Listen in because what you know helps ensure healthy choices you can live with. Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:
In Life Extension's recent dopamine article, dopamine is called the "feel good" neurotransmitter. But, I've heard you say that serotonin is this feel good neurotransmitter. Which is it?
Actually, there's really no such thing as a feel good neurotransmitter. It's just a catch phrase used in medicine. However, Dr. Mike remembers learning in med school that serotonin influences more mood balance than any other transmitter. So, that's why Dr. Mike mentioned it as the feel good neurotransmitter.
Doctors are still leaning, as the brain is very complex. For example if a patient is taking Prozac for depression and it doesn't work, it may be because the human body's neurotransmitters are so complex. It doesn't mean that drug might not benefit someone else.
All of the neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, Gaba, and glutamine, work together and influence each other. So, there's really not just one feel good neurotransmitter.
Can you help me prioritize all of the different brain supplements on the market? I'm 60 and my memory is getting really bad.
Just given that information, Dr. Mike suggests the following:
- magnesium threonate
- essential, coconut, and omega oils
- phosphatidylserine
- blueberry extracts
- saffron extract
- triptophan
- wild green oak extracts
If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com or call in, toll-free, to the LIVE radio show (1.844.305.7800) so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.