Neurotransmitter imbalance, also known as Brain Chemical Imbalance, is a condition characterized by an uneven distribution of chemicals in the brain, which can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and general well-being. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons in the brain, and an imbalance of these chemicals can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

The symptoms of Brain Chemical Imbalance can differ from person to person, with some experiencing mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in activities.

At our integrative medicine clinic located in Clearwater, Florida, we offer a variety of integrative treatments to help manage the symptoms of Brain Chemical Imbalance. Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of the condition and providing personalized treatment plans for each patient. Our integrative treatments include:

Neurotransmitter Testing: We provide advanced testing to determine the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, allowing us to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses specific imbalances in each patient.
Nutrition Counseling: We offer personalized nutrition counseling to help patients make dietary changes that support healthy brain function. Nutrient-rich diets that include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and amino acids can improve neurotransmitter function and reduce symptoms of Brain Chemical Imbalance.
Herbal Medicine: We use a variety of plant-based remedies to support healthy brain function and improve neurotransmitter balance.
Mind-Body Therapy: Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and biofeedback, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, improving overall health and well-being, which can worsen Brain Chemical Imbalance.
Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage symptoms of Brain Chemical Imbalance. We work with each patient to determine if medication is necessary, and we provide ongoing medication management to ensure optimal effectiveness and minimal side effects.
Our integrative treatments aim to provide patients with a comprehensive approach to managing Brain Chemical Imbalance. We work with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their individual needs and goals.

Candida Albicans is a type of yeast organism that belongs to the Candida group. This strain is the most common cause of candidiasis, which is an overgrowth of Candida that can be found in the digestive tract, urogenital system, and respiratory system. Candida is typically present in small amounts within the microbiome and serves a commensal role. However, if Candida overgrows, it can lead to an imbalance in the microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis. This dysbiosis is commonly associated with digestive issues and symptoms that are often labeled as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Candida can exist in two forms: yeast and hyphal. Both forms can be pathogenic in the body, but the hyphal form is more invasive and can create biofilms, leading to antifungal resistance. Various factors can predispose someone to Candida overgrowth, including antibiotics and a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar. Testing for Candida overgrowth can be done using stool tests that detect elevated levels of Candida or urine organic acid tests that look for elevated metabolic toxins from Candida and other bacteria. Treatment options can be explored by consulting with an integrative wellness physician.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an illness that is characterized by exposure to biotoxins and can lead to ongoing inflammation that affects any body organ system, making it debilitating if left untreated. It is believed that 1 in 4 Americans is genetically predisposed to this disease, which is often misdiagnosed and treated improperly. There is a simple lab test, HLA haplotype, that can determine if a person is susceptible to CIRS.

The symptoms of CIRS vary from person to person, depending on their body chemistry and immune system function. Symptoms may include brain fog, chronic pain in joints and muscles, shortness of breath with exertion, metallic taste in the mouth, and other unusual symptoms.

CIRS can occur when mold biotoxins attach to immune system cells and weaken the body’s immune response. This leads to inflammation that targets healthy cells and tissues. Those affected by CIRS may be misdiagnosed with other conditions such as depression, autoimmune disease, and fibromyalgia. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic illness.

It is estimated that around 50% of the buildings and homes in the US are water-damaged enough to create an environment favorable for mold to grow and generate mycotoxins, which trigger CIRS and biotoxin illness. Those who are genetically susceptible to mold may have a harder time clearing these toxins from their body, leading to widespread inflammation.

Patients with CIRS are often misdiagnosed, making it difficult to diagnose accurately. A genetic test can help determine if someone has CIRS, and there are effective therapies available for those diagnosed with CIRS. The Vibrant CIRS panel is a unique screen for inflammatory markers that signal a chronic inflammatory trigger such as biotoxins. Testing is the only way to confirm exposure or presence of micro-organisms that cause these symptoms.

At Grossgold Clinic, we provide treatment for the underlying cause of depression rather than just the symptoms. Our approach has helped numerous patients who were stuck in a never-ending cycle of depression. Many of these individuals were previously prescribed medications to cover up the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.

Despite daily advancements in brain research by neuroscientists in Europe and America, depression treatment offered by American psychiatrists lags at least 10 years behind. Psychiatrists who fail to conduct research or study recent PET scan research lack knowledge about multiple newly discovered biochemical and physiological causes of depression, most of which are treatable.

Sadly, many psychiatrists prefer to read drug company advertisements about new psychiatric medications, many of which are merely new versions of old drugs that have lost their patent. These drugs may alleviate psychological symptoms, but they seldom address the root cause of depression.

Moreover, psychiatrists often focus solely on increasing serotonin activity in the brain of depressed patients, a modality of depression treatment that was more effective 30 years ago when Americans suffered less neurotoxicity and malnutrition. This narrow focus fails to consider other possible underlying causes of depression.

