Serotonin effect on body

Functions, Normal Range, Side Effects, and More

What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical nerve cells produce, and it sends signals between your nerve cells. Serotonin is found in many parts of your body: in your digestive system, blood platelets, and throughout the central nervous system.

It’s also thought to play a role in regulating your mood.

Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid must enter your body through your diet and is commonly found in foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs, and nuts.

High levels of serotonin in your blood may be a sign of carcinoid syndrome. This involves a group of symptoms related to tumors of the:

small intestine
appendix
colon
bronchial tubes

A doctor can request a blood test to measure the amount of serotonin in your blood to help diagnose the condition or rule it out.

Serotonin impacts every part of you, from your emotions to your body and motor skills. It helps with sleeping, healing, and digesting. Serotonin is also thought to be a natural mood stabilizer.

Serotonin helps your body to :

regulate anxiety
experience happiness
heal wounds
stimulate nausea

Here’s how serotonin acts in various functions across your body:

Bowel movements: About 90% of the serotonin in your body is produced in your intestines. It helps control your bowel movements and function.
Mood: Serotonin in the brain is believed to regulate feelings including happiness and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications are thought to relieve mood disorders by increasing serotonin activity in your brain.
Nausea: Serotonin in your stomach and intestines helps your body initiate nausea and vomiting in response to illness, foods, or other conditions.
Sleep and waking: Your ability to stay awake is controlled by neurotransmitters including serotonin. While you sleep, the chemical is involved in switching between REM and non-REM sleep.
Blood clotting: Platelets in your blood store serotonin. When your body needs to repair damage, platelets release serotonin to help stop bleeding and heal wounds.
Sex: Serotonin is involved in controlling the body’s sexual functions. This may be why medications that affect serotonin levels are associated with sexual side effects.

Serotonin and mental health

Many common medications for mental health conditions are thought to work by changing how your brain uses serotonin.

Among researchers, there’s some debate about the role serotonin plays in mental health. Early theories suggested that low serotonin causes depression. However, the truth is likely more complicated.

Mood disorders may result from a combination of factors including changes in the brain, life experiences, and health conditions, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Even so, antidepressant medications continue to be an important first-line treatment for mood disorders, along with psychotherapy. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking antidepressant medications.

Serotonin vs. dopamine

Like serotonin, dopamine is a chemical communicator that’s found in your brain and many other parts of your body.

Both of these neurotransmitters are associated with your mental well-being, so it can be easy to confuse them. But there are also some key differences between the two.

Here are several ways that serotonin and dopamine may act differently in your body:

	Serotonin	Dopamine
Where it’s produced	mainly in your gut	mainly in your brain
Mood	stabilizes mood and anxiety	affects motivation and pleasure
Depression	targeted in common depression treatments	few depression treatments target it
Sleep	helps regulate sleep and wakefulness	helps you feel more alert

You may be able to increase your serotonin levels through medication and more natural options.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant medication. They increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking reabsorption of the chemical, so more of it remains active. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), among others.

When you’re taking medications that affect serotonin, you shouldn’t use other medications or supplements without first talking with your doctor. Mixing medications may put you at risk of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Supplements

Some supplements may have the ability to raise serotonin levels. However, they’re not a replacement for medications prescribed by your doctor and should not be taken alongside other medications.

Supplements that may affect serotonin include:

St. John’s wort: The herb St. John’s wort increases serotonin in the body. Some believe it is effective for treating depression, but this has not always been supported by research.
SAMe: This supplement is promoted as a treatment for depression, but more studies are needed to understand its effects on mood and serotonin levels.
Tryptophan: This substance can be converted into serotonin in your brain, potentially raising your serotonin levels. Some research suggests it could help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

It’s also important to know that these supplements can increase your risk for serotonin syndrome, and can cause other side effects and interactions. Always talk with a doctor before trying any supplements or herbal remedies.

Natural serotonin boosters

The following strategies may help you boost your serotonin levels and improve your mood:

Exposure to bright light: Bright sunlight may help your mood, which is why light therapy is commonly recommended for treating seasonal depression. SAD lamps are an option for home therapy in winter or when access to bright sunlight is difficult.
Exercise: Regular exercise has many benefits for your general health. It can have mood-boosting effects, and it may trigger the release of serotonin.
Health-promoting diet: Following a balanced diet lowers the risk of many health conditions. Although research is limited, eating foods that may promote serotonin production could positively affect mood.
Meditation: Meditating can help relieve stress and promote a positive outlook on life. Some research suggests that it may raise serotonin levels, though more evidence is needed.

