Neurotransmitters

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and neurotransmitter secreted by the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for immediate action in stressful situations. Adrenaline increases heart rate, dilates airways, and boosts energy availability, enabling quick and effective survival reactions.

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that supports the brain’s reward and motivation systems. It plays essential roles in mood regulation, pleasure, focus, memory, and movement control. Imbalances in dopamine levels can affect mental well-being and are linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.

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

Glutamate is a crucial excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays an essential role in cognitive functions such as learning and memory. It is vital for brain development and synaptic plasticity. However, excessive levels of glutamate can lead to neuronal overstimulation, resulting in potential neurotoxicity. This delicate balance makes glutamate indispensable for normal brain function while also associating it with various neurological disorders.

The noradrenaline/adrenaline (NA/A) ratio is a metric that indicates the balance between two primary stress hormones — noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Both are essential in the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and energy release. This ratio can vary in response to factors such as stress, physical exertion, and overall health condition.

Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a chemical that acts both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It plays a vital role in the fight-or-flight response, increasing alertness, arousal, and reaction time. Noradrenaline also aids in mood regulation and helps sustain blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter often called 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.