At Grossgold Clinic, we have successfully treated people with chronic depression who have not responded to traditional methods. We specialize in treating depression and have helped thousands of patients who were previously labeled as having “refractory depression” by their psychiatrists.

Our research on depression has connected the various symptoms experienced by our patients with abnormal findings on their brain scans and abnormalities seen in their brain chemistry patterns. We have correlated these with over 500 various biomarkers for gut toxicity, mold toxicity, industrial toxicity, amino acid deficiencies, hormonal deficiencies, and brain infections like Lyme disease. No American or European medical center has performed this comprehensive research on depression patients. As a result, psychiatrists trained at these centers practice with limited knowledge, primarily focusing on the latest antidepressant medications, which fail to treat the underlying cause of depression in most patients.

The area of the brain most vulnerable to neurotoxins is the prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain. Reduction of electrical activity in this region caused by toxins is becoming increasingly common.

Recent research using PET scans from Madrid has shown that glutamatergic receptors in the prefrontal cortex regulate the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, the brain’s pleasure center.

Our clinical studies on depression patients have revealed that neurotoxicity, the accumulation of harmful fatty toxins in the brain, can lead to severe depression by reducing electrical activity in the pleasure center. This is an often overlooked cause of depression that is becoming more prevalent due to increased exposure to environmental toxins.

Many people are unknowingly suffering from melancholic depression, a type of depression characterized by changes in personality, such as moodiness, irritability, and agitation. These symptoms stem from an overactive deep limbic system, a small region in the mid-brain.

Patients with an overactive deep limbic system may struggle with feelings of hopelessness and excessive guilt, which they may hide from loved ones who instead notice their moodiness and irritability. They may also suffer from low self-esteem and motivation, finding even simple tasks overwhelming.

In some cases, lack of performance in melancholic depression patients can lead to further depression in another brain region. PET brain research has shown that patients experiencing negative outcomes can experience a significant drop in dopamine D2 receptors in their reward center.

The deep limbic system is rich in GABA neurons, which are activated by the calming brain chemical GABA. Serotonin and taurine also have calming effects by enhancing GABA activity in the brain.

Our clinical research has shown that GABA activation in the deep limbic system depends not only on optimal serotonin levels but also on optimal levels of taurine. To feel happy, emotionally calm, and peaceful, optimal GABA activity in the deep limbic system is essential.

Patients with melancholic depression often become socially isolated, losing interest in socializing and becoming more emotionally sensitive and easily offended. In severe cases, they may develop social anxiety and begin avoiding friends and family.

Research by Dr. Grossgold and the Grossgold Clinic Team has shown that melancholic depression is often caused by co-occurring disorders, which can be inherited or caused by environmental factors.

The widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture since World War II has led to antibiotic ingestion through poultry, beef, milk, and city water. Antibiotic levels in city water have reached a critical level that destroys healthy intestinal bacteria, allowing for the overgrowth of toxic Candida yeast and bacteria. These pathogenic bugs create toxins that damage the intestinal lining, causing malnutrition and a lack of amino acids needed to produce brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. The toxins also migrate to the brain, causing neurotoxin-induced depression by disabling the production of healthy hormones that activate antidepressant brain chemicals.

The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) belongs to the herpes group of viruses, which includes HSV 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pseudorabies virus. These viruses share the characteristic of stressing the immune system and remaining dormant in the body even after the initial infection.

Almost everyone is infected with EBV at some point in their life. Adolescents and young adults infected with EBV may develop infectious mononucleosis (mono), which typically resolves within a few months. However, EBV remains dormant in the body for life.

EBV is typically spread through saliva and other bodily fluids and can be transmitted unknowingly by daycare workers, teachers, grandmas, and college students. It is a highly infectious disease that can be contracted from an infected carrier or by overuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

While periodic reactivation of EBV may occur, it usually does not cause symptoms or illness in healthy individuals with strong immune function. However, in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system, EBV and other viruses like CMV can become problematic.

Most people have been exposed to EBV by the age of 40, but many don’t realize they have been infected because they never felt sick. However, in those with compromised immune function, reactivation of a dormant EBV infection tends to create more severe problems such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, MS, thyroid disorders, mitochondrial damage, Lyme, schizophrenia, pleurisy, development of autoimmune diseases, cancer and increased risk of Hodgkin’s disease.

Autoimmunity is often caused by gut dysbiosis, underlying infections (both viral and bacterial), leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and toxin overload. Individuals with autoimmune conditions have an elevated microbial load, disrupted microbiome, mitochondrial dysfunction from toxin exposures, and nutritional deficiencies. By identifying the root causes, the pieces to the autoimmune puzzle can be addressed systematically by peeling away the layers of the onion and building a strong foundation through diet, nutrition, toxic exposure elimination, lifestyle, and environmental interventions.

