THE IMPULSE OF YOUTH

What exactly are neurotransmitters? They are also known as neuromediators. These substances are released at a cell's nerve endings when a nerve impulse arrives. They then move from cell to cell, accelerating or slowing the passage of the impulse. Some mediators bring a person into a state of harmony. Others, by contrast, provide energy and make it possible to work without feeling tired. Our bodies release several dozen such substances, but specialists believe that the secret of health and youth lies in four main ones: dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine, and serotonin. Dopamine and acetylcholine have an excitatory effect on us, while serotonin and GABA have an inhibitory effect. Both groups influence not only brain activity but also the functioning of every organ.

Every second, around 100 thousand different reactions take place in our brains, sending signals to organs through chemical “couriers.” With age, however, neurotransmitter concentrations decline. This is associated with a gradual deterioration in enzyme metabolism, falling hormone levels, and declining amounts of minerals…

German professor Alfred Wolf, the author of numerous clinical studies, recently stated that by using information about neurotransmitters, neurology has made considerable progress in treating depression, panic attacks, low mood, attention deficits, and hyperactivity. A simple urine test assessing the balance of the main mediators can make it possible to establish many diagnoses and prescribe effective treatment. Moreover, the same test performed on, say, a healthy 25-year-old may indicate what health problems await that person in the future. Few people of that age would consider such an examination. But if you are over forty, it is better to have your transmitter status tested at least once a year. If you have developed sleep problems, no longer enjoy your work, and need more time to rest, it is certainly time to see a doctor. Dr. Eric Braverman, head of New York's PATH Medical clinic and a well-known anti-aging expert, notes that neurotransmitter status is closely linked to the so-called aging code: “We can now look at any illness that develops after the age of 20 from a different perspective. Research shows that disease is caused by an aging organ—an organ that cannot cope with its workload. For example, if a cardiologist is dealing with a coronary artery problem, it means that the patient's heart has aged faster than the other organs. This can happen at 30, 40, or 50.”

Braverman points out that there are four main brain codes associated with neurotransmitter activity. Dopamine produces tension, acetylcholine provides speed, GABA regulates rhythm, and serotonin allows the brain to rest. As soon as a person begins to lack even one mediator, the aging process starts. For some it happens earlier and for others later, depending on genetics, the environment, and the ability to cope with stress. Clinical studies have shown, for example, that a reduction in dopamine, which regulates metabolism, leads to weight gain. The heart then has to work harder to cope with the increased load, the digestive system experiences greater stress, which may lead to diabetes, and cholesterol accumulates in the blood vessels, ultimately “breaking through” our immune system.

But the reverse is also true. And this is the best news from anti-aging medicine: the four neurotransmitters can slow aging if they are properly balanced. Keeping them in good condition helps the brain. Raising dopamine levels reduces weight. Increasing acetylcholine improves memory. Replenishing GABA helps us cope with illness, and finally, restoring serotonin helps us regain inner comfort. It turns out that this can encourage the brain to “restore” the hormonal system as well. That, too, disrupts the “aging code.”

Can we start the rejuvenation process ourselves?

Monika Golková, head of an anti-aging clinic in Prague, told an interesting story. A 40-year-old civil airline pilot came to her complaining that vague fears had begun to haunt him during flights. He had started to doubt whether he would be able to land the plane at all. He could not continue working in that state. The pilot underwent a thorough examination, but practitioners of conventional medicine found nothing concerning about his health. He then went to an anti-aging clinic, where he had a series of tests, including tests of neurotransmitters, blood hormone levels, food intolerance—the pilot was slightly overweight, and the clinic wanted to find out why—and antioxidant status. His neurotransmitter and antioxidant readings turned out to be very low. This explained the body's severe internal stress. After three months of treatment aimed at restoring neurotransmitter balance, the man felt much better. He recovered completely after two years. The pilot is now continuing to fly…

Here is another story. Two and a half years ago, a 61-year-old patient was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a blood disorder with a very poor prognosis, which had affected his heart. He underwent surgery, followed by a pacemaker and chemotherapy sessions. The patient was then told that he had two years left to live. But he found the strength not to give up, went to an anti-aging clinic, and devoted himself to improving his health. Following his latest visit to the doctor, his medical record states that his heart is in perfect order and that his overall condition gives no cause for concern. The doctor notes that the patient followed a special diet that increases neurotransmitter production. Their levels can, in fact, be increased simply—by taking special preparations and vitamins, as well as through diet.

What is needed to prevent neurotransmitters from being depleted prematurely? “They should be tested every six months, and their support should be adjusted,” advises Dr. Golková. Neurotransmitter testing is available at anti-aging clinics, although it is not inexpensive. In the United States, for example, such a test costs 200–300 dollars; in the Czech Republic, around 150–200 euros; and in Switzerland, even more. The reason is that these tests, like food intolerance tests such as the ALCAT Test, may be carried out only by certified laboratories, of which there are few worldwide. As for Russia, this field of medicine is still in its early stages of development there, so there are not yet any laboratories internationally certified to perform these tests. That leaves traveling abroad, especially since conventional medicine interprets test results and prescribes treatment quite differently from anti-aging medicine. This is simply because their aims differ: the former addresses a problem that has already arisen, while the latter prevents it or delays the onset of disease. And because anti-aging specialists agree that practically all diseases are in one way or another associated with immune system disturbances, restoring that system is their first priority.

Scientists still do not fully understand exactly how impulses are transmitted in the central nervous system or the role neurotransmitters play in this process. Recent research at the University at Buffalo examined the molecular and biophysical mechanisms involved. The researchers wanted to see how baclofen, a GABA-type substance, affects the “behavior” of the auditory nerve.

Dopamine is an excitatory neuromediator and a source of brain energy that reflects your vitality.
 

People with dominant dopamine are energetic individuals who know exactly what they want, are self-confident, and trust facts more than feelings. They are characterized by strategic thinking and pragmatism. “Dopamine-type” people find it easier to make acquaintances than to maintain them, although they are consistent in family relationships. Dominant dopamine occurs in 17 percent of the world's population, and this group often includes doctors, scientists, politicians, and high-ranking military officers. A lack of dopamine may show itself in increased fatigue, reduced physical activity, and low mood. Dopamine deficiency in the brain threatens to result in circulatory diseases, sexual problems, and Parkinson's disease. When dopamine is lacking, a protein-rich diet is prescribed first, along with vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, chromium, and other substances. Treatment may be reinforced with hormones—testosterone and estrogen.