This is a good short e-book with self-help tools to help keep your brain (and mood) healthy (Neurotransmitter Strengthening Protocol) Neurotransmitter-Strengthening Protocl e-book
Also, learn about dopamine here: https://drjockers.com/dopamine/
Serotonin here: https://drjockers.com/low-serotonin-levels/
An Introduction to the Science of Balanced Brain Health Support
Below is an article on supporting serotonin and the catecholamines, which play a significant role in supporting the brain, gut, and overall health.
Serotonin – known to control mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, and temperature regulation.
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (the catecholamines) – known to control movement, balance, motivation, and the drive for reward.
Why administering serotonin or catecholamines is not an option
Serotonin and the catecholamines cannot be directly administered to support brain health because they are unable to cross the protective layer around the brain known as the blood-brain barrier. Thankfully, serotonin can be supported by 5-HTP. The catecholamines can be supported by L-tyrosine and L-dopa (naturally sourced from Mucuna).
Serotonin Pathway
The Catecholamines Pathway
Our early research – shifting research to a bigger picture
When our clinical research began over twenty years ago, there was a lot of interests in 5-HTP, which supports serotonin. However, very few articles, companies or providers examined the importance of the catecholamines. As our clinical researched continued, it was clear that brain support needed more than 5 HTP.
Our early research – setting ourselves apart
As our research continued, we focused on supporting the enzyme that converts 5-HTP into serotonin and L-dopa into dopamine. As illustrated above, these reactions share the same enzyme. While the ratio and chemistry are more complex than intended to be covered in this introduction, this research found that when using nutritional supplements to support serotonin and the catecholamines, these nutrients must be balanced (discussed further below).
Without properly balanced nutrients, it is possible to do more harm than good when using amino acid support.
Our formulation and premium products
It took almost four years to research our amino acid formulas and almost six years before our products were available to healthcare providers because we wanted to be certain of accuracy, applicability, quality and consistency. Our products quickly found success because we have been able to offer quality controlled, premium ingredients that offer reliable, balanced brain, gut and overall health support. We are proud that research did not stop at our formulations. Twenty years later, our products continue to be used in on-going research and our commitment to quality has been unwavering.
Why does a shared enzyme matter to balanced amino acid administration?
A simple explanation is that administering 5-HTP at a ratio higher than recommended will reduce the access L-dopa has to the shared enzyme. L-dopa will not be able to convert into dopamine at the appropriate rate. The same is true if you administer tyrosine or L- dopa at a ratio higher than recommended. These precursors will crowd out 5-HTP, reducing its conversion into serotonin.
Eventually, the reduced conversion of the outnumbered group will result in the depletion of serotonin or dopamine, depending on which precursor is outnumbered. This depletion will have implications throughout the body. This depletion can occur from the administration of only serotonin precursors, only dopamine precursors, or an incorrectly balanced ratio of both.
This is why, It is possible to do more harm than good by administering incorrectly balanced amino acid precursors
A Few Key Points: Serotonin and Catecholamine Support – Beyond Balance
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Serotonin Support
- 5-HTP is the most direct way to support serotonin
- 5-HTP crosses the blood brain barrier
- 5-HTP is freely converted into serotonin without biochemical feedback inhibition
- 5-HTP is more efficient at supporting serotonin than tryptophan
For serotonin support, 5-HTP is superior to tryptophan because tryptophan hydroxylase, which converts tryptophan into 5-HTP, is limited in terms of enzymatic activity. Once tryptophan hydroxylase reached its threshold, additional tryptophan will not yield more 5- HTP. Therefore, tryptophan does not support serotonin as well as 5-HTP.
5-HTP is found in very trace amounts in a very small number of foods. Therefore, 5-HTP supplementation is the most direct way of administering additional 5-HTP.
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Catecholamine Support
- L-tyrosine and L-dopa have an important role in supporting the catecholamine system
- L-tyrosine and L-dopa cross the brain’s protective layer.
When supplementing with L-dopa, L-tyrosine supports normal L-dopa levels in the body without fluctuations. L-dopa is the intermediary molecule between L-tyrosine and dopamine. L-tyrosine’s ability to maintain normal L-dopa levels is essential for consistent catecholamine levels. Until recently, L-tyrosine’s importance was not well understood, making it an often overlooked nutrient for supporting catecholamine health.
L-dopa (naturally sourced from Mucuna) is more effective at supporting dopamine assuming that adequate levels of L-tyrosine are present. Therefore, many healthcare professionals choose to use L-tyrosine as a supporting base and increase Mucuna levels when they determine that addition dopamine support is beneficial.
Peer-reviewed scientific studies testing CHK Nutrition’s amino acid formulas can be found in the following journals, as well as on PubMed and Dove Press websites:
- “Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment” (Multiple Studies).
- “Book: Food and Nutrients in Disease Management”
- “Open Access Journal of Urology”(Multiple Studies)
- “Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment” (Multiple Studies)
- “Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology”
- “International Journal of General Medicine” (Multiple Studies)
- “International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease”
- “Healthcare and Patient Safety”(Multiple Studies)
- “Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications” (Multiple Studies)
Please note: These studies are intended to support structure-functions claims made regarding CHK Nutrition’s products. The studies may involve findings that discuss uses that go outside CHK Nutrition’s product labeling and product structure-function claims. This information is NOT presented to make drug claims about CHK Nutrition’s products. The intent of providing this information is to disseminate the scientific literature currently available about the CHK Nutrition products and the structure-function claims that we offer. Please read these studies to understand the strengths and limitations of the data.
Important: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.
Note: Please note, I am not endorsing any specific product, brand, or website. These are resources for your own research and education.