A viral protein found in EBV-infected human cells may activate genes associated with an increased risk for autoimmunity. The Epstein Barr Virus attacks the pancreas’s beta cells, leading to type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions. Studies have shown high viral loads of active EBV in a high percentage of patients with a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, MS, autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s and Grave’s), inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), and other chronic autoimmune diseases. According to a longitudinal study, infection with EBV is the strongest known risk factor for multiple sclerosis. Individuals infected with EBV in childhood have a hazard of developing MS approximately 15 times higher than healthy controls, while those infected in adolescence or later in life have a hazard of developing MS about 30 times higher

Fibromyalgia is a condition where patients experience widespread pain throughout their body, muscle spasms, and “trigger points,” which may also lead to anxiety. This is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters, specifically a deficiency of calming neurotransmitters and excessive activity of excitatory or electrifying neurotransmitters. At the Grossgold Clinic, they have treated over 1,500 fibromyalgia patients, mostly females, who have suffered from undiagnosed medical disorders causing this neurotransmitter imbalance. Through their research, they have found that a significant common factor in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients is neurotoxicity, the accumulation of toxins in the brain and nervous system. Grossgold Clinic offers comprehensive diagnostic testing to detect underlying causes of fibromyalgia, including a range of toxicity issues, such as mold toxicity, Lyme disease, and other blood pathogens. They provide intravenous therapy to successfully treat these underlying disorders and help alleviate the excessive production of electrifying neurotransmitters, such as Glutamate and PEA, that lead to pain and increased sensitivity to pain in fibromyalgia patients. They emphasize that treating the underlying cause is essential for better fibromyalgia treatment, rather than simply masking the symptoms with addictive medications that reduce electrical activity but do not address the root cause of the disorder. Grossgold Clinic provides integrative and holistic treatment options to help patients heal and live healthier lives.

The family of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals are human-made and do not occur naturally in the environment. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are the most common PFAS chemicals, but both are being phased out due to their adverse effects on health and the environment. These are being replaced with other PFAS chemicals that also have the potential to repel oil, grease, and water. PFASs are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, are present in humans, animals, and food supplies, and are found worldwide. The most studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA.

PFAS contamination can occur through biodegradation or disposal of consumer products containing PFAS, groundwater contamination, illegal dumping, exposure to contaminated air in manufacturing facilities, and contaminated food. PFOA is used to make PTFE and can be found in products containing PTFE, such as Gore-Tex®, Teflon®, and anti-aging cosmetics. PFOA is persistent in the environment and is a common contaminant in drinking water. It is found in indoor dust, especially in newly renovated buildings or homes with new upholstered furniture or carpeting, and bioaccumulates in people and animal tissues, such as the lungs and kidneys. PFOA exposure is linked to endocrine (hormone) disruption, increased risk of developing breast cancer, and is a potential human carcinogen. PFOS is closely related to PFOA and has been phased out of use in the US. However, it is still found ubiquitously in human samples and is associated with lower birth weight and higher weight at 20 months of age. PFHxS is also ubiquitous in the environment and is detected in almost all people tested for PFASs.

Since 1930, American industry has produced more than 84,000 toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks to humans. These toxic chemicals are not of divine origin and have harmful effects on our bodies. Being upstream is always preferable to being downstream, as demonstrated by the fact that arsenic levels in the Mississippi River increase from 25 parts per billion near Minneapolis to 155 parts per billion when it reaches New Orleans, which happens to be the murder capital of America.

Most of these industrial toxins are carcinogens, neurotoxins, and immunosuppressants. Many of these toxins are lipophilic and fat-soluble, allowing them to travel throughout our body uninhibited. These toxins accumulate in our fatty tissues, especially in our neurological system, resulting in neurotoxicity. Our brain, which is made up of 60% fatty content, is particularly vulnerable to these toxins.

The myelin sheath that surrounds our brain neurons and peripheral nerves, which is composed of 80% fatty content, is the fattiest tissue in our body. When lipophilic toxins saturate the myelin sheath, they displace healthy fatty acids and cause inflammation and oxidation of the sheath. This leads to a disruption of the electromagnetic field surrounding the neuron and a subsequent reduction in the electrical signal. Our brain is the most sensitive organ to this toxin-induced reduction of electrical activity.

Toxins that cause neurotoxicity in patients typically come from a variety of sources, including industrial toxins, mold toxins, Lyme toxins, Bartonella toxins, Protomyxzoa toxins, and biotoxins from other brain infections. Dr. Grossgold of the Grossgold Clinic in Clearwater, Florida has been working diligently to develop neurological protocols that can reverse the shutdown of brain function caused by these toxins.

