Learn about brain health and nootropics to boost brain function
Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter found in tissues, including blood platelets, central nervous system, etc… As a neurotransmitter, serotonin is used to relay messages from one area of the brain to another. Serotonin effects millions of brain cells, whether that be directly or indirectly. It helps regulate everything from our moods, appetite, sleep, sexual desires, temperature, memory, and many social behaviors. It also is important in the functioning of our cardiovascular system, muscles, and our endocrine system. There are many different serotonin receptors and are activated for different situations. These include the receptor in the brain called 5-HT1A which has been shown to prevent humans from becoming aggressive. Another type …show more content…
These can be caused by a low production of serotonin in our brain or a lack of receptor sites from serotonin to bind to. There are many other ways these problems can become the issue, including the inability for the serotonin to reach these receptor sites or a shortage of the chemical used to make serotonin, Tryptophan. People with depression can take antidepressant drugs, such as SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which help regulate serotonin levels, in order to reduce the symptoms of depression. Serotonin is known as the “happy molecule”, because of its role that it plays in determining your mood. The major serotonin deficiency is depression or the loss of pleasure in normal things you used to enjoy. Other deficiencies in our levels of serotonin include anger, digestive disorders, feeling overwhelmed, insomnia, low self-esteem, and migraines just to name a few. The effects of serotonin are different in men and women in many ways. Women, for instance, are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mood …show more content…
Your levels of serotonin can affect your lifestyle in the long run if they get too low. These long term effects can increase your chances of getting heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Serotonin deficiencies can be grouped into three categories: depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These can be treated through medications, but the problem with these is that they don’t work on everyone who tries them. You can increase your levels of serotonin in natural ways, including eating foods that are high in serotonin like walnuts, bananas, and pineapple to mention a few. Also, eating foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid found in high protein foods, can help increase these levels. You can also take serotonin supplements, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and many more. Along with tryptophan, another amino acid used to boost levels are 5-HTP. This amino acid can be converted into serotonin and melatonin, both used in treating depression and insomnia. You can also simply boost your serotonin by changing simple lifestyle choices, including physical exercise. Exercising outside increases vitality, enthusiasm, and