Perplexity: Glutamate levels can become excessively high in the body due to several factors:
- Diet: Consuming foods high in free glutamate or monosodium glutamate (MSG) can lead to elevated glutamate levels. These include processed foods, soy sauce, cheese, tomatoes, nuts, and cured meats.
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Inflammation: Glutamate and inflammation are closely linked. Chronic inflammation can cause an increase in glutamate levels, and high glutamate levels can also contribute to inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.
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Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier: A compromised blood-brain barrier can allow excess glutamate from the bloodstream to enter the brain, leading to excitotoxicity and potential neurological damage.
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Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondrial impairment can disrupt the proper regulation and transport of glutamate, resulting in its accumulation in the brain and other tissues.
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Imbalance with GABA: Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are two neurotransmitters that work in balance. If GABA levels are low, it can lead to a relative excess of glutamate.
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Certain Medical Conditions: Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsonās, Alzheimerās, and Huntingtonās disease, as well as mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, and schizophrenia, have been associated with glutamate imbalance and excitotoxicity.