Understanding How Serotonin Affects Emotional Health
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that exists in the body. Most of the human body's serotonin is found inside the gastrointestinal tract where it is used to regulate intestinal movements. The remainder is found in the central nervous system where it is used for various functions such as the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, sexual desire and function, memory and learning, and temperature regulation. It is very interesting to learn the relationship between mood and digestive health because ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome are probably pretty high on the list of common ailments as well.
How can this affect our emotional health?
An imbalance of serotonin levels may be able to influence our emotional health and mood in such a way that can lead to depression. Whether this is caused by low production, lack of receptor sites, or the serotonin not reaching the receptor sites this can lead not only to depression, but possibly to anxiety, panic, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is no way to measure the level of serotonin in the brain, but it has been shown that the level of serotonin in the blood of depression patients is lower. It is not known, however, whether low levels of serotonin cause the depression or whether depression causes lower levels of serotonin.
Natural ways to increase serotonin levels
Contrary to all the fad diets on the market today that target high-protein and low-carbohydrates, a diet rich in carbohydrates has been show to boost serotonin levels. Of course you should be sure that these are healthy, low glycemic index choices such as whole grains and vegetables like sweet potatoes and squash. Some important vitamins and minerals that you need to get are B vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3, and Omega 6. Keeping a regular wake and sleep cycle and having a goal of seven continuous hours of sleep have also been shown to help. Doing relaxing things that you enjoy such as meditation, yoga, or relaxing music may also help.
Medications that can affect serotonin levels
There are antidepressant medications that affect serotonin levels. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI's) have been shown to relieve symptoms of depression by raising levels of serotonin.
Serotonin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin
Published by Leslie Reese, Nutritional Educator
Leslie is a wife and mother of two children. She graduated from the Global College of Natural Medicine and is currently practicing as a Nutritional Educator. She enjoys spending time with her family and wo... View profile
Depression, Exercise and the Serotonin ConnectionExercise is playing an increasing role in the treatment of depression as science brings a better understanding of brain chemistry and the treatment benefits of exercise. 
How Serotonin Works to Fight DepressionWe've all heard about serotonin but how does it work?- The Benefits of the Stinging Nettle PlantThe stinging nettle is a common plant that has little stinging hairs on its leaves. The poison on the hairs is made up of three different chemicals, one of which is serotonin, a neurotransmitter.
Wanting to Fly High: The Therapeutic Uses of MDMAResearchers from South Carolina to Switzerland are lobbying to conduct studies looking at the medical benefits of ecstasy use.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: The Impact on Biological Psychology
- Understanding Serotonin
- How Serotonin Affects Emotional Health
- Symptoms of Low Serotonin Levels
- Serotonin & Metabolic Pathways Play Role in Autistic Behavior
- What is Serotonin Syndrome?
- Understanding Serotonin