How Is Your Mood? by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD
Human beings tend to have moods. From happy, sad, anxious, depressed, etc. But sometimes we get downright moody. Othertimes we get stuck in one particular mood. Many of my patients would like to modulate and alter their moods by using natural products and techniques instead of drugs or alcohol.
Let me discuss some options.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals manufactured in the brain and in the gut. The proper balance of these chemicals will help you to feel good and function better in life. We can scientifically measure your level of various neurotransmitters through a saliva and urine test. Contact me if you’d like to try it. It’s a simple kit that you do at home and send in. The report tells you which of your neurotransmitters are too high or deficient, and which supplements you can take to correct your imbalances.
Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in mood. Dopamine causes alertness, motivation, enthusiasm, motor control, immune function, confidence, optimism, sexual desire, fat loss, bone density, ability to sleep soundly, thinking, planning, sociability, problem solving, and an increase in brain and creative ability.
Natural techniques for increasing dopamine are exercise, walking, dancing, singing, acupuncture, meditation and relaxation.
Natural substances you can take to increase your dopamine levels include, the herb macuna, as well as L-tyrosine, and DLPhenylalanine. You can experiment with these supplements yourself or you can take the test to see if you need a supplement, or go to a practitioner like myself who specializes in mood disorders.
Menopausal mood swings, post partum depression, ADD and ADHD are also positively affected by balanced neurotransmitters and in particular Dopamine balance.
Coffee and Tea may also positively affect your levels of dopamine. The herbs CBC and Jiaoglulan also positively affect your levels of dopamine.
Herbs and supplements that are effective for relaxation include Valencia, Hops, 5-HTP, Tryptophan, and GABA.
Many people take anti anxiety and anti depressant prescription medications not realizing that for most people you can achieve the same results using natural products along with acupuncture, exercise and meditation.
Diet is also important is achieving a healthy brain function and mood. The three diets that will benefit most people are the Macrobiotic, Mediterranean Diet, and Paleo. All of these diets have a few things in common: Low simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, high in fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean, organic protein/meats.
Additionally it’s important to balance the microflora in the gut by taking a full spectrum probiotic as well as digestive enzymes. If you’d like more information, please contact me.
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