Serotonin is a chemical produced by your nerve cells. This important signaling molecule serves as a messenger between the nerve cells in your body. Serotonin lives throughout the digestive system, in blood platelets, and in your entire central nervous system.
Serotonin is also produced from tryptophan, an amino acid that is found in red meat, nuts, and cheese. A person with tryptophan deficiency may also experience decreased serotonin levels. When your serotonin levels are low, you may experience a variety of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Serotonin impacts every system in the body. It can affect your emotions, your motor skills, your physical health, and much more. Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer. This chemical is also significant for digestion, eating, and sleeping. Let’s take a look at the different ways serotonin is used throughout the body.
Serotonin helps regulate your mood. It works by enabling your brain cells to communicate with other cells in your nervous system. When your brain does not have enough serotonin, it can decrease your mood and eventually lead to depression. Conversely, too much serotonin in the brain can increase nerve cell activity which can increase the risk of anxiety.
When your serotonin levels are balanced, you will feel happier, less anxious, and calmer. You will be more emotionally stable and experience improved focus. Learning how to balance your serotonin levels can help improve your mood and reduce many of the symptoms associated with an unbalanced level of serotonin in the body.
There are several ways that your serotonin levels can be increased, including medications and natural options.
Serotonin is often referred to as the happy neurotransmitter because of the mental health benefits offered. If your serotonin levels are low, you can experience depression and other mood disorders. Luckily, there are several things you can do to improve your serotonin levels naturally.
While serotonin is present throughout your body; it is generally considered a brain chemical. Research has determined that approximately 95 percent of serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Our functional medicine providers understand serotonin and that balancing this important mood chemical requires a holistic approach. Our team will evaluate your diet, lifestyle, digestive health, nutrients and much more to ensure you are optimizing your serotonin levels for your optimal health.
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