Serotonin Function – How it Works in the Body

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for many diverse functions in the body. Serotonin function in the brain is intricately connected to mood, mental performance, and our ability to handle stress.

Acting as a hormone in the body, Serotonin function in the gut aids in digestion. It is also used for catalyzing certain autonomic functions based on the current availability of survival resources. For example, Serotonin has a role in appetite signalling – when levels are low, Serotonin can causes hunger cravings to prompt us to find food.

All bilaterally symmetric animals produce and utilize Serotonin for a variety of biological and mental functions. In intricate animals like humans, the perceived abundance, or perceived scarcity, of survival resources dictates an array of variables including mood, libido, growth signals, and aggression.

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How Serotonin Functions in the Body

According to a recent study from the University of Bristol, about 90% of the body’s Serotonin supply is found in the GI tract.

In the digestive tract, Serotonin acts to accommodate the involuntary rhythmic movement of food through the system (peristalsis).

More specifically, Serotonin is kept in the enterochromaffin cells that line the stomach and intestines. When foods are introduced into the digestive system, this hormone is released and acts to control peristaltic contractions.

If a given food source is found to be irritating to the GI tract, then more Serotonin is directed to move it through the system faster. Sometimes this results in diarrhea. Conversely, if Serotonin levels are deficient in the gut, then constipation may result.

Serotonin functions in the digestive tract were well documented long before any connection between it and mood regulation was ever discovered. Below are additional functions of Serotonin in the body:

• Affects both breathing rate and heart rate
• Helps coagulate blood for clotting purposes
• Regulates body temperature
• Regulates appetite
• Maintains proper blood pH

Serotonin Functions in the Brain and CNS

Serotonin is unable to pass the barrier that separates the bloodstream from the brain (blood-brain barrier). Therefore, all the Serotonin that the brain needs must be produced in the brain tissue.

The amino acid L-Tryptophan is an indirect precursor of Serotonin. Tryptophan is found in many high protein foods including red meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy bean products. Tryptophan supplements also exist, and are sometimes used when people do not obtain enough Tryptophan from their diet, or their bodies naturally do not efficiently use the Tryptophan they do consume.

Tryptophan from the diet or supplements is broken down in the liver into 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain tissue. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is a direct precursor to Serotonin, and is converted into Serotonin as needed.

Serotonin acts in conjunction with Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Epinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Our moods are balanced in part by Serotonin.

If we have too much Serotonin in our systems, then we may become overly calm and confused, or conversely euphoric. If we have too little Serotonin in our systems, we are prone to become depressed. Having the proper amount can make us feel content, happy, and satisfied.

Serotonin is also required to produce the hormone Melatonin. Melatonin is the primary hormone involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle). Serotonin in the brain is converted into Melatonin in the pineal gland.

During the day production of Serotonin is high, and production of Melatonin is low. When light levels begin to drop in the evening, the conversion of Serotonin into Melatonin increases to help the body prepare for sleep.

Low Serotonin levels have been correlated with the following conditions:

• OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
• Bipolar disorder
• Phobias
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders

MAOIs and SSRIs

If Serotonin levels are thrown off balance, serious changes in mood can result, including conditions such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe different Serotonin-boosting drugs to combat a Serotonin imbalance.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the two most prescribed classes of drugs for patients battling various mental conditions. Their methods of action are quite different, although both types of drugs are used to maintain adequate Serotonin levels.

MAOIs stop Serotonin from being broken down inside the body, elevating levels of this neurotransmitter, among others. SSRIs prevent the reabsorption of Serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron that released it. The Serotonin is able to remain in the synaptic cleft for longer amounts of time, increasing interactions with postsynaptic receptor cell.

Though effective for some conditions, there can be serious potential side effects associated with using either of these types of drugs. Possible side effects of both MAOIs and SSRIs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headaches, drowsiness, insomnia, lightheadedness, dizziness, irritability, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, lacking libido, weight gain and more.

Enhancing Serotonin Function Naturally

Serotonin functions throughout the body and brain, performing many important biological and psychological roles. The majority of the Serotonin humans produce is present in the digestive system and used to regulate functioning. The remainder of the Serotonin is found traveling in blood platelets, in the CNS, and in the brain.

With more than 40 million American adults on SSRIs alone, there is a huge demand for ways to regulate and balance Serotonin levels naturally.

Balancing Serotonin levels may be achieved naturally via proper dietary choices, daily physical activity, absorbing sunshine through the skin, remaining adequately hydrated and possibly implementing Tryptophan or 5-HTP supplementation. Click here to learn more about the use of 5-HTP to boost Serotonin levels.

By ensuring healthy lifestyle choices consistently, Serotonin function may be enhanced without having to turn to modern pharmaceuticals.

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