Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter | Excitatory or Inhibitory | Function | Problem with too much or not enough |
|---|---|---|---|
Acetylcholine (ACh) | Excitatory | Critical to motor Movement | Alzheimer’s if your body is not producing enough |
Dopamine | Both depending on receptors | Motor movement, alertness, attention, mood enhancer, plays central role in positive reinforcement and dependency | Parkinsons if your body is not producing enough Schizophrenia if your body is producing too much |
Endorphins | Inhibitory | Pain control, stress reduction, feelings of pleasure (natural opiates) | Potentially involved in addiction if your body is not producing enough |
GABA (Gammaaminobutyric Acid) | Brains major inhibitory neurotransmitter | Motor control, vision, and other cortical functions, regulates anxiety | Seizures and insomnia if your body is not producing enough |
Glutamate | Excitatory | Learning and long-term memory | Associated with Alzheimer's Overstimulation of brain (seizures) (this is why people avoid products with MSG) |
Norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline) | Both depending on receptors | “Fight or flight” Controls alertness, arousal, elevates heart rate, circulation, respiration, etc. Mood elevation, attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning | Mood disorders if your body is not producing enough, ie manic depression ie |
Serotonin | Inhibitory | Mood regulation, hunger, sleep, regulating body temp, appetite and pain | Imbalances can cause depression, suicide, impulsive behaviour, and aggression |
Anandamide | Substance produced in the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors | Makes You Feel Very Good | Dark Pure chocolate increase |