Guide To Understanding Serotonin
An individual's nerve cells produce a special chemical called serotonin. It is responsible for sending signals from one nerve cell to the next. Individuals have serotonin in their digestive system, central nervous system, and platelets. Serotonin is a significant part of processes that control depression, bone health, anxiety, wound healing, nausea stimulation, sleep, appetite, and digestion. Amino acids are essential in making protein, and it is worth noting that serotonin is produced from an amino acid called tryptophan. A serotonin deficiency can develop if individuals do not consume enough of this amino acid.
When individuals have issues with their serotonin, they need treatment. Many patients take serotonin medication, particularly for issues such as a deficiency in serotonin. Serotonin pills for depression are quite common. Of course, there is also natural serotonin medicine out there. Of course, patients must understand how serotonin works first.
Function In The Body
Serotonin is necessary for several functions in an individual's body. The highest concentration of serotonin is within an individual's stomach and intestines. Serotonin allows nerves to communicate in these organs and the muscles around them that help control bowel movements. This chemical is also found in an individual's brain, where it has a great influence over their mood. Serotonin is also a critical part of the system that causes an individual to feel nauseated. Serotonin levels in the blood that rise rapidly stimulate the part of an individual's brain that controls this feeling.
This chemical is important in how an individual sleeps and wakes up. The reason is that it controls parts of the brain that manage these processes. Serotonin also helps an individual's body heal wounds by causing arterial constriction. This makes it easier for the body to form blood clots. Serotonin is also influential over an individual's bone health because high levels of this chemical can cause an imbalance in the bone recycling process that leads to osteoporosis.
Get familiar with the symptoms of a serotonin deficiency next.
Symptoms Of A Serotonin Deficiency
An individual needs to have a healthy amount of serotonin in their blood. This should be between 101 and 283 nanograms per milliliter. Serotonin levels that are too high are often a symptom of a condition known as carcinoid syndrome. In contrast, lower than normal levels are referred to as a serotonin deficiency. A deficiency causes several physical symptoms, including insomnia, carbohydrate cravings, fatigue, nausea, and weight gain. Other symptoms of a deficiency are anxiety, aggression, irritability, poor appetite, depressed mood, impulsive behavior, low self-esteem, and poor memory.
The exact causes of a deficiency and its pattern among the population are not understood. However, several factors are thought to influence it. An individual with fewer serotonin receptors, defective serotonin receptors, overabsorption of serotonin, and L-tryptophan deficiency are at risk of a deficiency in serotonin. Other risk groups include patients with deficiencies in vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamin D.
Get the full details on serotonin syndrome next.