Re: Serotonin

[Guest guest]

,

We were part of a research study at Children's Hospital and the seratonin was

tested during the PET scan. They measured the synthesis of the neurotransmitter

serotonin in his brain. They injected a small amount of (C-1

alpha-methyl-tryptophan) to scan. I guess this is the tracer that the PET

scanner " sees " when performing the scan. A second intravenous catheter was

inserted to collect blood samples. Approx. 2 tablespoons of blood were taken.

Then it says that pictures of his heart and brain were taken for 1 1/2 hours. I

don't hear much talk of people doing this type of test or study - is this

something different or new. I'm new to all of this and I wanted to see what was

going on in his brain.

I have no idea what is meant by classical autism. We go down on 11/13 to see

the visual photos of what they are explaining to us.

Carla

From: andrew

Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 6:25 AM

Subject: [ ] Re: Seratonin

u can boost serotonin with low rda mulitple b6, chelated magnesium,

low rda broad spectrum b vits, low rda vit c, low dose dmg or

tmg/choline maybe to\proably more discussed on the

board

how was he able to test for serotonin or was it an observation?

classical autism like classical music? the ineffectiveness of thes

highly paid people always amazes me.

america land of dissociation between results and income.

can't believe what the airforce is doing to its personnel.

casualties from friendly fire before the war has started.

[Guest guest]

well it sounds interesting but in fact you can pretty well work out

serotonin shortfalls or something in that area by things like not

sleeping well etc.

the surprising thing is that it can be amplifyed in a useful way by

supplements

i really would strongly caution against drugs to increase serotonin

as they are destructive rather than constructive.

that pet scan sounds like leading edge research.

> ,

>

> We were part of a research study at Children's Hospital and the

seratonin was tested during the PET scan. They measured the

synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin in his brain. They

injected a small amount of (C-1 alpha-methyl-tryptophan) to scan. I

guess this is the tracer that the PET scanner " sees " when performing

the scan. A second intravenous catheter was inserted to collect

blood samples. Approx. 2 tablespoons of blood were taken. Then it

says that pictures of his heart and brain were taken for 1 1/2

hours. I don't hear much talk of people doing this type of test or

study - is this something different or new. I'm new to all of this

and I wanted to see what was going on in his brain.

>

> I have no idea what is meant by classical autism. We go down on

11/13 to see the visual photos of what they are explaining to us.

>

> Carla

> From: andrew

> @y...

> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 6:25 AM

> Subject: [ ] Re: Seratonin

>

>

> u can boost serotonin with low rda mulitple b6, chelated

magnesium,

> low rda broad spectrum b vits, low rda vit c, low dose dmg or

> tmg/choline maybe to\proably more discussed on the

> board

>

> how was he able to test for serotonin or was it an observation?

>

> classical autism like classical music? the ineffectiveness of

thes

> highly paid people always amazes me.

>

> america land of dissociation between results and income.

> can't believe what the airforce is doing to its personnel.

> casualties from friendly fire before the war has started.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I don't see much discussion about seratonin on any

> groups.

Hi Carla,

I know I'm a little late with this reply, but if you're

still interested, here's a link where you can find some

interesting things about serotonin, in a " language " that

anybody can understand

/files/Articles/New%20Idea%20to%20\

Reduce%20Stimming

(I think you will have to copy and past all the link

in your browser. It's too long)

> My soon to be diagnosed as autistic son has low amounts

> of seratonin which my neurologist says as very

> indicative of children with classical autism.

That's not really true. I mean some kids have low

serotonin levels and others... the opposite.

My son had too much

> How come I don't see much discussion or much talk about

> it or what to do about it? Is it a new idea or been

> around a while? Just curious.

I've been in this group for a year and I remember we

talked about this a few times... It's not a new idea...

it's just that nobody asked recently maybe... I don't

know...

Valentina

[Guest guest]

>>>> After reading the serotonin article I am wondering about

starting PEP whilst still on the gf/cf diet. From my reading, doing

this would reduce tryptophan and could increase hyperness.

That is one reason that hyperness when starting Peptizyde could be a

common reaction. Adding the Zyme Prime (carbs) was found pretty

early on to balance this out. There are other reasons for the

hyperness, but this was an interesting one.

>>>So is this now an argument for commencing enzymes AND a normal

diet at the same time? (ie including milk, whole grains bananas and

eggs to increase tryptophan to increase calmness).

