What is serotonin?
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a Neurotransmitter And hormone This plays a crucial role in regulation Mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, memory and more. Often referred to as that “Feel -good” or Mood stabilization Hormone, serotonin, helps to promote a feeling of well -being and emotional stability.
Although most serotonin in the human body is known for its effects in the brain, it is actually found Outside the central nervous system.
Where is the serotonin hormone produced?
- About 90–95% The body’s serotonin is produced in the Stomach intestine (gi) tractespecially from Enterochrome affection In the intestinal feed.
- The rest 5–10% is in the synthesized Central nervous systemEspecially in the Raphe kernels of the brain stem.
- Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier The brain and intestinal engineer are made independently of each other.
What is serotonin used for?
Serotonin influences a variety of functions across different body systems:
In the brain:
- Regulated MoodPresent FearAnd Luck
- Modulated Sleep wach cycles
- Affects appetite And Impulse control
- Plays a role in knowledgePresent LearnAnd Memory
In the body:
- Checks Intestinalism and digestive function
- Involved in Blood clotting About platelet activation
- Carry Sexual function
- Effects Thermoregulation and pain perception
Serotonin is also the forerunner too MelatoninThe hormone that regulates sleep.
What causes serotonin deficiency? What are the symptoms?
Causes:
- Low tryptophanic intake of dietary (Tryptophan is the amino acid required to produce serotonin)
- Chronic stress
- Vitamin B6 or B3 deficiency
- Lack of sunlight exposure (Reduces the serotonin synthesis)
- Bad intestinal health or dysbiosis
- Depression or anxiety disorders
- Definitely Medication (e.g. hormonal birth control, beta blocker)
Symptoms of a serotonin deficiency:
- Low mood or depression
- Fear or irritability
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Carb cravings or emotional food
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Bad memory and difficulties to concentrate
- Digestion problems (e.g. constipation or IBS)
What causes high serotonin? What are the symptoms?
Excessive serotonin levels can be dangerous and lead to it Serotons syndromea potentially life -threatening illness.
Causes of high serotonin:
- Overdose or interaction of medication such as SsrisPresent MosesPresent TramadolPresent Mdmaor Linezolid
- Combination of several serotonians drugs or nutritional supplements (e.g. 5-HTP, St. Johns Würze)
Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome:
- Agitation or confusion
- Muscle twitching or trembling
- Quick heart rate
- Hypertension
- Extended student
- Tremor or sweat
- Fever
- In severe cases: seizures, irregular heartbeat or unconsciousness
Find immediate medical help If the serotonin is suspected.
How does serotonin increase? What are the food that serotonin increases?
The body makes serotonin out of the Amino acid tryptophanwith the help of Vitamin B6, magnesiumPresent ironand vitamin D..
Natural ways to strengthen serotonin:
- Sunlight – UV light stimulates serotonin production in the brain.
- Exercise – – Aerobic activity Increases serotonin and endorphin Levels.
- Tryptophaned food – Combine with carbohydrates to support the absorption.
- Meditation and gratitude practices -shown to increase mood -related neurotransmitters.
- Social interaction and laughter – Natural mood amplifier.
- Massage therapy – increases serotonin and reduces the cortisol.
Certain tryptopher -rich foods:
- Truthahn and chicken
- Egg
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Tofu and soy products
- Salmon and other fat fish
- Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin and sunflower seeds)
- Oats and bananas
- Dark chocolate
note: Tryptophan competes with other amino acids to cross the blood-brain barrier. Consume Complex carbohydrates Helps prioritization of serotonin synthesis.
Frequently asked questions about serotonin
Q: Is serotonin the same as dopamine?
A: No. Serotonin stabilizes the mood Dopamine is associated with reward and motivation. Both are crucial for mental health and often work together.
Q: Does serotonin affect sleep?
A: Yes. Serotonin is a forerunner for MelatoninThe hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Q: Can I test serotonin levels?
A: While Serotonin blood tests exist, they are often not used to assess mental health. Brain serotonin levels cannot be measured directly by standard tests.
Q: Are there any food supplements to strengthen serotonin?
A: Additions such as 5-HTPPresent TryptophanAnd St. John’s spice Can increase serotonin, but should be used carefully and under medical supervision.
Q: Can the health of intestinal influence, serotonin?
A: Yes. Most serotonin are produced in the intestine, and Uneven intestinal flora can affect serotonin production and mood regulation.
References
- Young sn. How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neurosciences. 2007; 32 (6): 394–399. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2077351/
- Berger M, Gray Yes, Roth Bl. The extended biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine. 2009; 60: 355–366. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802
- Carhart-Harris RL, Nutt DJ. Serotonin and brain function: a story of two receptors. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2017; 31 (9): 1091–1120. https://doi.org/10.1177/026981117725915
- Institute for Function Medicine. Serotonin and intestinal health. https://www.ifm.org
