Brain Chemistry

Maria is specifically trained to enhance the brain neurotransmitters through nutrition and specific vitamin/mineral supplements.

For 90% of dieters, a deficiency in one of four key brain chemicals can trigger weight gain, fatigue, and stress. The key to losing weight doesn’t lie in deprivation diets; it lies in balancing our neurochemicals. Many nutritionists and advanced practitioners are focusing on how the brain affects our health.

1. Dopamine controls metabolism
2. Acetylcholine regulates fat storage
3. GABA curbs emotional eating
4. Serotonin influences appetite.

When these primary brain chemicals are balanced, our bodies are more able to lose those unwanted pounds.

How DOPAMINE impacts personality

Dopamine regulates activity in the frontal lobe, the area of the brain that governs communication, motivation and the ability to experience pleasure. Deficits of this chemical have been linked to psychological symptoms like social anxiety, self-criticism, procrastination or difficulty maintaining relationships. But once deficiencies of this chemical are corrected, women often feel more energetic, sociable and confident.

How ACETYLCHOLINE impacts personality

Acetylcholine influences activity in the parietal lobe, the area of the brain responsible for processing sensory information, learning, memory and awareness.  Insufficient levels of this chemical can cause attributes like forgetfulness, difficulty prioritizing tasks and an inability to relate to others.  But as acetylcholine deficits are corrected, most women experience increased mental clarity, greater creativity, quicker thinking and improved empathy.

How GABA impacts personality

GABA is the primary neurotransmitter in the temporal lobe, the area of the brain that governs perception, attention, speech and motions.  Low levels of this chemical have been linked to psychological symptoms such as insecurity, anxiety, excessive worrying, fear of new experiences, poor concentration and lock of impulse control, explains.  But as GABA shortfalls are corrected, women regain calmness, dependability and objectivity.

How SEROTONIN impacts personality

Primarily produced within the occipital lobe, the area of the brain that regulates sight, serotonin is associated with mood, ambition, decision making and the ability to experience pleasure.  Research in the journal Science suggests that low levels of this brain chemical can cause psychological symptoms like depression, impulsivity, suspiciousness, shortsightedness or aggressiveness.  Fortunately, increasing levels of serotonin quickly improves confidence, restores rationality and boosts feelings of happiness.

Here is a story from one of my clients:

Ann's story to use, publish, share....it's all because of you two!!
My food & mood journal. 

 I’m capturing my moods and foods this ways to see if there a correlation.  I’m tired all the time, feel lousy and I’m out of sorts at work.  I’m finding myself unable to cope with everyday events in a way that’s practical and reasonable.  Something is changing in my body and I’m hating this feeling.  I need to try something to get moving from this place.

May 25th  (1-hour commute to work & back = 2- hours in the car a day)
Main feelings:  guilt, fear, panic, apology
Main physical condition:  152 pounds, feeling bloated and cramped, migraine
Exercise:  limited to yoga in the morning
breakfast:  yogurt, granola, oj, coffee
lunch: tuna-wrap from Au Bon Pain
dinner:  pork loin w/bell peppers and onion on a toasted bun

May 26th:
Woke up at 4:30 majorly stressed out about my day ahead (for no reason)
Exercise:  limited to yoga in the morning
breakfast:  yogurt, granola, oj, coffee
lunch: ½ turkey, peppers, tomatoes & lettuce sandwich, broccoli and an apple
snack: gummy bears
dinner: ½ turkey, peppers, tomatoes & lettuce sandwich, broccoli  (night class)
Main feelings:  concern for my wellbeing, very tired, calm when I arrive at grad-school, panic when I realize the class dates have changed
Main physical condition:  152 pounds, bloated, tired, overextended, unable to focus

May 27th (working from home today)
Woke at 5:00 – let the dogs out went back to bed
Up at 7:00
Walked 2.5 miles with the dogs!!
8:00 start work
8:30 completely overwhelmed and pissed off
breakfast:  toast with jam oj, coffee
lunch: pizza and ice-coffee
dinner: brats on a bun and chips & dip
Main feelings:  angry at myself for getting so out of hand emotionally and physically! irritable
called “Life resources hot line” requested counseling
Made a doctors appointment to get my thyroid tested
Called  my sister who recommended Maria EJ

June 1st (wedding anniversary – 8 years!!  Stayed home from work today to playJ)
Woke at 5:00 – let the dogs out went back to bed
Up at 7:00
Walked 2.5 miles with the dogs!!
breakfast:  spinach omelet at Key’s
lunch: nothing – not hungry
dinner: steaks and salad and wine
Main feelings:  hope for some help and some answers.  Relief to have a day off work
Main Physical condition: :  152 pounds, bloated, tired, overextended, unable to focus

June 10th ( ½ day)
Woke up at 4:30 excited to meet Maria today – worked all morning without issuesJ
Exercise:  yoga
breakfast:  yogurt, granola, raspberries
lunch: nothingL
dinner: Hamburgers on lettuce with guacJ
Main feelings:  concern for my wellbeing, hopeful to meeting Maria, curious about how I can get better, still low positive feelings
Main physical condition:  152 pounds, bloated, tired, overextended, unable to focus
Excited after meeting with Maria, getting supplements and changing a few simple things…wish me luck!
….that’s the last entry.  I’ve not felt the need to observe my food/moods so closely because the answer is all in Maria’s book and advice.
Today, July 12, 2010 I weigh 142 pounds without even trying.  I feel like myself again.  My thyroid test came back normal.  I’m taking supplements, eating more protein, watching my carb-choices, reduced my sugars and make all my own breads, crackers, muffins, cakes and great dinners. 
My husband, the cook in our house, is thrilled to have a cooking partner who enjoys being in the kitchen.   I am enjoying hikes, bike-rides, walking the dogs and swimming – but not on a strict schedule.  I do these things because they’re fun and it feels good…not because I have toJ
Only 30 days ago I was lost, struggling, angry, scared, lethargic, and fearful of my changing mind & body.  Today – I’m feeling 100% better!
Thanks to Maria’s method of eating great foods that are good for my body, mind & spirit! p.s.  I haven’t yet connected with the counselor…perhaps I don’t need to nowJ
Anni B. Minnesota “Consultant and Coach”