Our
Brain Chemistry is Determined By a Fine Balance of Micronutrients
Micronutrients
(Vitamins and Minerals) are essential to brain chemistry because they
are an integral part of all the biochemical pathways which lead to the
manufacture of the neurotransmitters which help determine our moods -
Hence their importance in any discussion about Anxiety, Panic Attacks
or Depression.
Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Molybdenum, Vitamin C, Copper, Iron,
Calcium, the "B" Vitamins, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Manganese and
others
all play a vital role the biochemistry of the digestion of food, the
transport and absorption of nutrients into the cells, and the formation
of the neurotransmitters.
In our bodies, a delicate balance of these nutrients ensures a perfect
brain chemistry outcome.
If the balance is disturbed, we get ill - mentally and physically.
It all starts with what we eat ,
drink, breathe and absorb.
1. Our bodies are the
"factory" for the brain chemicals that elevate or depress our moods.
2. The "factory" needs
raw materials
in order to create it's brain chemistry.
3.
The
raw materials for our brain chemistry are derived from the
food we eat, what we drink, breathe and what our body absorbs by
exposure to certain substances.
4. If the soil our food is grown in is deficient in the vital
micronutrients, then food we eat will be deficient in the raw materials
(vitamins and minerals) that we require for optimal biochemistry.
5. Simple comparisons of soil analysis from 50
years ago and
today shows how strikingly different the soil nutrient levels were in
years gone by.
6. A vital observation is how the so called
"normal" ranges
for vitamin and mineral "RDA's" have changed, as the food we eat has
been "degraded". This observation is made by comparing charts found in
the medical and biochemistry texts of 50 yrs ago and of today.
7. Our brain chemical "factory" requirements have not changed over the
years.... so why have the "normal" ranges used by the laboratories
changed if our brain chemistry and other biochemistry requirements have
not?
.... hmmm, we won't digress too far
and get into the politics of it all....
Anyway.... where does this leave us?
1. With an epidemic of depression and anxiety and related illnesses.
2. An epidemic of childrens diseases
3. Diabetes , Heart Disease and Cancers seen in younger and younger
people.
Furthermore,toxic
substances abound - we absorb them and they block the absorption of
vitamins and minerals, and generally "poison" our biochemistry.
The conventional answer to all of this is to artificially create higher
levels of whatever brain chemicals we are deficient in, by giving us
more substances (medicines) - some of which have seriously dangerous
side effects.
Consider, for a moment, a more
rational alternative:Give
the body what it needs to make it's own chemicals:
- All the vitamins and minerals and certain amino acids that it
normally requires for optimal functioning.
Astounding results can be achieved, for a fraction
of the cost of normal medications.
So let's now further explore the subject by looking at where
these nutrients fit into our "happiness equation":
Biochemical Pathways Affecting
Mood:
The
5-htp Pathway to Serotonin
The
5-htp Pathway to Melatonin
The Pathway to Adrenalin
Homocystein Metabolism
The Pathway to CoQ10
How low stomach acid causes deficiencies
How copper causes problems
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