When writing about health and fitness, I often weave hormones into the discussion. I’m asked more about hormones than most other topics, as well. But there’s another crucial category of communicators that deserves equal attention: neurotransmitters.

These chemicals have a massive influence on how you feel, think, and even how you perform. They’re often overlooked in mainstream health discussions, but understanding them can be a game-changer for your well-being. In this guide, we will dig deep into neurotransmitters: what they are, how they’re different from hormones, and why you should care about them for your overall health.

Hormones are like the body’s long-distance messengers. Produced by glands in the endocrine system, they travel through the bloodstream to deliver signals to various tissues and organs.Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2018). Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). Pearson. They’re behind a lot of what happens in your body, from controlling your metabolism to regulating your sleep cycles.

Neurotransmitters, on the other hand, are more like local couriers. They operate mainly in the brain, helping neurons communicate with each other.Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of Neural Science (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill. Unlike hormones, they don’t travel long distances. They make their impact in the tiny spaces between neurons, called synapses, and their effects are often immediate.

Dopamine and norepinephrine aren’t just about feeling good; they’re about energy optimization. These neurotransmitters act in the brain’s arousal system, influencing both wakefulness and alertness. Low levels can lead to symptoms akin to chronic fatigue syndrome, affecting not just your mood but also your physical stamina.Tumilty, S., et al. (2018). The effects of norepinephrine on hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in hyperdynamic sepsis. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, 33(6), 357-364.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that you might not have heard of, but it’s crucial for anyone interested in physical performance. It acts as the messenger between your nerves and muscles, facilitating the contraction that allows for movement. A deficiency in acetylcholine can lead to muscle weakness and decreased athletic performance.Deschenes, M. R., & Wilson, M. H. (2003). Age-related differences in synaptic plasticity following muscle unloading. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58(8), B678-B687.

When it comes to mood regulation, serotonin and dopamine are the big players. An imbalance in serotonin levels has been directly linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Dopamine also plays a role in how we perceive pleasure and reward, which impacts our emotional well-being.Wise, R. A. (2004). Dopamine, learning and motivation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 5(6), 483-494.

Acetylcholine doesn’t just affect your muscles; it’s also vital for your brain. It plays a significant role in attention, learning, and memory. Studies have found that decreased acetylcholine levels are associated with cognitive impairments, including those seen in Alzheimer’s disease.Schliebs, R., & Arendt, T. (2011). The cholinergic system in aging and neuronal degeneration. Behavioural Brain Research, 221(2), 555-563.

Ever find it hard to concentrate? Dopamine could be a factor. This neurotransmitter is essential for focus and the ability to sustain attention. Low levels have been linked to attention deficit disorders and decreased productivity.Volkow, N. D., et al. (2011). Motivation deficit in ADHD is associated with dysfunction of the dopamine reward pathway. Molecular Psychiatry, 16(11), 1147-1154.

Here’s where the dopamine-reward system comes into play. This system is what pushes you to achieve your goals, whether it’s acing an exam or hitting a new personal record in the gym. Without sufficient dopamine, you might find it hard to muster the motivation to accomplish tasks, big or small.Schultz, W. (2015). Neuronal reward and decision signals: from theories to data. Physiological Reviews, 95(3), 853-951.

Read also: Hope Molecules: The Amazing Chemicals of Mental Health.

Chronic stress is more than just an emotional burden; it’s a biochemical one. Long-term stress elevates cortisol levels, which in turn can deplete your brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels.Marin, M. F., et al. (2011). Chronic stress, cognitive functioning and mental health. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 96(4), 583-595. This can lead to a vicious cycle where stress triggers neurotransmitter imbalances, leading to increased stress sensitivity and mental health issues.Southwick, S. M., Vythilingam, M., & Charney, D. S. (2005). The psychobiology of depression and resilience to stress: implications for prevention and treatment. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 255-291.

You are what you eat, and this is especially true for your neurotransmitters. Diets high in processed foods and sugars can lead to imbalances in serotonin and dopamine.Francis, H., & Stevenson, R. (2013). The longer-term impacts of Western diet on human cognition and the brain. Appetite, 63, 119-128. On the flip side, nutrient-dense foods rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals can support neurotransmitter balance.Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 32(6), 394-399.

