Neurotransmitters: The Brain Chemicals

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The Human Brain consists of various neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters communicate messages from the nerve cells present in brain to the nerve cells present in other parts of the body and coordinate activities between them.

Let's learn some of the neurotransmitters which play a vital role in determining our behavior:

  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin
  • Norepinephrine
  • Acetylcholine
  • Endorphins

Dopamine (motivation + reward)

Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter produced in the brain, specifically by the hypothalamus and kidneys.

After a pleasurable experience, dopamine is released and hence, it is also known as the "feel-good" hormone. Activities like food, sex, and drugs trigger the release of dopamine [1]. The brain's memory center records the experience, and we tend to repeat it [2].

It affects the person's learning and attention, mood, movement, heart rate, sleep, pain processing etc. [3].

Several medical conditions (Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome) and mental health conditions (ADHD, addiction, depression, schizophrenia, and OCD) are linked with dopamine.

Benefits of regular dopamine levels:
  • Increased attention and improved cognitive function
  • Gives feelings of satisfaction and motivation
  • Regulating co-ordination within individuals

High dopamine levels can lead to anxiety, excessive energy, insomnia, and hallucinations. At the same time, a lack of dopamine can lead to difficulty in concentration, brain fog, mood swings, increased anxiety, and low sexual drive with symptoms like muscle spasms, constipation and tiredness. 

How to regulate dopamine levels?
The body requires adequate intake of iron, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 intake to make dopamine. Amino acids, found in protein-rich foods (such as dairy, eggs, soy, apples, avocado, spinach, banana, and beans), are also linked to better dopamine levels [2]. Meditation and adequate sleep can also help in regulating dopamine levels.

Serotonin (mood regulation)

Serotonin is produced in the intestines and brain. It is commonly found in many body parts, including the digestive system, blood platelets, and the central nervous system.

It sends signals between nerve cells, regulating various functions in the brain and body.

It is a natural mood stabilizer and affects other functions including memory, fear, the stress response, digestion, addiction, sexuality, sleep, breathing, and body temperature [4].

Benefits of regular serotonin levels:

  • Reduces your appetite as you eat to help you know when you are full.
  • Serotonin released by platelets in our blood helps heal wounds. [5]
  • Helps your body feel nauseous and start vomiting in response to illness, foods, or other conditions as a reaction. [6]
  • Regulates your mood.
  • Influences sleep quality and duration.
  • Promotes healthy bone density

High serotonin levels can have mild effects like shivering, heavy sweating, confusion, restlessness, high blood pressure, muscle twitches and diarrhea and severe symptoms can include high fever, seizures, fainting and abnormal heartbeat. On the other hand, lower serotonin levels can lead to a down in mood or feeling depressed, aggression and schizophrenia.

How to regulate Serotonin levels?
Getting more sunlight and regular exercises can naturally help in regulating serotonin levels. Also, food such as eggs, cheese, tofu and pineapples can boost serotonin levels.

   Both dopamine and serotonin are considered the “happy hormones”, as they both play an important role in positive mood and emotion. However, serotonin is associated with happiness, focus and calmness whereas, dopamine is associated with rewards and motivation. [5]

Norepinephrine (fight-or-flight response)

Norepinephrine is a naturally occurring chemical made from dopamine. Stress and fear trigger the release of this neurotransmitter by the adrenal glands. It enables fight-or-flight response (the body’s emergency response) to protect us from danger, whether actual or perceived.

It controls many things, including your routine movements, bodily functions, senses, thoughts, and hunger levels. [7]

Digestion and the immune system are treated as non-essential functions during this period so that more energy can be used for the functions needed to keep you safe.

Benefits of regular norepinephrine levels:
  • Used as medicine to increase and maintain blood pressure in limited, short-term situations
  • Increases alertness, breathing rate, pain tolerance and reaction time
  • Better memory retrieval and focus

Higher levels of norepinephrine can lead to worry, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, claustrophobia, and cramps and in extreme cases can result in anxiety disorders, chronic stress and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Similarly, lower levels of norepinephrine can lead to loss of alertness, memory problems, depression, brain fog and lack of motivation. Majorly this can also contribute to low blood pressure (hypotension) and the depression phase of bipolar disorder.

How to regulate Norepinephrine levels?
Norepinephrine is released as a response to stress. Hence, reducing physical and mental stress can help maintain levels of norepinephrine. This can be done by getting enough sleep, setting and meeting goals, meditation, and a healthy, balanced diet.

   The 'fight-or-flight response'
During the 'fight or flight' response, many changes take place in our body. The pupils dilate for a better view of the surroundings. The skin turns pale as blood flow is directed to more vital organs and muscles, increasing their alertness and reaction time. This results in a significant rise in heart rate and breathing. Additionally, the stored glycogen in the liver is converted into glucose for energy. Also, it constricts blood vessels, which helps maintain blood pressure in times of stress.

Acetylcholine (learning and memory)

Acetylcholine is the first neurotransmitter to be discovered by Henry Hallett Dale in 1914 [8] and its existence was later confirmed by Otto Loewi. It is found in the central nervous system i.e. the brain and spinal cord. It is also referred to 'excitatory neurotransmitter'.

It regulates cardiac contractions and blood pressure [9], controls intestinal peristalsis (movement of food through the intestine by contracting intestinal muscles and increasing stomach and intestine secretions.) and release of urine, and causes glands to secrete substances such as tears, saliva, milk, sweat and digestive juices. [8]

Benefits of regular acetylcholine levels:

  • Improved memory
  • Brain function
  • Mental health
  • Pregnancy support

An imbalance in this neurotransmitter can lead to several health consequences, many of which impact memory and muscle control. High acetylcholine can cause symptoms such as headaches, tension, muscle cramps, nausea, and physical fatigue. Parkinson's Disease also contributes to high levels of acetylcholine. Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with memory issues and muscle disorders like Alzheimer's Disease, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

How to regulate Acetylcholine levels?
Food such as eggs, fish, kidney beans, broccoli, and soybeans. Also, including enough choline in diets can balance the levels of acetylcholine naturally.

Endorphins (pain regulation)

Endorphins are mostly controlled and released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland when your body feels pain, discomfort or stress to help you survive. 

They act as chemical messengers that tell your nervous system to block pain receptors. Hence, they are known as the "body's natural painkillers".

The body releases endorphins as a survival tactic to continue functioning in painful or stressful situations, such as when you sprain your ankle, to relieve pain and discomfort temporarily. They are also released during pleasurable moments, such as eating chocolate, having sex, getting a massage, or exercising.

Benefits of regular endorphin levels:

  • Help with other mental disorders like schizophrenia
  • Regulating appetite
  • Improving mood
  • Boost self-esteem.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety

Higher endorphin levels can cause increased tolerance to pain, leading to unnoticed injuries. It can also cause a condition known as "endorphin resistance," where the body becomes less responsive to the effects of endorphins over time. On the other hand, lack of endorphins can cause body aches and pains, impulsive actions, anxiety and depression, substance use disorders, chronic migraine, and fibromyalgia.

How to regulate Endorphin levels?
Power walking, laughing, doing things you like, and listening to your favorite music can boost endorphins in your body. Cacao, dark chocolates and sometimes spicy food can help regulate endorphin levels.

   Difference between endorphins and dopamine:
Endorphins and dopamine are both chemicals in your body that make you happy, but they function differently.
For example, endorphins will naturally help soothe achy muscles. Then dopamine will be released, producing a runner’s high. Dopamine motivates you to do something over and over again. [10]


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