Medications, supplements, and other substances that increase serotonin levels in your body can lead to serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome can happen when you:

start taking a new medication
increase the dosage of an existing medication
take more medication than the amount prescribed
use an additional medication, supplement, or illegal drug that also affects serotonin levels

Medications, supplements, and substances that affect serotonin levels include:

SSRIs
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
dextromethorphan
many medications prescribed for mental health conditions
St. John’s wort
SAMe
tryptophan
amphetamines
cocaine
MDMA (ecstasy)

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

tremors
sweating
nausea
vomiting
restlessness

Severe symptoms can include:

headache
flushed skin
dilated pupils
disorientation
increased reflexes (hyperreflexia)
muscle twitches or spasms
high fever
muscle stiffness
rapid heart rate
high blood pressure
irregular heartbeat

There is no single test that can diagnose serotonin syndrome. To diagnose the condition, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request other tests such as:

brain imaging
urine tests
blood tests
spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

In mild cases, your doctor may ask you to stop taking the serotonin medication so that your symptoms can resolve. In more serious cases, your doctor may also use additional medications to treat the symptoms. Hospital treatment is typically necessary to manage severe serotonin syndrome. Usually, symptoms resolve within 24 to 72 hours.

If you suspect serotonin syndrome, it’s important to get medical attention immediately. Serotonin syndrome can be life threatening if left untreated.

Serotonin affects every part of your body. It’s responsible for many of the important functions that get us through the day.

Sometimes, a serotonin imbalance can mean something more serious. It’s important to pay attention to your body and talk with your doctor about any concerns.

Functions, Normal Range, Side Effects, and More

What is serotonin?

It’s also thought to play a role in regulating your mood.

Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid must enter your body through your diet and is commonly found in foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs, and nuts.

High levels of serotonin in your blood may be a sign of carcinoid syndrome. This involves a group of symptoms related to tumors of the:

small intestine
appendix
colon
bronchial tubes

A doctor can request a blood test to measure the amount of serotonin in your blood to help diagnose the condition or rule it out.

Serotonin impacts every part of you, from your emotions to your body and motor skills. It helps with sleeping, healing, and digesting. Serotonin is also thought to be a natural mood stabilizer.

Serotonin helps your body to :

regulate anxiety
experience happiness
heal wounds
stimulate nausea

Here’s how serotonin acts in various functions across your body:

Bowel movements: About 90% of the serotonin in your body is produced in your intestines. It helps control your bowel movements and function.
Mood: Serotonin in the brain is believed to regulate feelings including happiness and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications are thought to relieve mood disorders by increasing serotonin activity in your brain.
Nausea: Serotonin in your stomach and intestines helps your body initiate nausea and vomiting in response to illness, foods, or other conditions.
Sleep and waking: Your ability to stay awake is controlled by neurotransmitters including serotonin. While you sleep, the chemical is involved in switching between REM and non-REM sleep.
Blood clotting: Platelets in your blood store serotonin. When your body needs to repair damage, platelets release serotonin to help stop bleeding and heal wounds.
Sex: Serotonin is involved in controlling the body’s sexual functions. This may be why medications that affect serotonin levels are associated with sexual side effects.

Serotonin and mental health

Many common medications for mental health conditions are thought to work by changing how your brain uses serotonin.

Among researchers, there’s some debate about the role serotonin plays in mental health. Early theories suggested that low serotonin causes depression. However, the truth is likely more complicated.

Mood disorders may result from a combination of factors including changes in the brain, life experiences, and health conditions, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Serotonin vs. dopamine

Like serotonin, dopamine is a chemical communicator that’s found in your brain and many other parts of your body.

Both of these neurotransmitters are associated with your mental well-being, so it can be easy to confuse them. But there are also some key differences between the two.

Here are several ways that serotonin and dopamine may act differently in your body:

	Serotonin	Dopamine
Where it’s produced	mainly in your gut	mainly in your brain
Mood	stabilizes mood and anxiety	affects motivation and pleasure
Depression	targeted in common depression treatments	few depression treatments target it
Sleep	helps regulate sleep and wakefulness	helps you feel more alert

You may be able to increase your serotonin levels through medication and more natural options.

SSRIs

Supplements

Some supplements may have the ability to raise serotonin levels. However, they’re not a replacement for medications prescribed by your doctor and should not be taken alongside other medications.

Supplements that may affect serotonin include:

St. John’s wort: The herb St. John’s wort increases serotonin in the body. Some believe it is effective for treating depression, but this has not always been supported by research.
SAMe: This supplement is promoted as a treatment for depression, but more studies are needed to understand its effects on mood and serotonin levels.
Tryptophan: This substance can be converted into serotonin in your brain, potentially raising your serotonin levels. Some research suggests it could help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Natural serotonin boosters

The following strategies may help you boost your serotonin levels and improve your mood:

Exposure to bright light: Bright sunlight may help your mood, which is why light therapy is commonly recommended for treating seasonal depression. SAD lamps are an option for home therapy in winter or when access to bright sunlight is difficult.
Exercise: Regular exercise has many benefits for your general health. It can have mood-boosting effects, and it may trigger the release of serotonin.
Health-promoting diet: Following a balanced diet lowers the risk of many health conditions. Although research is limited, eating foods that may promote serotonin production could positively affect mood.
Meditation: Meditating can help relieve stress and promote a positive outlook on life. Some research suggests that it may raise serotonin levels, though more evidence is needed.

