It is mainly present in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and some also consider it a hormone.
The body uses it to send messages between nerve cells. It appears to play a role in mood, emotions, appetite , and digestion. As the precursor for melatonin , it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and the body clock.
Many investigations have looked at serotonin and what it does, but there is still a lot to learn. In this article, we look at the role of serotonin in the body, uses of drugs that affect serotonin, side effects and symptoms of serotonin deficiency, and how to boost serotonin levels. Serotonin is a result of tryptophan, a component of proteins, combining with tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. Together, they form 5-HT, or serotonin. The intestines and the brain produce serotonin.
It is also present in blood platelets and plays a role in the central nervous system CNS. Occurring throughout the body, it appears to influence a range of physical and psychological functions.
Serotonin is also present in animals, plants, and fungi. For this reason, some people have looked at food as a possible source of serotonin. Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that the brain must produce any serotonin that it needs to use.
Treatments for depression and other mental health issues do not supply serotonin directly but trigger reactions that can boost serotonin levels in the brain. However, research suggests that sources of serotonin in other areas, such as the digestive system, may work independently of serotonin in the brain.
This could have implications for the treatment and prevention of various physiological conditions, such as bone degeneration. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin relays signals between nerve cells and regulates their intensity.
Scientists believe it plays a role in mood and the CNS and affects functions throughout the body. It may have an impact on:. Scientists do not know precisely what causes depression, but one theory is that it stems from an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the body. Doctors commonly prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs as antidepressants.
Fluoxetine Prozac is one example. Normally, the body reabsorbs a neurotransmitter after it has transmitted its neural impulse. SSRIs stop the body from reabsorbing serotonin, leaving higher levels of serotonin to circulate. Many people find SSRIs help relieve their symptoms, although the link between depression and serotonin remains unclear.
One problem for researchers is that, while they can measure serotonin levels in the bloodstream, they cannot measure its levels in the brain. As a result, they do not know whether serotonin levels in the bloodstream reflect those in the brain. It is also impossible to know whether SSRIs can really affect the brain.
Mouse studies have produced conflicting evidence. Some suggest that increasing serotonin levels can help reduce stress and depression, but others indicate that serotonin levels make no difference. Nevertheless, if scientists have not yet proven the serotonin theory of depression, SSRIs do appear to help many people. IBS and serotonin: The brain-stomach link ». A study found that people with depression often have low levels of serotonin.
Serotonin deficiency has also been linked to anxiety and insomnia. Minor disagreements about the role serotonin plays in mental health have occurred. Some researchers in older studies have questioned whether an increase or decrease in serotonin can affect depression. Newer research claims it does. For example, a animal study examined mice lacking serotonin autoreceptors that inhibited serotonin secretion.
Without these autoreceptors, the mice had higher levels of serotonin available in their brains. Researchers found these mice exhibited less anxiety and depression-related behaviors.
Alcohol and anxiety ». This benchmark, however, may differ slightly depending on the measurements and samples tested, so talk to your doctor about specific test results. High levels of serotonin may be a sign of carcinoid syndrome. This involves a group of symptoms related to tumors of the:. A doctor will take a blood test to measure serotonin levels in your blood to diagnose the disease or rule it out.
Low levels of serotonin in the brain may cause depression, anxiety, and sleep trouble. Many doctors will prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI to treat depression. SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking reabsorption of the chemical, so more of it remains active. Mixing drugs may put you at risk of serotonin syndrome. Outside of SSRIs, the following factors can boost serotonin levels, according to a paper published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience :.
Drugs that cause your serotonin levels to climb and collect in your body can lead to serotonin syndrome. The syndrome can typically occur after you start taking a new drug or increase the dosage of an existing medication.
Instead, your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if you have it. Serotonin affects every part of your body. Sometimes, a serotonin imbalance can mean something more serious.
Here are 7 serotonin-boosting foods including turkey and cheese. Learn more…. There are several health benefits of sunlight. Adding a little sunshine to…. Regular physical activity especially aerobic exercise has been proven to boost serotonin levels.
However, the benefits of regular exercise go beyond your brain. A workout can help people manage depression and other mood disorders by also promoting cardiovascular health, improving strength and endurance, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise each week plus strength training two days per week. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine. Be sure to pick activities that you enjoy, as you'll be more apt to stick with it, and consistency is key to getting all the benefits.
Your levels of serotonin might get low if you don't get out in the sun regularly. Not getting enough exposure to sunlight is one theory behind why people experience depression during the short, dark days of fall and winter a mood disorder called seasonal affective disorder.
Try to spend 10 to 15 minutes outside in the sun each day. Sunlight also boosts your vitamin D levels, which is needed for serotonin production. If you live in a place with little to no sunlight, you can also use light therapy to make sure you're getting your daily "dose" of sunlight. Massage therapy has been found to promote the release of serotonin and decrease the stress hormone cortisol , making it an appealing non-pharmaceutical addition to depression and anxiety treatment plans.
You don't even need a professional massage to reap the benefits. A frequently cited study of pregnant women with depression published in the International Journal of Neuroscience in concluded that massage could be beneficial even when given by someone who isn't a trained massage therapist. While you can improve your overall nutrition through your diet, certain supplements can also be helpful. Popular dietary supplements you might want to consider include:.
Always ask your doctor before taking any medication or supplement to increase low serotonin. Certain medications and supplements can raise serotonin levels too much, which can lead to serotonin syndrome. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from unpleasant to life-threatening and can include sudden swings in blood pressure, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Serious cases of serotonin syndrome can be fatal if left untreated. If you or a loved one is showing symptoms of serotonin syndrome, call or go to the nearest emergency room.
When your body doesn't have enough serotonin, or if it isn't using the serotonin you have effectively, you might be more prone to symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. And while low levels of serotonin can cause problems, having too much serotonin can also be an issue. If you're concerned about the symptoms you're experiencing, talk to your doctor.
If your serotonin levels are a culprit, you are not alone and there are many treatment options available from medications to lifestyle changes. Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Frazer A, Hensler JG. Serotonin involvement in physiological function and behavior. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; Lv J, Liu F. The role of serotonin beyond the central nervous system during embryogenesis.
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Drugs Aging. SSRIs: Bad to the bone? Innov Clin Neurosci. Sexual dysfunction due to psychotropic medications. Psychiatr Clin North Am. Croft HA. Understanding the role of serotonin in female hypoactive sexual desire disorder and treatment options. J Sex Med. Cowen PJ, Browning M. What has serotonin to do with depression? World Psychiatry. Harvard Health Publishing. What causes depression? Updated June 24, Wnuk, A. Society for Neuroscience. Updated March How do antidepressants work?
New perspectives for refining future treatment approaches. Lancet Psychiatry. Cruz MP. Vilazodone HCl Viibryd : A serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Updated July 26, APA Dictionary of Psychology. Tricyclic antidepressant TCA.
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