Neurotransmitters and Hormones,
Understanding how biochemicals effect moods and the influence we can have on the makeup of our own biochemistry can empower us to shift the biochemical composition in our favour. Diet, exercise, the quality of relationships, sleep, relaxation skills and particularly patterns of self talk have a bearing on what we feel and experience at any given moment of time. These elements govern how well neurotransmitters and hormones perform their designated responsibilities moving in synchrony maintaining the electrical and biochemical flow necessary for good health and well-being.
Particular hormones and neurotransmitters are responsible for maintaining homeostatic balance by serving as chemical messengers. The key difference between neurotransmitters and hormones is where they are positioned and whether they target particular neural receptors or cells and tissues. Hormones are molecules used for signaling by being released into the bloodstream. Neurotransmitters are molecules used for direct signaling between neurons, usually by physical contact at a synapse. These regulating chemicals serve both protective and maintenance functions. As an example, stress hormones serve a protective role and are responsible for the fight or flight response by activating organs and tissues to respond to a perceived threat. Those same stress hormones are activated in anticipation of any challenging or exciting event.
Hormones serve to communicate between organs and tissues for physiological regulation and behavioural activities such as mood changes, digestion, respiration, metabolism, tissue function, sleep, sensory function and stress response and a number of other bodily functions. Hormones target specific receptor proteins in the cell, resulting in a change in cell function.
Endorphins (of which there are 4 main types) are hormones and serve a pain killing role. For example, after strenuous exercise endorphins are released to moderate pain thresholds, regulate thirst and appetite, blood pressure and temperature. Its most common effect on the body is to induce a state of well-being. Endorphin deficiency is more common in women as compared with men. Individuals with a genetic endorphin deficiency are prone to substance abuse (alcohol, drugs), and psychological disorders (e.g. borderline personality disorder).
Neurotransmitters, chemical messengers of the nervous system are of two types excitatory or inhibitory, meaning their function is either to elicit action of reduce it. Dopamine (an excitatory neurotransmitter) motivates to action, whereas serotonin has a calming effect or inhibits action. These two neurotransmitters which normally work in tandem with each other are implicated in both depression and anxiety as well as well-being. Overactivity in the dopamine network is associated with anxiety. Reduced activation of the serotonin network generates depressive symptoms. Low motivation is associated with reduced dopamine levels. Elevated serotonin symptoms include agitation, restlessness, high blood pressure and increased heart rate and dilated pupils. A balanced network is the optimal state of functioning.
Some function both inside and outside the nervous system
Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is an example. As a hormone it is part of the stress response. Norepinephrine also called noradrenaline which is the precursor to epinephrine is produced by the adrenal glands as a chemical messenger which transmits signals across nerve endings in the body. Norepinephrine is responsible for increased blood sugar levels, increased heart rate, increased contractility (how hard the heart squeezes) and relaxation of smooth muscle in the airways to improve breathing.
Oxytocin is a hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Often referred to as the “love hormone,” (a misnomer) because it is associated with good feelings and emotions, but its role in the body is much more complex than that.
The afore mentioned is true in the vast majority of instances and is abbreviated here to target their role in mental health and for simplicity sake.
The bottom line is all of these neurotransmitters and hormones are governors of physiological processes, but are subject to and influenced by the moderating engagement of the individual in charge. Regular exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, sufficient rest, positive thinking and attentive self awareness can combine to keep the internal dance in sync with the music of the world around them.
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