Serotonin, also known as 5-HT , is a neurotransmitter that establishes communication between the brain and certain parts of the body. It is also known as the “happiness hormone” . Its presence in the body regulates a series of functions and, yes, it brings several benefits.
See some of the main ones here.
Sleep and mood regulation
The quality of your sleep and your mood also depend on the presence of serotonin. It helps prevent anxiety attacks , which improves your emotional state and leads to a more peaceful sleep .
Promotes better digestion
This hormone is also present in huge quantities in the intestine and belly. It plays an important role in bowel movement, which immediately impacts digestion.
Influences cardiovascular fitness
Serotonin within the blood influences vascular tone. This way it impacts the blood vessels’ ability to dilate and settlement as wanted. It is a totally important function for the regulation of cardiovascular pressure. The body also releases serotonin to sell blood clotting in a wound, thereby speeding restoration.
Relationship with sexual desire
Serotonin is also related to libido . In adequate amounts, it promotes sexual desire and satisfaction. This is also related to physical, mental and social health .
Effect on concentration
It is necessary to have a reasonable amount of serotonin in the body to facilitate concentration in everyday life . Something essential to maintain well-being at work , for example.
How does serotonin synthesis occur?
Serotonin is produced in the frame from the amino acid tryptophan. The amino acid undergoes successive enzymatic movements by means of tryptophan hydroxylase and fragrant L-amino acid decarboxylase. The end fabricated from this metabolic pathway is serotonin.
After being produced, it enters the blood movement and combines with its receptors on the right track cells to steer their activities.
How do you understand if serotonin is low?
As we mentioned in advance, the life of this hormone inside the body is crucial for the regulation of some capabilities. Hence, whilst it is too low, some signs and symptoms may be noticed.
However, some of them can also be confused with normal changes in mood and disposition. Therefore, one needs to pay attention.
What can a lack of serotonin cause?
Paying attention to your body’s signals is the best way to identify when your serotonin levels are too low. Here are some of the main examples:
- difficulty concentrating and learning;
- lack of energy;
- desire to eat on impulse;
- increased irritability.
As you could see, the ones signs are much like one-of-a-kind psychological situations . For example, burnout syndrome . And sure, there may be a correlation amongst a lack of serotonin and lots of intellectual ailments, collectively with anxiety and melancholy.
How to stimulate serotonin manufacturing?
The brilliant outcomes of serotonin at the body are quite exceptional. It is therefore important to stimulate its production. This fosters well-being and enhances moods, which in addition affects professional productiveness .
Because it is a natural substance, the quantity can be increased by making some adjustments in habits.
The first is exposure to sunlight, which accelerates the metabolism of this and other hormones. Another recommendation is to exercise . It is hard to start if your serotonin is low, as it causes discomfort. However, over time, it creates a vicious cycle to avoid a sedentary lifestyle .
What foods increase serotonin?
Much of serotonin production also depends on a healthy diet . After all, your body needs the right substances to synthesize this and other hormones.
In this case, you should seek foods high in tryptophan , its raw material. It is found in higher amounts in whole grains, bananas, fish, peanuts, asparagus and milk.
If you do no longer study the desired exchange in habits and food regimen, your serotonin deficiency might be due to other causes. In such cases, it is encouraged to consult a physician.
What is serotonin syndrome?
Serotonin syndrome occurs even as there’s an extra of serotonergic interest. In unique terms, the results normally resulting from this hormone grow to be very excessive. It is most customarily due to sudden facet outcomes of drugs.
Happiness hormones: serotonin, dopamine and endorphin
In addition to serotonin, there are two other neurotransmitters that are known as “happiness hormones”: dopamine and endorphin . Learn the main differences in their functions.
Dopamine
Dopamine plays a greater role in motor control, cognition, and the regulation of other endocrine functions than serotonin. When it is released, you experience an overall feeling of pleasure. It is part of the body’s natural reward system and is involved in motivation.
Techniques, such as Auriculotherapy , can normalize the release of dopamine in the body.
Endorphin
Endorphins, in turn, are natural painkillers . They help relieve pain, stress and create a sense of euphoria, and are released after pleasurable activities. They are also triggered when there is an injury to the body, to control the pain response.