Amino Acids: Foundations for Neurotransmitters

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This week, Dr. James Greenblatt returns to talk about the root causes of depression that often get missed. We dig into why many people still struggle despite medication and therapy, the surprising importance of amino acids for neurotransmitters, and how stress and low stomach acid quietly disrupt protein and nutrient absorption.

We also cover key deficiencies linked to depression, including zinc, B12, folate, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega threes, and why “normal” lab ranges are not always helpful. Dr. Greenblatt explains why very low cholesterol can increase depression risk, and we explore new research on nutritional lithium and its potential for mood, cognition, and long-term brain health.

You can now preorder Dr. Greenblatt’s upcoming book, Finally Hopeful, which releases January 13, 2026. It offers a whole-body, personalized roadmap for understanding and treating depression. 

Check out Dr. Greenblatt's other episode on the LSL: #400 Malnourished Mind: Nutrient Deficiencies In Mental Health & Anorexia

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Amino acids are foundational for neurotransmitters
• Zinc, B12, folate, magnesium and vitamin D strongly influence mood
• Stress and low stomach acid impair nutrient absorption
• Very low cholesterol increases depression risk
• Nutritional lithium shows promise for mood and brain health

Find Dr. Greenblatt’s free webinars here: https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/webinars-in-functional-medicine/

ABOUT GUEST:
James M. Greenblatt, MD, is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a leading voice in functional and integrative psychiatry. In practice since 1988, he has authored seven books, including Finally Focused and the upcoming Finally Hopeful, and lectures internationally on nutritional approaches to mental health. He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined and a member of the Orthomolecular Hall of Fame.

WHERE TO FIND:
Websites: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/ & https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefined

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links

SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint