmitter levels can be achieved through lifestyle changes, diet, and targeted therapies. Here are some ways to support healthy neurotransmitter function:

Nutrition

Protein-rich foods such as chicken and eggs provide amino acids that serve as building blocks for neurotransmitters like serotonin (from tryptophan) and dopamine (from tyrosine). Omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish or flaxseeds), antioxidants (from colorful fruits and vegetables), and B vitamins (from whole grains and leafy greens) also support neurotransmitter synthesis.

Exercise

Physical activity increases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin levels, helping to improve mood and resilience to stress. Regular exercise has also been shown to improve overall neurotransmitter balance, benefiting mental and physical health.

Sleep Hygiene

Quality sleep is essential for neurotransmitter regulation. During deep sleep, neurotransmitter levels are restored, and brain pathways are recharged. Practicing good sleep hygiene—like keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding electronics before bed—can help maintain healthy neurotransmitter function.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can deplete neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, increasing vulnerability to mental health disorders. Mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation techniques help manage stress and counteract this effect.

Final Takeaway for Practitioners

Neurotransmitters form the body’s essential communication network, affecting both physical and mental health. For integrative health professionals, understanding neurotransmitter function and testing options can provide a powerful tool for offering personalized, targeted care. By identifying and addressing neurotransmitter imbalances through lab testing and lifestyle interventions, practitioners can support patients in achieving greater emotional resilience, cognitive clarity, and overall wellness.

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Regulatory Statement:

The general wellness test intended uses relate to sustaining or offering general improvement to functions associated with a general state of health while making reference to diseases or conditions. This test has been laboratory developed and its performance characteristics determined by Vibrant America LLC and Vibrant Genomics, a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory performing the test. The lab tests referenced have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although FDA does not currently clear or approve laboratory-developed tests in the U.S., certification of the laboratory is required under CLIA to ensure the quality and validity of the test.