Neurotransmitters

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and neurotransmitter released by the adrenal glands. It plays a critical role in the body’s fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for rapid action during stress. Adrenaline elevates heart rate, widens airways, and enhances energy availability, supporting quick and effective survival responses.

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 major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, essential for reducing neuronal excitability and maintaining nervous system balance. It plays an important role in regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep by promoting relaxation and counteracting the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. Proper GABA function supports mental and emotional well-being.

Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. It is essential for brain development and synaptic plasticity. However, excessive glutamate levels can cause neuronal overstimulation, leading to potential neurotoxicity. This balance makes glutamate critical for normal brain function while also linking it to various neurological disorders.

The noradrenaline/adrenaline (NA/A) ratio is a measure that reflects the balance between two key stress hormones — noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Both play vital roles in the body’s fight-or-flight response, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization. This ratio can shift in response to factors such as stress, physical activity, and overall health status.

Noradrenaline, also called norepinephrine, is a chemical that functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It plays a key role in the fight-or-flight response, enhancing alertness, arousal, and reaction speed. Noradrenaline also supports mood regulation and helps maintain blood pressure by constricting 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.