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The Perfectionist

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This emotional tribe is run by glutamate, which is another excitatory neurotransmitter that is made in your body and we get it from foods and from Monosodium Glutamate, better known as MSG. MSG is a fermented flavor enhancer. Food producers label MSG under several names, including yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, glutamic acid and sodium or calcium casein-ate, processed foods and artificially flavored foods. Some glutamate is good because it gives us energy, helps us think and makes us smart but too much glutamate will dial our brain up so it almost feels like it runs too fast or we can’t shut it off. It can cause insomnia, irritability and perfectionism. Some people will either make more glutamate or they don’t break it down easily to the calming neurotransmitter GABA. This can be due to genetic variants. Taking things like L- theanine found in green tea can bind to glutamate receptors making it less effective and making you feel calmer.

For those that fit this picture; an overactive brain with a perfectionist nature, I will try MindCalm from Xymogen. It has the Gaba, L theanine and Taurine, Magnesium and Inositol to round out the calming effects.

Can I test for this? YES and this is where it can get really exciting. We don’t have to guess. We can test your Neurotransmitters with an easy urine test, the Neuro / Adrenal panel from Labrix. This has been very helpful when it isn’t apparent which neurotransmitter are causing the issues. Testing the micronutrients is also available with the Micronutrient panel from Vibrant America. This tests 35 different nutrients at a cellular level telling the last 4-6 months of your nutrient status. This helps us see the picture if low nutrient cofactors are causing the problems. Want to know more and dig even deeper? Click Here to schedule a consultation with me.

Dr. Heidi Hook, ND

Born and raised in Auburn, California. Dr. Heidi Hook is a 1996 graduate of Bastyr University and is the owner of Auburn Naturopathic Medicine. Her practice focuses mainly on discovering the underlying causes of illness that is specific for each person.

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