Why I Started Looking at Neurotransmitters
A few years ago, I dove into the world of neurotransmitters to help a close family member move through major depression and suicidal ideation. That research—and a lot of prayer, stillness, and support—became the groundwork for real change in our home.

Quick Primer (in normal-people language)
Neurotransmitters are your body’s chemical messengers—they carry signals between nerve cells and influence mood, motivation, focus, sleep, and more. You’ve heard names like dopamine and serotonin; they’re part of what helps you feel joy, calm, and drive. When these messengers are out of balance, even getting through the day can feel impossible.

Who I Worked With & Why
I went to a pharmacist I trust—Koby Taylor, PharmD, at Fusion Specialty Pharmacy (St. George, UT). He compounds medications and also consults with local doctors who prescribe for mental health, helping patients use lower doses when appropriate and replenish nutrients/aminos that can dip with certain meds. Through him, we used a ZRT neurotransmitter test as a starting map. For my daughter, it showed she wasn’t producing much (if any) serotonin—which helped us make sense of why joy felt out of reach. (Testing and interpretation vary; this is just the path that helped us.)

What “Active/Methylated/Coenzyme” Forms Mean (and why I care)
Some nutrients come in forms your body has to convert before it can use them. Others come in a more ready-to-use form. For us, choosing the “active” versions made a noticeable difference in energy and steadiness:

• Folate: 5-MTHF (methylfolate) rather than folic acid.

• B12: methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin instead of cyanocobalamin.

• B6: P-5-P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate), a direct cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis.

What We Personally Used (not medical advice—just sharing our kit):

• From BrainMD: NeuroLink, Omega-3 Power, Methylfolate, Happy Saffron.

• From Fusion: “active” forms where possible (to support absorption/utility).

• Hormone & thyroid support we tried: FemRebalance (Vitanica), Thyroid Strength (MegaFood), spearmint (gentle support), wild yam root for me.

• Mood support we tried: St. John’s Wort, magnesium.

• Methyl Guard Plus (Thorne) for methylation support.
  Everyone’s body and meds are different—please check interactions (for example, St. John’s Wort can interact with many prescriptions).

The Foundation Most People Can Start With (Budget-Friendly): Protein + Aminos
Amino acids are the building blocks of neurotransmitters (e.g., tryptophan → serotonin, tyrosine → dopamine). If resources are tight, start by prioritizing protein with a full amino acid profile—from food or a powder that agrees with your body.

How I Choose Protein (Blood Type & Ayurveda—my personal lens)
I’ve studied Ayurvedic doshas and also used the blood-type framework to guide food choices for easier digestion and better recovery. For me (O+), I do best with denser proteins like red meat/salmon. My daughter (B+) thrives on lighter proteins like chicken, fish, some dairy, nuts.

• These are frameworks I’ve found helpful; evidence for blood-type diets is limited, and Ayurveda is a traditional system focused on balance more than Western clinical endpoints. Use what resonates and leave what doesn’t.

Why I Trust My Body’s Signals (Coaching Story)
Back when I competed in NPC shows and trained clients, I couldn’t keep strength or mood steady without some red meat (O+). A client prepping for Miss America felt wrecked on a high-red-meat plan; we checked her blood type (B+), shifted her to lighter proteins plus balanced fats, and her energy—and physique—rebounded fast. That taught me to respect bio-individuality.

Results We Noticed
Once we supported what testing suggested was low, we saw changes within 2–3 weeks—first in my daughter’s eyes and presence, then in her stamina and mood. I notice the difference in myself too when I skip things my body clearly benefits from.

Gentle Notes & Safety

• This is not medical advice—just our path. Work with a clinician, especially if you’re on meds or pregnant/nursing.

• Supplements can interact with prescriptions; double-check.

• If you or someone you love is in crisis, you’re not alone—Call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They’re available 24/7.

How You Can Explore This Yourself
I’m not associated with Fusion Specialty Pharmacy in any way—just a grateful client—but I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this testing and guidance can be. You can order the ZRT Neurotransmitter Test directly through Fusion Specialty Pharmacy  and schedule a call with Koby Taylor. He’s knowledgeable and approachable, and if you provide him with your bloodwork, he may also help you interpret where you need support.

This was the foundation for real change for my daughter—who went from years of wanting to “choose out,” deep depression, anxiety, and almost no serotonin production…to vibrant and flourishing. And it’s what I chose for myself three weeks ago. I can feel everything kicking in now: five days of sunlight streaming through, my thoughts returning to their normal happy state, and my motivation and energy climbing again.

I truly believe that until you get this kind of biological support, the spiritual work is harder to land. Once your nervous system has the raw materials it needs, your heart and soul have more room to heal. That’s why this was my number one step—and why I’m sharing it here.