Blog — mentalhealth

  In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often focus on physical fitness, but what about mental fitness? Just as we exercise our bodies to keep fit and strong, our mental well-being demands attention and care. A crucial aspect of this is managing stress, a common yet impactful adversary. Imagine stress as an internal alarm triggered by a minuscule part of our brain—the hypothalamus. When it activates, the body releases stress hormones, gearing us up to confront perceived danger. This stress response, a survival mechanism ingrained in us, can be immensely helpful. It heightens our senses, primes us for...

In the complex orchestra of bodily functions, neurotransmitters play a crucial role as messengers that facilitate communication within our nervous system. These chemical compounds transmit signals between nerve cells, affecting various aspects of our health, mood, and behaviour. The delicate balance of neurotransmitters is essential for optimal physical and mental well-being. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to a range of health issues, from anxiety and depression to sleep disturbances and hormonal imbalances. The Role of Neurotransmitters Imagine neurotransmitters as messengers constantly shuttling information between nerves, enabling your body to react and respond to everything you encounter—sounds, sensations,...

Our brains are remarkable and complex organs, orchestrating an intricate symphony of activities within our bodies. At the heart of this symphony are neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that allow our nervous system to communicate. But did you know that a staggering 86% of Americans have suboptimal levels of these vital neurotransmitters? Neurotransmitters: The Brain's Communicators Neurotransmitters are the unsung heroes of our nervous system. They are the messengers that relay information from one nerve cell to another, ensuring the seamless functioning of our brain and body. Think of them as tiny couriers delivering important messages that regulate our moods, thoughts,...

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating our mood, emotions, behaviour, and overall mental health. Imbalances in neurotransmitters have been linked to a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. A neurotransmitter test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can help identify these imbalances and provide valuable insights into an individual's brain chemistry. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of neurotransmitter testing and how it can help improve our mental health and well-being. Accurate Diagnosis: A neurotransmitter test can accurately diagnose the underlying...

  By Dr. Tracy Tranchitella, ND (ZRT Laboratory) The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) is the predictable rise in cortisol within the first hour of awakening. There are two events that contribute to this dynamic rise in morning cortisol. The first is in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone output from the pituitary as a part of the normal circadian activities of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis with involvement from the sympathetic nervous system. The second occurs in response to exposure to daylight with the activation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, which happens within 30-45 minutes after awakening and can increase cortisol...