Serotonin and your mental health

Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells. It sends signals between nerve cells. Serotonin is found primarily in the digestive system, although it is also present in platelets and throughout the central nervous system.
Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid is absorbed from the diet and is commonly found in foods like nuts, cheese, and red meat. A lack of tryptophan can lead to low Serotonin levels, which can lead to mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

Serotonin affects every part of the body, from emotions to motor skills. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer. This is a substance that helps the process of sleeping, eating and digestion. Serotonin also works:
Relieves Depression Regulates Anxiety Heals Wounds Stimulates Nausea Maintains Bone Health

Serotonin's role in the body's functional activities is as follows:
Peristalsis: Serotonin is found mainly in the stomach and intestines of the body. It helps control bowel movements and function. Mood: Serotonin in the brain is thought to help regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood. Low Serotonin levels have been linked to depression, and Serotonin levels are increased by drugs that are thought to reduce arousal. Nausea: Serotonin is part of what makes you nauseous. Serotonin increases to push toxic food out more quickly when people have diarrhea. It also increases in the blood, stimulating the part of the brain that controls nausea. Sleep: This substance is responsible for stimulating the parts of the brain that control sleep and wakefulness. Whether you're asleep or awake depends on which area is stimulated and which Serotonin receptor is used. Blood clotting: Platelets in the blood release Serotonin to help with wound healing. Serotonin narrows small arteries, helping blood clots form. Bone Health: Significantly high levels of Serotonin in the bones can lead to osteoporosis, which makes bones weaker. Sex life: Low Serotonin levels are associated with increased sex drive, while increased Serotonin levels are associated with decreased arousal.

Serotonin helps regulate your mood naturally. When your Serotonin levels are normal, you feel:
Happier, calmer, more focused, less anxious, more emotionally stable A 2007 study found that people with depression often have low Serotonin levels. Serotonin deficiency has also been linked to anxiety and insomnia.
There is some minor disagreement about Serotonin's role in mental health. Some researchers in older studies have questioned whether an increase or decrease in Serotonin might affect depression. Newer research confirms yes. For example, a 2016 animal study examined mice that lacked the Serotonin autoreceptor that inhibits Serotonin secretion. Without these autoreceptors, the rats had higher levels of available brain serotonin. The researchers found that the mice exhibited less anxiety and depression-related behaviors.

4.1 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Low levels of Serotonin in the brain can cause depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Many doctors will prescribe selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat depression. This is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant.
SSRIs increase Serotonin levels in the brain by blocking chemical reabsorption, so many of these remain active. Common SSRIs include Prozac and Zoloft, ...
While taking Serotonin, patients should consult their doctor before using other drugs. Mixing medications can increase the risk of Serotonin syndrome.
4.2 Natural Serotonin Boosters Besides SSRIs, the following factors can increase Serotonin levels, according to an article published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience:
Exposure to Light: Sunlight Sunlight or light therapy are commonly recommended treatments for seasonal depression. Exercise: Regular exercise has a mood-lifting effect. Healthy diet: Foods that can increase Serotonin levels include eggs, cheese, turkey, nuts, salmon, tofu, and pineapple. Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and promote a positive outlook on life, which significantly increases Serotonin levels.

Drugs that increase and accumulate Serotonin in the body can lead to Serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can often occur after a person starts a new medication or increases the dose of an existing drug.
Symptoms of Serotonin syndrome include:
Shivering Diarrhea Headache Confusion Dilated pupils Goose bumps Serious symptoms can include:
Muscle twitching Loss of muscle agility Muscle stiffness Fever High Tachycardia High Blood Pressure Irregular Heart Rate Convulsions There are no tests that can diagnose Serotonin syndrome. Instead, your doctor will do a physical exam to determine if you have the condition.
Usually, Serotonin syndrome symptoms go away within a day if you take a Serotonin blocker or replace the medication that caused the condition in the first place.
Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
Health checkup package general Standard 2020 General health check-up package VIP 2020 General health check-up package Special 2020 General health check-up package Children 2020 General health examination package Work permit - Issuance of work permits Examination results of people sick will be returned home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.

Reference source: healthline.com