At Grossgold Clinic, our approach to treating Lyme Disease combines cutting-edge, non-toxic therapies based on the latest research with natural healing techniques from around the world.

Our team of integrative medical experts uses a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approach that identifies the root cause of your symptoms and targets the Lyme spirochetes, coinfections, and toxins in your body while addressing your most troublesome symptoms. Our goal is to help you live without fear of relapse and restore your quality of life.

Many of our patients have seen numerous doctors before finding us, and our approach combines conventional and alternative medicine to promote holistic healing while addressing underlying infections and toxicities.

If you’re like many of our patients, you’re already well-informed about Lyme Disease and have spent countless hours researching treatments and therapies. We understand that the journey to diagnosis and treatment can be frustrating, and we’re here to provide compassionate care that takes your whole self into consideration, including your body, mind, and spirit.

Our clinic in Clearwater, Florida, is known as the last chance for many Lyme disease patients who have been misdiagnosed or left without hope. We believe that each patient is unique, and we work with you as an equal partner to tailor our treatments to your individual needs. Our goal is to unravel the complexities of Lyme Disease and provide personalized care that helps you regain control of your health.

Chronic inflammatory diseases are increasing in prevalence, with estimates suggesting that currently 30% of the population is affected, expected to rise to 50% by 2030. While poor food choices, obesity, toxins in the environment, and chronic stress are known contributors, emerging evidence points to histamine intolerance (HIT) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) as playing a significant role. HIT occurs when the body has an overabundance of histamine due to genetic mutations or a deficiency of essential nutrients necessary to break it down, while MCAS occurs when the mast cells release histamine due to being over-reactive, leading to inflammation. MCAS is not easily diagnosed due to the lack of a uniform clinical presentation and challenging testing. However, common symptoms of MCAS include fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, itching, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, unusual skin sensations, rashes, eye irritation, shortness of breath, brain fog, gut pain, memory issues, insomnia, dizziness/lightheadedness, environmental allergies, mouth sores, anxiety, heat or cold intolerance, diarrhea, constipation, and issues with skin, hair, nails and teeth.

Parasitic infections are more widespread than commonly believed and may be responsible for several health issues such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, unexplained pain, and other chronic health conditions. These abnormal inhabitants of the GI tract have the potential to damage their host and negatively impact several aspects of health.

Parasites can be found in different parts of the body, including the liver and bile ducts, heart, brain, lungs, pancreas, spleen, skin, oral cavity, and GI tract. They can cause large, crater-like ulcers in the intestines and spread infections to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Additionally, parasites create biofilms on the gut wall, where they live and hide from the immune system, and may host bacteria, viruses, Lyme, and heavy metals.

Over 130 types of parasites are known to infect the human body, including Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Crytosporidium, and Dientamoeba fragilis, as well as roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, hookworms, Trichina spiralis, and Filaria. Parasites can move throughout the body and brain, draining vital nutrients, causing fatigue, digestive issues, teeth grinding, and other symptoms.

A high toxic burden, heavy metals, poor diet, emotional toxins, mycotoxins, Candida overgrowth, glyphosate, hormone-disrupting chemicals, depleted adrenals, compromised digestion, microbiome imbalances, and compromised immune function may contribute to an environment that allows parasites and other chronic infections to thrive.

Several sources can transmit parasites, such as contaminated food and water, poor food hygiene, daycare centers, raw or undercooked meat, international travel, animals, poor personal hygiene, public toilet seats, salad bars, sexual transmission, insect bites, walking barefoot, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

Stool testing or comprehensive stool tests specializing in parasitology are the most sensitive diagnostic methods for evaluating the presence and levels of parasites. However, parasites may not always appear in testing unless one has an acute infection. Blood tests may provide clues, such as increased eosinophil percent, monocyte percent, basophil percent, white blood count, neutrophils, and AST levels, as well as decreased lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Nonetheless, considering a person’s health history, timeline, symptoms, complaints, and underlying health conditions is essential.

The causative factor behind Parkinsonian symptoms has been a topic of debate for a long time. Some argue that the symptoms arise from a deficiency of dopamine, a decrease in dopamine receptors, or a reduction in dopamine receptivity, which refers to the ability of dopamine molecules to activate nerve receptors. In cases where toxic insults cause a change in the geometric shape of dopamine receptors, the receptor can no longer be activated by dopamine (like a key that no longer fits a lock). Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the loss of neurons in the Substantia Nigra, a specific region of the brain that controls motor movement. The Substantia Nigra is known as the brain’s motor region and is modulated by dopamine, which serves as the neurotransmitter that “runs” it.