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What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical nerve cells produce. It sends signals between your nerve cells. Serotonin is found mostly in thedigestive system, although it’s also in blood platelets and throughout the central nervous system.
Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid must enter your body through your diet and is commonly found in foods such as nuts, cheese, and red meat. Tryptophan deficiency can lead to lower serotonin levels. This can result in mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your emotions to your motor skills. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It’s the chemical that helps with sleeping, eating, and digesting. Serotonin also helps:
- reducedepression
- regulateanxiety
- 治愈伤口
- stimulate nausea
- maintain bone health
Here’s how serotonin acts in various functions across your body:
Bowel movements:Serotonin is found primarily in the body’s stomach and intestines. It helps control your bowel movements and function.
Mood:Serotonin in the brain is thought to regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood. Low levels of the chemical have been associated with depression, and increased serotonin levels brought on by medication are thought to decrease arousal.
Nausea:Serotonin is part of the reason why you become nauseated. Production of serotonin rises to push out noxious or upsetting food more quickly indiarrhea. The chemical also increases in the blood, which stimulates the part of the brain that controlsnausea.
Sleep:This chemical is responsible for stimulating the parts of the brain that control sleep and waking. Whether you sleep or wake depends on what area is stimulated and which serotonin receptor is used.
Blood clotting:Blood platelets release serotonin to help heal wounds. The serotonin causes tiny arteries to narrow, helping form blood clots.
Bone health:Serotonin plays a role inbone health. Significantly high levels of serotonin in the bones can lead toosteoporosis, which makes the bones weaker.
Sexual function:Low levels of serotonin are associated with increased libido, while increased serotonin levels are associated with reduced libido.
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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 levels of serotonin. Serotonin deficiency has also been linked to anxiety andinsomnia.
小的分歧关于血清素扮演的角色in mental health have occurred. Some researchers in
Generally, the normal range for serotonin levels in your blood is 101–283 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). 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 ofcarcinoid syndrome. This involves a group of symptoms related to tumors of the:
- small intestine
- appendix
- colon
- bronchial tubes
A doctor will take a blood test to measure serotonin levels in your blood to diagnose the disease or rule it out.
You can increase your serotonin levels through medication and more natural options.
选择性血清素再吸收抑制剂
Low levels of serotonin in the brain may cause depression, anxiety, and sleep trouble. Many doctors will prescribe aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)to treat depression. They’re the most commonly prescribed type ofantidepressant.
选择性血清素再吸收抑制剂increase the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking reabsorption of the chemical, so more of it remains active. SSRIs include Prozac and Zoloft, among others.
When you’re taking serotonin drugs, you shouldn’t use other medications without first talking to your doctor.Mixing drugsmay put you at risk of serotonin syndrome.
Natural serotonin boosters
Outside of SSRIs, the following factors can boost serotonin levels, according to a paper published in the
- Exposure to bright light:Sunshineorlight therapyare commonly recommended remedies for treatingseasonal depression. Find a great selection of light therapy productshere.
- Exercise:Regular exercisecan have mood-boosting effects.
- Ahealthy diet: Foods that can increase serotonin levels include eggs, cheese, turkey, nuts, salmon, tofu, and pineapple.
- Meditation:Meditatingcan help缓解压力,促进积极的展望ife, which can greatly boost serotonin levels.
Drugs that cause your serotonin levels to climb and collect in your body can lead toserotonin syndrome. The syndrome can typically occur after you start taking a new drug or increase the dosage of an existing medication.
The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- shivering
- diarrhea
- headache
- confusion
- dilated pupils
- goose bumps
Severe symptoms can include:
- twitching muscles
- a loss of muscle agility
- muscle stiffness
- high fever
- rapid heart rate
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
There aren’t any tests that can diagnose serotonin syndrome. Instead, your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine if you have it.
Often, serotonin syndrome symptoms will disappear within a day if you take medication that blocks serotonin or replace the drug that’s causing the condition in the first place.
Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Serotonin affects every part of your body. It’s responsible for many of the important functions that get us through the day. If your levels aren’t in balance, it can affect your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Sometimes, a serotonin imbalance can mean something more serious. It’s important to pay attention to your body and talk with your doctor about any concerns.