Amino Acid Balancing

Neurotransmitter deficiencies or imbalances may be associated with a number of health conditions. Such problems include anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, colitis, fatigue, Parkinsonism, bipolar illness, migraine headaches, obesity associated cravings, eating disorders, chronic pain, drug addiction, sleep disorders, PMS, ADHD and RLS.

This is not a "treatment" in the sense of prescribing a medication in response to a diagnosis. What we are doing with the NeuroResearch program is implementing a trial of therapy by replenishing nutrients in order to deal with suspected relative deficiencies. If the patient improves we assume that a deficiency existed. If the patient does not improve we look elsewhere for solutions.

It could be:

• If you have had difficulty in the past controlling your current symptoms by other means.
• If you are looking for a more "natural" approach because of your philosophy of healthcare.
• If you have not previously done well managing your health care problems with medications because of allergies, sensitivities or other metabolic disorders.

This can vary considerably depending upon the problem you are trying to correct and the unique characteristics of the patient. Finding the right replacement amount is the challenge. While certain other laboratories estimate neurotransmitter levels in the brain based upon baseline blood or urinary measurements, it is felt by the NeuroResearch developers that assessments of neurotransmitter levels are best assessed in a dynamic state. While measurements of serotonin and dopamine from the urine actually reflect kidney output and not brain levels, the urine lab values give important clues that are helpful in making adjustments in the dose when interpreted by the NeuroResearch consultant using a computerized model in combination with reported responses to supplementation. At times adjustments are made without doing urine laboratory assessments.

Improvements come gradually. Typically 3-4 months, are required although some people respond sooner. Complicated conditions such as Parkinson's disease may take 6-12 months.

It depends on the condition. While this approach is not curative it can be part of a comprehensive approach which eventually may lead to little in the way of nutritional replacement as the total load is reduced. Some may find that in 18-24 months their need is greatly diminished. Other patients, such as those with Parkinson's, will need long-term replacement of nutrition.