Stress Causes and Brain Chemical Imbalances

STRESS CAUSES PROBLEMS FOR YOUR BRAIN

The trick to overcoming stress, from the brain's standpoint, is to restore normal neurotransmitter function and regulate neurochemical balance. Or maybe even create it for the first time!

What is a neurotransmitter?

These are the chemical messengers made by our neurons (brain cells)that control our mind, mood and behavior. A brain with good neurotransmitter function can more easily regulate its neurochemical balance.

Ordinary life stress has a big negative impact on brain chemistry, especially an already struggling brain that does not have the raw materials it needs for its neurons to function well. Add stress to a struggling brain and it can cause you to become depressed, or irritable, or agitated, or a host of other stress responses.

You can restore brain chemical balance by supplying your brain with the raw materials needed to manufacture neurotransmitters. Nutritional supplements can restore chemical balance because neurotransmitters are literally made from nutrients - amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Giving your brain what it needs works quickly and effectively to helping you manage stress more effectively.

NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND THEIR FUNCTION

Dopamine, norepinephrone (NE)- Stimulating, Mood Elevating
Serotonin, GABA - Calming, Feeling Good
Acetylcholine - Mental Function and Memory

Endorphines - Mood Elevating

NEUROTRANSMITTER PRECURSORS NEEDED FROM FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTSDLPAL-GlutamineTyrosine

BRAIN STRESS CAUSES ADDICTIONS

The combination of addictions and stress causes a double whammy for brain function, however it can be greatly helped by restoring your neurotransmitter function and neurochemical balance.

Depressants (alcohol, marijuana, benzodiazepines, or opiates) by taking the edge off, relieving irritability and discomfort.

Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, and methamphetamine, by helping you stay positive and alert without them.

Prescription Medications, preventing withdrawal symptoms or "discontinuation syndrome" (to be done under medical supervision) by balancing brain chemistry.

THE BRAIN STRESS RECOVERY RX

Good brain care that includes lots of restorative sleep, pure water and a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids (EFA's) like fish oils, nutrients and fresh live food will go a long way towards recovery from brain chemical imbalances.

Low Moods, stress, anxiety, lack of motivation, impaired attention and concentration are improved by providing essential amino acids.

Difficulty with Focus and Concentration, are improved by providing neuron performance enhancing nutrients.

THE BRAIN ANTI-STRESS DIET

Eat small frequent meals, with slow releasing complex carbohydrate foods, and foods rich in protein.

Drink at least 1 to 2 quarts per day of pure water.

Eat fish 3 times a week or more, and take quality fish oil supplements.

Eat fresh foods and whole foods, avoid processed foods

Eat lots (2 servings with each meal) of colorful, antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables at day.

THE BRAIN ANTI-STRESS MENTAL DIET

Just as important as what you ingest into your brain, is what quality of thoughts you put into it. Your thoughts have a profound impact on brain chemistry instant to instant.

Mentally nourish your brain with stress free thoughts, avoid negative thinking and "worst case" mental scenarios.

Mentally digest uplifting, positive thoughts frequently.

Become consciously aware of your mind chatter, and what mental images you are running.

Be discerning about exposing your mind only to health promoting and mentally beneficial public media.

Learn and use quality mental affirmation throughout the day.

Daily Affirmations to Relieve Stress Causes