Medications, supplements, and other substances that increase serotonin levels in your body can lead to serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome can happen when you:

start taking a new medication
increase the dosage of an existing medication
take more medication than the amount prescribed
use an additional medication, supplement, or illegal drug that also affects serotonin levels

Medications, supplements, and substances that affect serotonin levels include:

SSRIs
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
dextromethorphan
many medications prescribed for mental health conditions
St. John’s wort
SAMe
tryptophan
amphetamines
cocaine
MDMA (ecstasy)

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

tremors
sweating
nausea
vomiting
restlessness

Severe symptoms can include:

headache
flushed skin
dilated pupils
disorientation
increased reflexes (hyperreflexia)
muscle twitches or spasms
high fever
muscle stiffness
rapid heart rate
high blood pressure
irregular heartbeat

There is no single test that can diagnose serotonin syndrome. To diagnose the condition, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request other tests such as:

brain imaging
urine tests
blood tests
spinal tap (lumbar puncture)

If you suspect serotonin syndrome, it’s important to get medical attention immediately. Serotonin syndrome can be life threatening if left untreated.

Serotonin affects every part of your body. It’s responsible for many of the important functions that get us through the day.

Sometimes, a serotonin imbalance can mean something more serious. It’s important to pay attention to your body and talk with your doctor about any concerns.

What is serotonin and what is it for?

Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide range of functions in the human body. It is sometimes referred to as the “feel good hormone” and the “happiness hormone.”

The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT. Serotonin is mainly found in the brain, intestines, and platelets.
Serotonin is used to send messages between nerve cells, is believed to be involved in smooth muscle contraction, and promotes positive emotions, among other things. As a precursor to melatonin, it helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles and internal clock.

It is believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood and motor, cognitive and autonomic functions of the body. However, it is not known for sure whether serotonin directly affects these functions, or plays a general role in the coordination of the nervous system. Serotonin is likely involved in the regulation of social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual function. Low levels of serotonin are associated with the development of depression, however, it is still unclear whether low levels of serotonin contribute to depression or depression causes a decrease in serotonin levels. Serotonin-altering drugs are used to treat depression, nausea, and migraines, and they may also improve obesity and Parkinson's disease. Other ways to increase serotonin levels in the body include boosting mood, sunlight, exercise, and diet.

Serotonin is formed from the amino acid tryptophan. Sunlight is absolutely essential for the synthesis of serotonin.

Serotonin is generally considered to be a neurotransmitter, although some consider it to be a hormone. Serotonin is synthesized in the intestines and brain. It is also present in platelets and the central nervous system (CNS). It is believed that it affects various body functions and psychological state. Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.

As a neurotransmitter, serotonin ensures the transmission of signals between nerve cells (neurons), regulating their intensity. It is believed that it plays a key role in the functioning of the central nervous system and the body as a whole, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have found links between serotonin and bone metabolism, breast milk production, liver regeneration, and cell division. Serotonin affects the brain. The main part of serotonin in the body is located in the gastrointestinal tract, where it regulates all its functions, including intestinal motility. Serotonin also plays a role in reducing appetite during meals. Serotonin affects mood, levels of anxiety and happiness. Serotonin promotes the formation of blood clots. When damage occurs, serotonin is released from platelets, resulting in constriction of blood vessels, reduced blood flow, and the formation of blood clots. When toxic or irritating substances enter the gastrointestinal tract, the intestines produce more serotonin to increase the transit time of food and eliminate the irritant. Serotonin also stimulates the vomiting center in the brain, causing nausea. Some scientists have linked high levels of serotonin in the bones to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Serotonin appears to inhibit sexual activity. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in people with depression by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed, resulting in increased synapse levels, but 20 to 70 percent of people who take them experience a range of symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction.

It is still not completely understood what exactly causes depression, but the main theory of the last 50 years is that the cause of depression may be an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones in the body. Depression has been linked to low levels of serotonin, but whether this remains a cause of depression or a consequence of it is still unclear.
However, scientists are currently questioning the role of serotonin or any single neurotransmitter in causing depression.

With a deficiency of serotonin, memory impairment and bad mood are observed. Also, low levels of serotonin can lead to cravings for sweet or starchy foods, poor sleep, low self-esteem, anxiety, and aggression.

