Serotonin Depletion Symptoms, Causes, and How to Recover

Serotonin depletion occurs when the body’s Serotonin levels fall below the normal amount. If not corrected, this condition can cause a number of symptoms and complications.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made in the body’s central nervous system. Derived from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, it plays an important role in the body and is responsible for multiple functions, including learning and memory, regulation of sleep, regulation of appetite, and regulation of mood.

In addition, Serotonin is believed to influence some social behaviors. In fact, most of the cells in the brain are affected by Serotonin in some way, either directly or indirectly.

Depleted levels of Serotonin can result in mood disruption, sleep dysfunction, irritability, heightened appetite, increased sensitivity to pain, and over-stimulation of the mind. To replenish Serotonin levels, supplements and dietary changes may be adopted.

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Serotonin Depletion Causes

Serotonin depletion may result from several different causes. Some of the root causes of low Serotonin levels include:

• Early breakdown of Serotonin
• Problems with Serotonin receptors
• Not enough Serotonin receptors in the brain
• Poor Serotonin production

While these problems may occur on their own, they may also be related to environmental factors or behaviors, such as dietary issues, use of certain drugs or consumption of caffeine and/or alcohol.

Serotonin Depletion Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Serotonin depletion may include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Insomnia
• Craving sweets and starches
• Depression
• Tinnitus
• Problems with learning and memory
• Migraines
• Hypervigilance
• Digestive problems
• High pain sensitivity

Depending on the degree of Serotonin depletion, individuals may experience only a few of these symptoms or all of them. The severity of symptoms experienced also varies considerably.

Serotonin Depletion and Alcohol

A common cause of a lack of Serotonin levels in the brain is consumption of drugs and alcohol.

When alcohol is consumed, the levels of Serotonin in the urine and the blood increase, which indicates that alcohol stimulates the brain to produce more of this neurotransmitter.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that chronic alcohol consumption can lead to depleted Serotonin levels in the brain over time.

Scientists have hypothesized that this depletion occurs when the brain attempts to compensate for the increased Serotonin production experienced by individuals shortly after consuming alcohol. In fact, many researchers believe that this phenomenon may play a role in the development of alcohol abuse.

Other substances that have been shown to cause a reduction in Serotonin levels over time include caffeine, opioids, cannabinoids and psychostimulants. Prescription medications like Adderall and illicit drugs like ecstasy can both deplete available stores of this neurotransmitter.

Serotonin Depletion Recovery

There are a number of natural ways to replenish Serotonin levels after they become depleted.

At the present, there is no easy way to test the exact level of Serotonin within the living brain. However, people suffering from the symptoms of Serotonin depletion can often improve their condition by taking action to raise Serotonin levels.

Some of the strategies you may use to raise the levels of Serotonin in your brain include:

Dietary changes: The body synthesizes Serotonin from the amino acid L-Tryptophan. Thus, it can be possible to raise Serotonin levels by increasing your intake of L-Tryptophan. Foods that contain significant amounts of L-Tryptophan include eggs, lentils, beans, oats, fish, turkey, chicken, red meat, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

Eliminating alcohol, caffeine and drugs: For some people, depleted Serotonin levels are related to the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and drugs known to reduce Serotonin levels. Avoiding these substances may resolve Serotonin depletion and reduce the associated symptoms.

Improvement of mood: According to studies, external mood improvements can influence the production of Serotonin in the brain. Thus, if an individual is able to elevate his or her mood by participating in an enjoyable activity, more Serotonin may be produced.

Exposure to bright light: Exposure to bright lights has been a treatment for seasonal depression for many years. However, new evidence indicates that it may be effective for other types of depression as well. Scientists speculate that this strategy treats depression by boosting Serotonin levels in the brain.

Taking a Serotonin supplement: If none of the strategies above are effective on their own, supplements designed to increase Serotonin levels may help. Two of the most popular supplements in this category are 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan.

Both of these supplements work by increasing the amount serotonin precursors in the body, which in turn boosts Serotonin synthesis.

While L-Tryptophan supplements contain the amino acid in its usual form, 5-HTP supplements contain a natural byproduct of L-Tryptophan. Tryptophan is naturally broken down in the body into 5-HTP, which is then further converted into Serotonin in the brain.

Taking a selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI): When conservative measures are unsuccessful, a prescription for an SSRI may be beneficial.

However, it is important to note that SSRIs carry a risk of side effects, including headache, weight changes, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm, and erectile dysfunction. It is important to speak with your doctor and determine the best course of action for your needs.

Boosting Serotonin Levels Safely

When attempting to increase Serotonin levels, always begin with the least invasive measures. If you decide to take supplements, use them in combination with dietary changes for best results.

Just as low Serotonin levels can be problematic, extremely high Serotonin levels can be dangerous as well. Excess levels of Serotonin in the brain can lead to the potentially fatal condition, Serotonin Syndrome. Do not begin any supplements or medications designed to address Serotonin depletion without first speaking to your doctor.

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