Certain medications, including some antidepressants and antipsychotics, can significantly alter neurotransmitter levels.Hyman, S. E., & Nestler, E. J. (1996). Initiation and adaptation: A paradigm for understanding psychotropic drug action. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 153(2), 151-162. While these drugs can be life-saving for some, they often come with a host of side effects, including further neurotransmitter imbalances.Pacher, P., & Kecskemeti, V. (2004). Trends in the development of new antidepressants. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 11(7), 925-943.

Substances like alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine can dramatically affect neurotransmitter levels. For instance, alcohol can both excite and inhibit neurotransmitter activity, leading to mood swings and cognitive impairments.Lovinger, D. M., & Roberto, M. (2013). Synaptic effects induced by alcohol. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 13, 31-86.

Practicing mindfulness can significantly modulate neurotransmitter levels. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels while reducing cortisol.Tang, Y. Y., Ma, Y., Wang, J., Fan, Y., Feng, S., Lu, Q., … & Posner, M. I. (2007). Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(43), 17152–17156.

Activities like deep-breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can also positively affect neurotransmitter balance by reducing stress hormones and promoting relaxation.Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353.

Sleep plays a critical role in neurotransmitter balance. REM sleep, in particular, helps reset brain chemistry, making it essential for maintaining optimal neurotransmitter levels.Walker, M. P. (2009). The role of sleep in cognition and emotion. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1156(1), 168-197.

Adhering to a consistent sleep schedule and creating a sleep-friendly environment can significantly improve sleep quality and, by extension, neurotransmitter balance.Irish, L. A., Kline, C. E., Gunn, H. E., Buysse, D. J., & Hall, M. H. (2015). The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 22, 23-36.

The importance of social interactions extends beyond the feel-good moments they provide. Our brains are wired to be social, and neurotransmitters like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin play a critical role in social bonding and interactions.Feldman, R., Monakhov, M., Pratt, M., & Ebstein, R. P. (2016). Oxytocin Pathway Genes: Evolutionary Ancient System Impacting on Human Affiliation, Sociality, and Psychopathology. Biological Psychiatry, 79(3), 174-184. This “social neurochemistry” influences not only our mood but also our cognitive function, stress levels, and even long-term mental health.

Oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding molecule,” is released during positive social interactions like hugging, listening, and even simple eye contact. Elevated oxytocin levels have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, effectively counteracting the negative effects of cortisol and promoting a sense of well-being.Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 1389-1398.

Social interactions also trigger the release of dopamine, reinforcing the “rewarding” aspect of human connection. This dopamine release can enhance mood and motivation, making social interactions a natural and effective way to boost this crucial neurotransmitter.Berridge, K. C., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2015). Pleasure systems in the brain. Neuron, 86(3), 646-664.

In contrast, social isolation or lack of quality social interactions can lead to imbalances in these neurotransmitters, contributing to feelings of loneliness, increased stress, and heightened risk of depression.Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2018). The growing problem of loneliness. The Lancet, 391(10119), 426.

In today’s remote work environment, maintaining a social support network may require proactive effort. Virtual meetups, regular video calls with friends and family, or even online social groups related to your interests can serve as modern avenues for social connection. These interactions, even if virtual, can still positively impact neurotransmitter levels and overall mental well-being.Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.

Understanding neurotransmitters goes beyond the realms of science and into everyday well-being. They’re not just chemicals in our brain; they are the regulators of mood, focus, stress, and social interaction. Whether it’s serotonin’s role in combating depression or the power of oxytocin in social bonding, these “brain messengers” have a profound impact on our lives.

It’s clear that our modern lifestyle—replete with stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and dwindling social interactions—can wreak havoc on neurotransmitter balance. But the good news is that you have the power to restore this balance.

By being proactive about your lifestyle choices, you can optimize your neurotransmitter levels and, in turn, improve your mental and physical health. It’s an empowering journey, and it starts with the first step of awareness.