What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter used in the central nervous system to regulate various processes in the body:
- Appetite (indicates hunger and fullness)
- Gastrointestinal functions
- Mood
- Pain perception
- Sexuality
- Sleep
Serotonin is known as the neurotransmitter that helps you feel happy!
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Important serotonin facts
- The essential amino acid tryptophan is required to enable synthesis of serotonin in the body
- Low serotonin levels are generally responsible for a whole range of mood disorders
- There is serotonin is in the brain, the pineal gland, the blood platelets and the digestive tract
- Serotonin also causes blood vessels to narrow
- Migraine is known to be caused by serotonin levels being unbalanaced
- Serotonin is also considered a hormone too
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Why serotonin is important
Low serotonin levels are responsible for a whole range of mood disorders:
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anti-depressants are made to help the body re-use serotonin, thereby increasing serotonin levels and assisting with the mood disorders they are prescribed for.
High serotonin levels can be potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition. High serotonin levels are called "serotonin syndrome". It happens when there are really excess levels of serotonin in the central nervous system.
Serotonin syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors:
- High doses of serotonergenic drugs - these are drugs with serotonin
- Combining more than one serotonergic drug
- Switching anti-depressants without allowing for an adequate time period in between
Serotonin syndrome must be medically diagnosed based upon a list of symptoms, as there is no test for this condition.
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references
- Isbister GK, Buckley NA, Whyte IM. Serotonin toxicity: a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment. MJA 2007; 187 (6): 361-365, accessed 30 Sep 07
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
More information
To learn more, go to the following web sites
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
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