Effects of Serotonin on Your Body
The majority of us know that serotonin is what makes us happy, however, there’s more to serotonin than what meets the eye. So, today, we’ll talk about what serotonin is and how it affects our bodies.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a found natural neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells called neurons all over the body.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that aids in the management of mood and memory in the brain, but it also plays a vital role in other sections of the body. The majority of your body’s serotonin is located in your stomach, not your brain.
The intestines not only create just about all the body’s serotonin, but they also require it to maintain a healthy digestive system. Sleep, sexual function, bone health, and blood coagulation are all aided by serotonin in the body.
What Does It Do and How It Affects Our Bodies
From your emotions to your motor skills, serotonin has an impact on every part of your body. Serotonin is thought to be a mood stabilizer that comes naturally. It’s a molecule that aids in the digestion of food, as well as sleeping and eating. Serotonin also aids in the treatment of depression, anxiety, wound healing, nausea control, and bone health.
What Happens if You Have Serotonin Deficiency
When you’re serotonin deficient, it does not only affect your emotional and mental state but also your physical state.
Mentally, when you’re deficient in serotonin, you’ll notice that you’re more depressed, mentally unstable, having anxiety, you’ll suffer from schizophrenia, there will be changes in your sleep, memory issues, and many more.
Physically, you’ll have difficulties digesting, clotting, and movement issues, you’ll start to notice somatic symptoms and many more.
How To Treat Serotonin Deficiency
So, to prevent any serotonin deficiencies, you can start to:
- Get enough sunlight as sun rays help you get Vitamin D which increases your serotonin,
- Exercise regularly,
- Have a healthy diet,
- And get SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs raise serotonin levels in the brain by preventing the neurotransmitter from being reabsorbed, allowing it to be active longer.
What are the Dangers of Too Much Serotonin?
Serotonin syndrome is a condition in which serotonin levels are abnormally high due to certain drugs and supplements, thus, before taking any drug or supplement to boost serotonin levels, always consult your doctor.
Serotonin syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, such as blood pressure fluctuations, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Final Thoughts
Every area of your body is regulated by serotonin. It’s in charge of a lot of the essential functions that keep us going throughout the day. It can have an impact on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being if your levels are out of balance.
You may be more susceptible to symptoms of depression and other mood disorders if your body doesn’t have enough serotonin or doesn’t properly use the serotonin it does have. Having too little and too much serotonin is dangerous so make sure that you have just the right amount.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about the symptoms you’re having. You are not alone if your serotonin levels are a problem, and there are a variety of therapeutic options available, ranging from pharmaceuticals to lifestyle adjustments.
