Have you ever wondered why your child might feel a certain way or why their mood can be down, blue, irritable or angry? Or maybe your child has trouble focusing? It might surprise you to learn that among many factors, one answer lies within tiny chemicals in their brain called neurotransmitters. So what are neurotransmitters and how does neurotransmitter testing work? Let's find out why neurotransmitter testing might be something to consider for you or your child’s health.
What Are Neurotransmitters?
To understand neurotransmitter testing we have to understand what neurotransmitters are. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the brain and nervous system. It's like a biochemical email relaying instructions from an employer to an employee. In this example the neurotransmitter are the instructions and the employer and employee are two brain cells.
They play a key role in regulating mood, sleep, concentration, and many other critical functions in your child’s development. Some of the main neurotransmitters include:
Serotonin: Often called the “feel-good” chemical, it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. If you can't make enough serotonin because of a diet low in the prerequisite B vitamins or amino acids, or you can't absorb those nutrients for some reason, then your body can't even make enough serotonin in the first place. And that leads to poor/low moods.
Dopamine: Known as the “reward” neurotransmitter, it’s involved in pleasure, motivation, and motor control. This one plays a critical factor in focus and concentration. Sometimes kids who have ADHD or ADD have a deficiency of dopamine. However, if you or your child was on stimulant medicine and did worse on stimulants its possible there is an excess of dopamine. Why? Because if there is an excess of dopamine the body converts it to adrenalin. And adrenalin sends us in to "fight or flight" driving unfocused hyperactive behavior.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): This one helps to calm the brain and is involved in reducing anxiety.
Adrenalin/Noradrenalin: Plays a role in alertness and the body’s stress response. This is a great neurotransmitter to have if you are running away from danger. If you are ever in an emergency situation this is a good one to have. This is the chemical that comes into play when you hear stories about mom's lifting up cars off their children. However, this isn't something we want the body to be running on all the time. That's because this is a stress hormone. And what is the body NOT doing when it is stressed? Repairing, restoring, rebuilding or making brain chemicals (among other things).
Why do Neurotransmitter testing in Children or Adults?
Sometimes, an imbalance in neurotransmitters can lead to various health issues in children, such as anxiety, mood swings, ADD or ADHD, sleep disturbances, and even behavioral problems. Neurotransmitter testing can provide insights into these imbalances, helping you and your child’s healthcare provider to tailor treatments more effectively. Some people try to guess what nutrients or chemicals your body is deficient in. This can lead to ineffective treatment due to throwing random supplements at your child without really knowing which ones might help or not.
How Does Neurotransmitter Testing Work?
Neurotransmitter testing is usually done through a urine or saliva sample. One I often order (among a few) is the Metaboloimx plus. These tests measure the levels of neurotransmitters and their metabolites, providing a snapshot of what’s happening in your child’s body. It’s a simple process:
Sample Collection: You’ll collect a small sample of your child’s urine or saliva, typically at home.
Lab Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed for various neurotransmitters.
Results: Your child’s healthcare provider will review the results with you, explaining what they mean and how they relate to your child’s symptoms.
Benefits of Neurotransmitter Testing for Children
Understanding your child’s neurotransmitter levels can be incredibly beneficial. Here’s why:
Personalized Treatment: With detailed information on neurotransmitter levels, your integrative or holistic pediatrician can create a personalized treatment plan. This might include dietary changes, supplements, lifestyle modifications, or even specific therapies.
Targeted Approach: Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, your child gets treatments that target their specific needs, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Early Intervention: Identifying imbalances early can help prevent more severe issues down the line.
Is Neurotransmitter Testing Right for Your Child?
Neurotransmitter testing isn’t for every child, but it can be particularly helpful if your child is experiencing unexplained mood changes, chronic stress, fatigue, or sleep disturbances. If you are worried about emotional dysregulation, difficulty focusing or other brain health issues this may be the testing that will finally give you answers. Always consult with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if this testing is appropriate for your situation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what’s happening in your child’s brain can be a game-changer for their overall health and well-being. Neurotransmitter testing offers a peek into the chemistry of their brain, paving the way for more effective and personalized integrative therapies.
If you’re curious about talking to a holistic pediatrician about neurotransmitter testing or think it might be right for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate your child’s health journey with confidence and clarity!
Stay happy and healthy! 😊
When you're ready here's how Dr. Ellie can help:
When your child, teen or young adult child is grappling with focus issues, hyperactivity, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or perfectionism you know they are suffering. Tummy and headaches, getting sick a lot, trouble in school, and feeling run down take a toll on your child and on you.
You want to help the ones you love ease their suffering and alleviate their symptoms by
addressing their underlying medical conditions without going straight to adding pharmaceutical medications that can come with their own set of adverse side effects and complications.
As a holistic pediatrician, I uncover and treat the underlying root causes of symptoms while working to reduce the need for medications so they can get back to being a kid and reclaim their childhood joy.
With advanced diagnostic testing and a personalized treatment program I take a thoughtful, thorough, and caring medical approach to address your child’s health. We will address genetic factors, diet, gut health, lifestyle as I walk hand in hand with you and your child toward sustainable well being, resilience, and joy.
For more information on brain health check out my other posts:
Dr. Ellie MacGregor is a holistic integrative and functional medicine pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of celiac disease, food allergies, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gut issues, eczema, and other recurring symptoms using a blend the best of conventional and alternative therapies to prioritize your child's health.. She is the owner of Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics with over 14 years of experience. Dr. Ellie MacGregor helps readers separate fact from spin to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children.
Get Dr. Ellie’s Guide to Whole Child Health for more information or view her website to get in touch.
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