I have spent hours today researching the neurotransmitters again. In

fact, I think this could be a big contributor to why people on the

GFCF with enzymes and then added the gluten and dairy foods back in

tend to see a big improvement. It could be restoring a big

deficiency of neurotransmitter nutrients which a strict GFCF diet

strips out. Particularly the ones that enhance good mood, good self-

esteem, and general happiness/contentment. Here is one discussion

that I thought was interesting.

http://www.add-adhd-natural-solutions.com/science.html

Scroll down this page for a list of the neurotransmitters, what the

deficiency symptoms are, the benefits, and the foods:

http://www.add-adhd-natural-solutions.com/ingred.html

In addition B vitamins (B6 in regular amounts), magnesium, and zinc

and needed to get these working. These also usually are found to be

needing supplementation on the GFCF diet.

One other little thing. Since about 80% or more of the serotonin is

produced in the gut mucosa, wouldn't it make sense that an injured

gut or leaky gut would also have less capacity to even supply

serotonin? Then after being on enzymes for a bit, and gut healing,

that would be improved...thus another mechanism explaining why

people tend to do so much better on enzymes, particularly over time

(as opposed to getting progressively worse or just holding steady as

many do on elimination diets without gut healing measures)

.

[Guest guest]

B:

Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

[Guest guest]

:

This is where you've got one over me! I wouldn't know of what tests to

insist upon regarding symptom/diagnosis criteria! Heck: the Doc's I see can't

figure out my son's eczema! (Umm, err...any tests I can do for THAT?) Thanks

for sharing: I truly appreciate it!

As always,

Jacquie

> Jacquie

>

> 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the precursor to serotonin - see the

> pathway document attached to this message (from Sigma-Aldrich). The

> body should produce sufficient serotonin directly from the essential

> amino acid tryptophan. However, many disorders are marked by serotonin

> production dysregulation - Many autistics have hyperserotonimea, i.e.,

> they produce too much serotonin. My son suffers from hyposerotonimea

> (too little) based on lab results we just got back from Immunosciences

> Lab. Based putatively on my son's response to the direct precursor to

> serotonin (5-HTP), I would gather that my son has trouble with the first

> step in the pathway, tryptophan conversion to 5-HTP mediated by

> tryptophan 5 hydroxylase with tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor.

>

> I'm looking into what would dysregulate tetrahydrobiopterin as we speak.

> Hope this helps!

>

>

>

> Re: [ ] Serotonin

>

>

> B:

> Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jacquie

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the precursor to serotonin - see the

pathway document attached to this message (from Sigma-Aldrich). The

body should produce sufficient serotonin directly from the essential

amino acid tryptophan. However, many disorders are marked by serotonin

production dysregulation - Many autistics have hyperserotonimea, i.e.,

they produce too much serotonin. My son suffers from hyposerotonimea

(too little) based on lab results we just got back from Immunosciences

Lab. Based putatively on my son's response to the direct precursor to

serotonin (5-HTP), I would gather that my son has trouble with the first

step in the pathway, tryptophan conversion to 5-HTP mediated by

tryptophan 5 hydroxylase with tetrahydrobiopterin cofactor.

I'm looking into what would dysregulate tetrahydrobiopterin as we speak.

Hope this helps!

Re: [ ] Serotonin

B:

Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

[Guest guest]

Oops - looks like my attachment didn't survive. Email me directly at

brian@... if you would like a pdf copy of the tryptophan to

serotonin biochemical pathway.

Re: [ ] Serotonin

B:

Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

[Guest guest]

Acute anxiety, difficulty sleeping, difficulty focusing. Be careful as

these are symptoms of autism/ASD that may have nothing to do with

serotonin. You can measure serotonin directly via blood test.

Re: [ ] Serotonin

--

What are some symptoms of hyposerotonimea?

Re: [ ] Serotonin

>

>

> B:

> Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

--

What are some symptoms of hyposerotonimea?

Re: [ ] Serotonin

>

>

> B:

> Please elaborate on the 5HTP. I want to know more. Thanks. Jacq

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rogene

Effexor is an anti-depressant as I took it for a short time before being switched to something else a few years ago. I have tried 3-4 different ones I think over the years.

love

shari

[Guest guest]

Thanks Cheryl,

Would you give us examples of herbs that interfere

with antidepressants?

Is Effexor an antidepressant? . . . I've found it's

effective in reducing the pain from burning feet. It

blocks one of the pathways that register pain in the

brain.

I reduce the dose to 1/4 the minimum size 75 gm

capsule by dividing the capsule into empty gel caps

and get the benefit I need.

While this blocks the almost all that pain, I don't

get the signal that tells me if my diet is on track to

treat the cause of the pain . . . a depletion of

magnesium worsen by Neurontin. For that reason I'm

reluctant to take Effexor unless I'm sure my diet is

OK . . . then I don't need it that much!

Oh well, live and learn!

