Adequate levels of Serotonin in the brain help you feel positive, happy, calm and safe; However, low levels of this neurotransmitter can cause negative feelings, anxiety or irritation, so a Serotonin deficiency can make you pessimistic, sad, suspicious or suspicious. a panic attack. It can also cause depression, anxiety and other health problems.
Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical that helps transmit signals from one area of the brain to another, this neurotransmitter is a powerful substance in the brain that causes, by its presence or absence, a great influence on our mood. determining whether neurons do not release or capture it in a sufficient number of synapses is an essential first step in overcoming impulse and mood control problems.
With adequate Serotonin levels, the brain functions normally
This neurotransmitter has a large number of functions in the brain and body, in the brain it regulates mood, social behavior, libido, sleep, memory and learning.
As a neurotransmitter, it helps transmit messages from one area of the brain to another. Due to the wide distribution of cells that have Serotonin receptors, it is believed that their levels influence different psychological functions as well as the regulation of various physiological processes.
In this sense, most of the approximately 40 million brain cells are influenced directly or indirectly by serotonin, this includes brain cells related to mood, desire and sexual performance, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, the regulation of body temperature and certain social behaviors. Regarding the functioning of the body, this neurotransmitter can also affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system, muscles and various elements of the endocrine system, among others.
On the other hand, many researchers believe that an imbalance in Serotonin levels can influence mood in such a way that it can even cause depression. Possible problems include:
Researchers believe that if one of these biological failures occurs, it can lead to depression, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic and even excessive anger; however, much remains to be done in the relationship between Serotonin and depression.
Being able to identify a deficit of this neurotransmitter can help us act and act to increase your levels, in this regard, although depression and consequent loss of pleasure are the best known signs of low Serotonin levels, certainly not the only ones in fact, knowing these signs can help us prevent depression, anxiety and other important ailments.
Symptoms that accompany deficiency of this neurotransmitter include frequent irritation, unusual sensitivity to pain, cravings for carbohydrates and compulsion, constipation and digestive disorders. Other symptoms include discomfort due to lack of sunlight, feeling very dependent on others, feeling overwhelmed, insomnia, migraines. , low self-esteem and poor cognitive function, among others.
Next, we’ll look at some of the most important signs that indicate low Serotonin levels as they are easy to detect early.
Carbohydrates, especially sugary foods, mainly chocolates, cakes, sweets, chips and other snacks, burgers, etc. , are known to indirectly influence Serotonin levels. Therefore, it is common for people with low Serotonin levels to want carbohydrate-rich foods, which manifests itself in the form of cravings and need to eat compulsively.
These foods temporarily increase levels of this neurotransmitter and make you feel better, however, shortly after consumption, Serotonin levels drop dramatically, leading to feelings of drowsiness, hostility, anxiety and depression.
The amount of Serotonin available also directly affects melatonin production; therefore, when Serotonin levels are low, the ability to produce melatonin is affected and, as part of a domino effect, the circadian cycle changes.
When this happens, it is extremely difficult for someone to follow a natural rate of sleep/wakefulness; specifically, the ability to sleep and continue sleeping is negatively affected; However, it should not be forgotten that insomnia problems can have other causes, not just Serotonin deficiency.
Serotonin must be available to transform into melatonin, the hormone responsible for controlling our biological clock.
By looking at brain images, people who have anxiety as a constant companion have been shown to release less of this substance into the areas of the brain responsible for impulses and emotional control.
It should be noted here that deterioration in the release of this neurotransmitter is generally not the only factor in the development of anxiety disorders, although some people have a genetic predisposition to having low Serotonin levels. In fact, three other neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine and adrenaline also play a role in anxiety disorders.
Low Serotonin levels are associated with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Serotonin is an important substance for normal cognitive functioning. Research has shown that adequate levels of this neurotransmitter improve cognitive ability and can help compensate for limited cognitive functioning.
Although this neurotransmitter is believed to play a role in general thinking skills, its most significant impact is on memory. People with low Serotonin levels are more likely to have memory consolidation problems.
Serotonin is an important substance in the transmission of signals between the brain and the digestive system, in this sense it should be noted that although this neurotransmitter is almost always associated with brain function, mood and mental well-being, surprisingly 95% of cases Serotonin is manufactured in the gut and not in the brain. Despite this, serotonin used by the brain must be produced there, because Serotonin produced in the gut does not travel to the brain.
However, although the research on the functions of serotonin in the gut is quite recent, it is known to date that it plays an important role in appetite and digestion. In fact, why there is so much serotonin activity in the intestines remains largely a mystery.
In addition, professionals have found a link between irritable bowel syndrome and adequate levels of this neurotransmitter. Irritable bowel syndrome has been shown to often return to normal when deficiencies in digestive processes are corrected.
Serotonin levels have a significant effect on energy production, some people suffering from chronic fatigue have insufficient amounts of this chemical, however, when levels of this neurotransmitter are restored, it is common for people with fatigue to notice a significant improvement in energy levels.
However, feeling tired or exhausted can be the result of many different conditions, although a problem with the release of this neurotransmitter cannot be ruled out. In the long run, chronic fatigue increases the chances that the release of this neurotransmitter will be lower.
Among the many properties of Serotonin is its effect on libido (sexual desire). The low levels of this chemical are directly related to a greater desire to have sex, but also with a lower ability to connect emotionally, which is not a good formula for a satisfactory relationship.
In addition, fluctuations in levels of this neurotransmitter can further affect attitudes, not to mention physical abilities related to sexual activity.
Achieving an increase in Serotonin levels naturally and without the use of medications is possible, here are some ways to achieve this increase:
As we have seen throughout this article, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in many important processes, so lack of release can seriously compromise these processes, some very important, such as emotional regulation or sleep.