Can serotonin really help with depression?
SSRIs have been used since the 1980s to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels. Medications such as SSRIs are thought to relieve symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the body, but exactly how they work is unclear. Some scientists have suggested that increasing serotonin levels is unlikely to directly improve depression symptoms. One problem is that it is possible to measure serotonin levels in the blood, but not in the brain. Researchers don't know if circulating serotonin levels reflect brain serotonin levels, or if SSRIs can actually affect brain serotonin levels. A 2014 study in mice found that serotonin does not play a role in causing depression. A population of mice was created whose brains did not produce serotonin. These mice showed no signs of depression even when they were under stress.
However, in 2015, other scientists found that mice lacking serotonin were more susceptible to social stressors than healthy control mice. While SSRIs appear to help some people with depression, some scientists now argue that "the simple biochemical theories that link low serotonin levels to depressed mood are no longer reliable." SSRIs are also used to treat symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Antiserotonergic drugs that act on serotonin receptors are used to treat nausea caused by chemical toxins, including drugs used in chemotherapy and general anesthesia.

Serotonergic vasoconstrictive anti-migraine drugs or triptans can reduce migraine symptoms and are well tolerated.

The serotonergic system is associated with cognition, emotions and motor functions. Changes in this system can affect the motor and non-motor functions commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. Currently, research in this area is ongoing.

Hypersensitivity to one of the female hormones, progesterone, appears to lower brain serotonin levels. Serotonin inhibitors are sometimes used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome at the time they occur.

Serotonin can also be used in the treatment of obesity and irritable bowel syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome occurs most often when a person takes two drugs that increase serotonin levels at the same time and is associated with excessive stimulation of the CNS and peripheral serotonin receptors. The simultaneous use of drugs prescribed by a doctor and, for example, dietary supplements that increase serotonin levels, can lead to the development of serotonin syndrome. Also, the development of serotonin syndrome is possible with cancerous tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, since such tumors can cause too much release of serotonin. Signs of serotonin syndrome are agitation and anxiety, confusion, rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, diarrhea, headaches, muscle tremors, sweating, incoordination, muscle rigidity. In severe, life-threatening cases, hyperthermia, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, and loss of consciousness are possible.

There are simple and affordable ways to increase the level of serotonin in the body, not associated with the use of drugs. These include, for example, a change in thinking as a result of psychotherapy or self-induction, which can increase serotonin levels, since the interaction between serotonin synthesis and mood is two-way. Physical exercise has an antidepressant effect. Eating foods high in tryptophan can improve mood by increasing serotonin levels.

Tryptophan is an amino acid found in food. Some research has linked higher dietary tryptophan intake to positive mood scores because tryptophan increases serotonin levels. Tryptophan is found in high-protein foods such as turkey, eggs, salmon, milk, soy products, and cheese. Bananas also contain serotonin and can be included in your diet to boost your mood. Tryptophan is a precursor, the main ingredient needed by the body to produce serotonin. Eating foods high in this important chemical does not mean the body will absorb and use it. But the availability of tryptophan, if necessary, will improve the synthesis of serotonin.

In a number of studies, older adults who were given dietary supplements with tryptophan showed improved cognitive abilities. Currently, the idea of the influence of the gut microbiota on the CNS is gaining ground. In this case, serotonin in the digestive system can affect mood.

Much remains unknown about serotonin. The difficulties associated with studying brain function mean that it will be some time before a full knowledge of serotonin can be obtained.

There is still insufficient evidence that a particular diet can affect mood or symptoms of depression.
However, it has been found that following a healthy and varied diet improves overall well-being. Focus on a varied diet and strive to get as many nutrients as possible from food sources. The use of dietary supplements is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com

Serotonin is an important element of good sleep and mood

Home / News / Serotonin is an important element of good sleep and mood

February 28, 2020

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Serotonin is often called the "hormone of happiness", it rises during euphoria and decreases during depression. At night, serotonin is produced in our brain and reaches its maximum concentration from 6 to 8 in the morning. During the day, serotonin levels decrease. This substance is responsible for high spirits and a feeling of cheerfulness. If a person slept little, then there is not enough serotonin in the body.

Most of us have experienced how emotional stress can lead to restless, sleepless nights and difficult days. Whether it's a tough breakup, a difficult work situation, or a longer struggle with depression or anxiety, our emotions and stress levels can ruin sleep.

There is a complex relationship between mood and sleep: depression, anxiety and stress can interfere with healthy sleep. Poor sleep thereby makes us more vulnerable to mood and emotional regulation problems.

One of the most important elements of good sleep is serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and sleep-wake cycles. Serotonin is used to send messages between nerve cells. It is believed to be active in smooth muscle contraction and promotes well-being and happiness, among other things. As a precursor to melatonin, it helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles and internal clock.

Healthy serotonin levels contribute to a positive mood and restful sleep.

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