What is serotonin?
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a Neurotransmitters and hormone It plays an important role in regulation Mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, memory, etc.. It is often called “”.Feels good” or Feeling safe The hormone, serotonin, helps to promote a sense of happiness and emotional stability.
It is widely known for its brain influence, but most of the serotonin in the human body has been actually found. Outside the central nervous system.
Where is serotonin hormone produced?
- Approximately 90-95% The body’s production of serotonin Gastrointestinal (GI) tract,in particular Entel Chromaffin Cells With the intestine lining.
- rest 5–10% It is synthesized with Central nervous system,mainly Rape Nuclei of the brainstem.
- Serotonin cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier Serotonin in the brain and intestines is produced independently.
What is serotonin used for?
Serotonin affects a variety of functions in different body systems.
In the brain:
- I will regulate it feeling, anxietyand happiness
- Modulates Sleep and wake cycle
- Impact appetite and Impulse control
- plays a role in Cognition, learnand Memory
Inside the body:
- control Intestinal motility and digestive functions
- I’m involved in Blood coagulation Through platelet activation
- I will contribute to Sexual function
- Impact Body temperature regulation And the perception of pain
Serotonin is also a precursor Melatonina hormone that regulates sleep.
What causes serotonin deficiency? What are the symptoms?
Cause:
- Low diet tryptophan intake (Tryptophan is the amino acid needed to produce serotonin)
- Chronic stress
- Vitamin B6 or B3 deficiency
- Lack of sunlight exposure (Reduces serotonin synthesis)
- Poor gut health
- Depression or anxiety disorder
- be medicine (Examples: hormonal contraception, beta blockers)
Symptoms of serotonin deficiency:
- Low mood or depression
- Anxiety or annoyed
- Insomnia or Sleep Destruction
- Carbohydrate cravings and emotional diet
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Poor memory and difficulty in focus
- Digestive problems (e.g. constipation or IBS)
What causes high serotonin? What are the symptoms?
Excessive serotonin levels are dangerous and can lead to Serotonin syndromea potentially life-threatening condition.
Causes of high serotonin:
- Overdose or interactions of drugs such as ssris, Maoi, Tramadol, MDMAor Rhinezolid
- Multiple serotonergic or supplement combinations (e.g. 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort)
Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome:
- Agitated or confused
- Muscle convulsions or trembling
- Rapid heart rate
- Hypertension
- Extended Students
- Shaking or sweating
- heat
- Severe cases: seizures, irregular heartbeats, or unconscious
Seek immediate doctor’s appointment If serotonin syndrome is suspected.
How does serotonin increase? What foods increase serotonin?
The body produces serotonin from Tryptophan amino acidWith the help of Vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, and vitamin D..
Natural ways to boost serotonin:
- Sunlight exposure – UV light stimulates the brain’s production of serotonin.
- exercise -Aerobic activity increases the levels of serotonin and endorphins.
- Tryptophan rich food – Combined with carbohydrates to help absorb.
- Meditation and gratitude practices – It has been shown to enhance mood-related neurotransmitters.
- Social interaction and laughter – Natural mood enhancer.
- Massage therapy – Increases serotonin while reducing cortisol.
Tryptophan-rich foods include:
- Turkey and chicken
- egg
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Tofu and soy products
- Salmon and other fatty fish
- Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin and sunflower seeds)
- Oats and bananas
- Dark Chocolate
Notes: Tryptophan competes with other amino acids and passes through the blood-brain barrier. It will be consumed with Complex carbohydrates It helps in prioritizing serotonin synthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Serotonin
Q: Is serotonin the same as dopamine?
A: no. Serotonin stabilizes mood, and dopamine is associated with reward and motivation. Both are important to mental health and often work together.
Q: Does serotonin affect sleep?
A: yes. Serotonin is a precursor Melatonina hormone that regulates the sleep and wake cycle.
Q: Can I test my serotonin levels?
A: meanwhile Serotonin blood test It exists and is not commonly used to assess mental health. Brain serotonin levels cannot be measured directly using standardized tests.
Q: Are there any supplements to increase serotonin?
A: Supplements like 5-HTP, Tryptophanand St. John’s Wort It may increase serotonin, but should be used carefully and under medical supervision.
Q: Can gut health affect serotonin?
A: yes. Most serotonin is produced in the intestines Unbalanced intestinal flora It can impair serotonin production and mood regulation.
reference
- Young SN. A method to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience. 2007; 32(6): 394–399. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2077351/
- Burger M, Gray JA, Ross BL. Expanding the 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/10.1177/02698811725915
- Institute of Functional Medicine. Serotonin and gut health. https://www.ifm.org