Thanks,

Rogene

--- Cheryl <sunbum256@...> wrote:

> Please be careful: Anyone taking SSRI's

> (anti-depressants), be careful

> taking any supplements that affect serotonin levels

> in the brain. It's

> dangerous to take some herbs/supplements that affect

> brain chemicals

> that anti-depressants are already working on.

> Cheryl

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just don't take any of these drugs. I used to have Klonopin for the pins

and needles and Restless Leg Syndrome, but have quit that also. I think it

contributes to the Sjogren's like symptoms, as well as being addictive. I

have found that I need it less and less as I avoid it. The same is true

with sleep medicines. They are addictive, and best avoided. There are

things that can be done to help restore the natural sleep cycle, and it

takes some perseverance. A good naturopath can help with this.

Lynda

At 07:47 AM 9/1/2005, you wrote:

>Thanks Cheryl,

>

>Would you give us examples of herbs that interfere

>with antidepressants?

>

>Is Effexor an antidepressant? . . . I've found it's

>effective in reducing the pain from burning feet. It

>blocks one of the pathways that register pain in the

>brain.

>

>I reduce the dose to 1/4 the minimum size 75 gm

>capsule by dividing the capsule into empty gel caps

>and get the benefit I need.

>

>While this blocks the almost all that pain, I don't

>get the signal that tells me if my diet is on track to

>treat the cause of the pain . . . a depletion of

>magnesium worsen by Neurontin. For that reason I'm

>reluctant to take Effexor unless I'm sure my diet is

>OK . . . then I don't need it that much!

>

>Oh well, live and learn!

>

>Thanks,

>

>Rogene

>

>

>

>

>

>--- Cheryl <sunbum256@...> wrote:

>

> > Please be careful: Anyone taking SSRI's

> > (anti-depressants), be careful

> > taking any supplements that affect serotonin levels

> > in the brain. It's

> > dangerous to take some herbs/supplements that affect

> > brain chemicals

> > that anti-depressants are already working on.

> > Cheryl

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

>licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed

>health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

>Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live

>a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing,

>two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Cheryl!! Yes, I wondered about this too. I will ask my doctor about

the

supplement. I also have heard that some supplements and meds dont' mix. It

certainly

makes sense in this case, where both might affect seratonin.

> Please be careful: Anyone taking SSRI's (anti-depressants), be careful

> taking any supplements that affect serotonin levels in the brain. It's

> dangerous to take some herbs/supplements that affect brain chemicals

> that anti-depressants are already working on.

> Cheryl

[Guest guest]

I agree. A lot of times there is an imbalance in the body causing sleep problems. In my case it was my need to take 5HTP, which worked like a miracle for me. My ND did testing to determine the insufficiency.

Kenda

I just don't take any of these drugs. I used to have Klonopin for the pins

and needles and Restless Leg Syndrome, but have quit that also. I think it

contributes to the Sjogren's like symptoms, as well as being addictive. I

have found that I need it less and less as I avoid it. The same is true

with sleep medicines. They are addictive, and best avoided. There are

things that can be done to help restore the natural sleep cycle, and it

takes some perseverance. A good naturopath can help with this.

Lynda

At 07:47 AM 9/1/2005, you wrote:

>Thanks Cheryl,

>

>Would you give us examples of herbs that interfere

>with antidepressants?

>

>Is Effexor an antidepressant? . . . I've found it's

>effective in reducing the pain from burning feet. It

>blocks one of the pathways that register pain in the

>brain.

>

>I reduce the dose to 1/4 the minimum size 75 gm

>capsule by dividing the capsule into empty gel caps

>and get the benefit I need.

>

>While this blocks the almost all that pain, I don't

>get the signal that tells me if my diet is on track to

>treat the cause of the pain . . . a depletion of

>magnesium worsen by Neurontin. For that reason I'm

>reluctant to take Effexor unless I'm sure my diet is

>OK . . . then I don't need it that much!

>

>Oh well, live and learn!

>

>Thanks,

>

>Rogene

>

>

>

>

>

>--- Cheryl <sunbum256@...> wrote:

>

> > Please be careful: Anyone taking SSRI's

> > (anti-depressants), be careful

> > taking any supplements that affect serotonin levels

> > in the brain. It's

> > dangerous to take some herbs/supplements that affect

> > brain chemicals

> > that anti-depressants are already working on.

> > Cheryl

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by

>licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed

>health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

>

> " Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you.

>Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live

>a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing,

>two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

>

>

[Guest guest]

St. 's Wart is the first that comes to mind. Let me just say:

There are different categories of antidepressants. Some work on

Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and other brain

chemicals. Depending which medications you are on, will depend on what

chemical affects the herb or supp. affects will be what you have to

look out for. Hope that makes sense!

Cheryl