Serotonin And Depression – Exploring The Biochemistry of Medications and Supplements

The link between low levels of Serotonin and depression is well documented.

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps to regulate various core psychological and biological functions. Serotonin is responsible for properly balancing appetite, moods, libido, memory, sleep, and more.

Serotonin controls how strongly we feel fear, anger, anxiety, aggression, happiness, wellbeing, and other emotions.

When Serotonin levels are deficient or depleted, depression is far more likely to develop. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to speak to a doctor to discuss your treatment options.

One of those options may be to take a Serotonin boosting supplement such as 5-HTP to improve mood.

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How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Varies depending on supplement

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Serotonin and Depression

When Serotonin levels in the brain are low, especially if levels of Norepinephrine and Dopamine are also out of balance, then depression may occur.

In millions of cases, doctors prescribe medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs sometimes help to alleviate the symptoms of depression by increasing the amount of Serotonin available inside the brain.

SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of Serotonin once it is released from neurons. By blocking reuptake, the Serotonin remains available for the brain’s benefit.

The main issue with SSRIs is a lack of accurate understanding into the mechanisms by which they work. There are success cases with SSRIs, but it is unclear what the potential long-term effects might be and whether there are withdrawal symptoms or tolerance build-up.

If a depressed individual is Serotonin-deficient, then increasing inner-brain Serotonin production may diminish or alleviate those depression symptoms. For some people, this may be possible through the use of the natural supplement 5-HTP. When ingested, 5-HTP is transported to the brain where it is used to make Serotonin.

There is a growing demand for ways to increase Serotonin levels naturally. By boosting Serotonin production within the brain, it may be possible to address depression without the need for clinical intervention.

The Biochemistry of Depression

Serotonin is the key chemical compound that helps us battle depression and anxiety. The most prevalent theories of depression-related biochemistry today place the focus on a specific group of chemical compounds known as biogenic amines. These compounds are very important for efficient neurotransmission.

The two most important of these biogenic amines are Norepinephrine and Serotonin. Other key chemical players in this scenario are Dopamine, Epinephrine, and Acetylcholine.

It’s true that only fifteen percent or so of human Serotonin is found in the central nervous system. The rest is mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to influencing the mood, Serotonin also controls various processes of digestion and metabolism. A secondary effect of low Serotonin levels can be weight gain and obesity, which can sometimes accompany or compound symptoms of depression.

Chronic stress and busy lifestyles contribute to the depletion of Serotonin. If there are not sufficient levels of Serotonin precursors available, the body’s ability to manufacture Serotonin may be diminished.

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is found in many high protein foods including poultry, red meat, dairy products, eggs, and tofu. Tryptophan is broken down in the liver into 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and other metabolites.

The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream, crosses the barrier separating the blood from the brain, and enters brain tissue. Once in the brain, the 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin. Low levels of Tryptophan or 5-HTP may lead to low levels of Serotonin in the brain, and potentially depression.

Symptoms of Being Deficient in Serotonin

When the body is unbalanced in any of various ways that affect Serotonin production, the individual may experience an array of possible symptoms including:

• Depressed, negative moods;
• Irritability;
• Lacking energy/fatigue;
• Low libido;
• Craving for sweet and/or starchy foods;
• Sleep disturbances/Insomnia;
• Muscle pains and headaches;
• Eating disorders;
• Increased sensitivity to pain;
• more…

How to Raise Production of Serotonin for Depression

As seen above, if the body is not able to produce Serotonin, an array of health conditions and challenges may well develop. In order to avoid these, it’s imperative to provide the body what it needs to be able to synthesize Serotonin.

Eating a diet that is high in Tryptophan foods may help to keep Serotonin levels balanced. However, various substances can act to slow down the production of Serotonin. Toxins like trace heavy metal elements, illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, steroids in our food supply, artificial sweeteners, and statin medications all can diminish Serotonin production.

Poor dietary habits may cause low levels of Tryptophan in the body. Additionally, some people naturally utilize the Tryptophan they do consume inefficiently. In these cases, supplementation with a Serotonin boosting supplement may be useful for people who have low Serotonin and depression.

For Serotonin production, 5-HTP specifically is integral. This is why the use of 5-HTP supplements has arisen as a popular way to support a positive mood.

5-HTP has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Effective for improving the symptoms of depression. Some preliminary studies have shown that 5-HTP may be comparable to some conventional prescription antidepressants.

In one preliminary clinical study, 150-400 mg 5-HTP daily for eight weeks had similar effects at improving symptoms of depression as 20-40 mg daily of fluoxetine (Prozac). Other studies saw similar improvement in depression symptoms when 5-HTP was compared to fluvoxamine (Luvox)) and imipramine (Tofranil).

In another trial, 5-HTP combined with the antidepressant chlorimipramine significantly reduced symptoms of depression compared to patients taking chlorimipramine alone.

Research at this time shows that 5-HTP may be effective for improving symptoms of depression, however, more long-term large scale studies still need to be done. At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any conditions.

Serotonin Production, Mood, and Exercise

If Serotonin is low, then depressed feelings and other symptoms may evolve. When an individual is depressed and having negative thoughts, he or she is may not be thinking of or feeling like engaging in intentional physical activity.

However, it is well documented that regular exercise is imperative for battling almost every health challenge known. Rigorous exercise is best, but a simple walk around the block can make a significant difference as well.

Results will be best when combining activity with a proper diet and a 5-HTP supplement. In one study, 5-HTP raised levels of Serotonin by 540%, whereas Paxil, Prozac, and the SSRI Luvox only raised levels by 450%, 250%, and 68% respectively.

Remember that there is no single proven technique for fighting depression that works for everyone equally. Each individual has a completely unique set of biochemical circumstances.

One thing that is common to all people though is that daily physical activity is hugely beneficial on almost every level. Exercise is a key therapy component for battling and finding defeat over depression.

The connections between Serotonin and depression are numerously evident. By increasing your Serotonin levels naturally, you may empower yourself to not only benefit from lessened depression, and the enhanced performance of various other physical and psychological functions.

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