Norepinephrine - neurotransmitter of risky people and hormone of predators

Norepinephrine (norepinephrine) – a stress hormone that receives much less attention than the other stress hormone – cortisol. There's a good reason for this: the body problems that cortisol causes include mood swings, memory loss, insomnia, and even physical illnesses.

However, norepinephrine is equally important for mental health and human happiness. Estet-portal.com will consider the main functions of norepinephrine, what happens with a lack or excess of this substance in the body, as well as how to bring the level of norepinephrine back to normal.

What is norepinephrine, what functions does it perform

Norepinephrine – this is a dual-use substance – it acts as a stress hormone and as a neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is produced in the brain and adrenal glands. Norepinephrine, together with adrenaline, triggers the fight-or-flight mechanism. in response to danger or excessive stress, due to which in extreme situations a person is able to think and move faster.

Norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure, directing it from the skin to the muscles, and initiates the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Norepinephrine differs from cortisol in that it is produced as needed and dissipated – immediately after the disappearance of the danger or stressful situation. Cortisol, on the other hand, can accumulate in the body and lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Similarities of norepinephrine to dopamine and association with depression

To begin with, it is worth noting that the biochemical causes of depression are only partially understood. The most popular theory of the onset of depression is the lack of serotonin, so the most popular antidepressants are aimed at filling this shortage.

Among other theories of the development of depression are: inflammation in the brain, low levels of dopamine or norepinephrine. With a lack of norepinephrine observed:

• clouded mind;
• apathy;
• loss of interest in life.

Norepinephrine and dopamine are similar in that they are synthesized from the same amino acid precursors – tyrosine and phenylalanine, and also play an important role in motivation and concentration. However, they are produced in different parts of the brain and act on different receptors.

Norepinephrine imbalance and other psychiatric disorders

In addition to depression, a lack of norepinephrine has been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As with any neurotransmitter or hormone, norepinephrine levels can be too low or too high – and the signs of such an imbalance are quite clear.

With an excess of noradrenaline, a person is prone to anxiety and insomnia, and a sharp increase in the level of noradrenaline upwards can cause a panic attack.

Accordingly, with a lack of norepinephrine, fatigue, depression, loss of interest in life are observed. It is also worth noting that:

1. People with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome also have low levels of norepinephrine.
2. Bipolar disorder can also be caused by an imbalance of noranephrine.
3. Migraines can also be the result of a lack of this chemical in the brain.
4. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's – in these diseases, norepinephrine is also one of the negative factors.

How to balance norepinephrine in the body naturally

The building block of norepinephrine – amino acid tyrosine and phenylalanine (turns into tyrosine). Therefore, you can regulate the level of norepinephrine with the help of products:

• bananas;
• legumes;
• chicken;
• cheese;
• chocolate;
• eggs;
• seafood, etc.

Supplements that improve the synthesis of norepinephrine, in case of insufficient receipt of building materials for norepinephrine, a doctor prescribes.

In addition to nutrition, there are several simple ways to balance norepinephrine levels: within a few minutes after jumping into cold water, the level of norepinephrine increases 2-3 times. Of course, this method is not safe for everyone, so you can double the level of norepinephrine by taking a nap during the day.

As for people whose norepinephrine levels are elevated, a doctor and special medications are indispensable.