Every time you feel joy, excitement or a similar emotion, thousands of nerve cells communicating with each other in your brain perform their functions. Although these feelings generally occur in a much more complex process, some brain chemicals play a greater role in their realization. One of these chemicals is called serotonin.
You have probably heard of the serotonin hormone at least once in your life, but serotonin is a hormone that can do much more than you think. It affects almost many human behaviors, from eating to sleeping, mood control and sexuality. Studies conducted in this field show that the amount of serotonin has a great impact, especially on depression.
Increases and decreases in the level of serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, can cause many positive and negative effects on human health. If you have questions about serotonin after what you have read, do not worry, because we have answered all your questions such as what is the serotonin hormone, what does it do, how to increase it, what are the symptoms of serotonin deficiency, what does it do in the body and why does the serotonin hormone decrease.
What is the serotonin hormone that makes us happy?
Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells in your body. It plays an important role in a variety of brain and body functions, including mood stabilization, cognition, learning, memory and sleep.
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, is also considered a hormone. Approximately 90% of the serotonin produced is found in the intestines. In other words, the intestines provide almost all of the body’s serotonin supply. It also has a direct effect on sleep patterns, sexual functions, bone health and blood clotting.
So what does the serotonin hormone do, and what exactly does it do in the body?
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, helps transmit messages from one part of the brain to another. It also affects various psychological and other body functions due to the widespread distribution of cells. The majority of brain cells are directly or indirectly affected by serotonin. These include mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep patterns, memory, learning and some social behaviors.
In terms of body functions, serotonin also affects the functioning of our cardiovascular system, muscles, and various elements in the endocrine system. Additionally, researchers have published reports that serotonin also plays a role in regulating milk production.
How to increase serotonin level?
The increase in the amount of serotonin in the brain improves the communication between brain cells, which leads to various improvements in the mood of the creature. It also reduces the symptoms of depression mentioned above. This is why prescription antidepressant drugs are also used in clinical depression and other mood disorders, but before using these drugs, a personalized treatment period should be determined by consulting a specialist physician.
There are also natural ways to increase serotonin levels. Many factors, from the foods you consume during the day to how much sunlight you receive, can help increase the amount of serotonin. Let’s expand on this topic a little more…
Foods that increase serotonin levels:
- Egg
- Nuts and seeds
- Poultry
- soy products
- Cheese
- seaweed
- fruit varieties
Serotonin is not found directly in any food, but tryptophan, which plays a role in the synthesis of important compounds such as serotonin and tryptamine, is present. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is important in serotonin production. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein.
Scientists think that tryptophan in consumed foods is linked to the level of serotonin in the brain, and low amounts of tryptophan may cause the level of serotonin in the brain to decrease.
Tryptophan is found in most protein-rich foods.
What causes serotonin deficiency?
There is no single cause for low serotonin levels, but rather it may occur for several reasons. One of these is that the body cannot produce enough serotonin to maintain normal levels. For example, low levels of vitamin B6 and D are both associated with decreased serotonin levels. Tryptophan, which we mentioned above and plays an important role in serotonin production, can only be obtained through consumed foods.
Another important reason for serotonin deficiency is that your body produces serotonin but cannot use it effectively. This can happen if you don’t have enough serotonin receptors in your brain, or if the receptors you do have are not working as they should (for example, if they break down serotonin too quickly).
Symptoms of serotonin deficiency in the body:
- Depression
- sleep problems
- chronic pain
- Memory or learning problems
- Anxiety
- appetite problems
1. Depression
Recent research indicates that there is a complex relationship between depression and serotonin. It’s unknown exactly how serotonin deficiency might cause this, but most studies suggest it’s a factor. Seasonal affective disorder, events in social life, chronic stress and trauma-related depression are also important factors that reduce serotonin levels. So serotonin deficiency can be both a cause and a consequence of depression.
2. Sleep problems
Serotonin helps regulate the body’s biological functions, such as feeling sleepy, staying asleep, entering rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and waking up in the morning. People who experience chronic insomnia, unusual sleep patterns, and chronic fatigue may also have serotonin deficiency.
3. Chronic pain
Serotonin is a factor that affects the way muscles behave, so low serotonin levels can cause chronic pain. Low serotonin is known to have a strong association with fibromyalgia, a type of common chronic pain. People with fibromyalgia can find relief with antidepressants that increase serotonin levels, according to experts.
4. Memory or learning problems
Some studies on serotonin have revealed that serotonin is involved in functions such as memory and learning, so problems with these may indicate a serotonin problem. Additionally, symptoms such as sleep deprivation and depression can make it difficult to concentrate and learn.
5. Anxiety
Anxiety may be a sign that a person has low serotonin levels. An unrelated anxiety, such as a sudden and recent trauma or stressor, may be caused by serotonin levels.
6. Appetite problems
A number of studies have shown that people with low levels of serotonin may experience appetite problems or eating disorders. This problem can lead to transitions between overeating, not eating enough, or both.
Serotonin never acts alone, but is part of a complex system. People with serotonin deficiency may also have deficiencies in other neurotransmitters, as well as metabolic or other health problems. To be sure of this, as we reminded before, we recommend that you consult a physician who is an expert in his field.
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