Serotonin Hormone Production & Function in the Body & Gut

Serotonin is a hormone found in various parts of the human body, including the brain and the gut. This hormone plays an important role in several bodily functions, including regulation of mood, regulation of appetite, learning and memory and regulation of sleep

Research has shown that serotonin hormone may also influence certain social behaviors, depression, anxiety, pain sensitivity, sexual desire, as well as binge eating and weight gain.

Although many of the functions performed by serotonin are completed in the brain, nearly 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is found in the gut.

In fact, some researchers have postulated that problems with serotonin may play a part in the development of certain digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea.

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Effects of Serotonin Hormone in the Brain

Some of serotonin’s most important roles in the body are played out in the brain. Several studies have found that low serotonin can lead to depression and other mood disturbances.

This neurotransmitter is often thought of as the “Happiness Hormone”, promoting a positive mood, feelings of well-being and contentment.

According to Medical News Today, normal serotonin levels are also necessary for healthy libido and sexual function.

Furthermore, researchers have also found that serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for controlling the sleep/wake cycle.

As a result, serotonin hormone imbalances may lead to problems with circadian rhythms, such as insomina.

Serotonin Hormone in the Gut

Most of the body’s serotonin is found in the gut. It is released during digestion in order to stimulate the contraction of the intestines.

When foods that irritate the intestines are consumed, the gut releases more serotonin than usual in order to expedite the expulsion of the food. This causes intense contractions of the intestines, leading to diarrhea.

The extra serotonin may also enter the blood system and travel to the brain, where it may trigger nausea and vomiting.

Research has shown that people with certain digestive disorders often possess abnormal serotonin levels in the gut, which indicates that serotonin contributes to the development and/or symptoms experienced with these disorders.

For example, people with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease tend to have high levels of serotonin in the gut, while people with chronic constipation have lower levels of serotonin in the gut.

Serotonin the Satiety Hormone

Another important role for serotonin is signalling satiety and controlling the appetite. Serotonin is an inhibitory chemical, that has been shown to turn off the brain’s “appetite control center” in the hypothalamus.

When you consume foods that increase the synthesis of this messenger, it signals to your brain that there is enough food in your environment to meet your energy and nutrient needs. This results in appetite suppression, so you no longer feel the need to eat.

However, in people with low serotonin levels, this can result in food cravings and never feeling satiated. Over a long period of time, this could contribute to over-eating and weight gain.

Carbohydrate-rich foods have been shown to boost serotonin levels in the brain more than other food sources. Many people who experience carb cravings can attribute these to the changes in serotonin balance in the brain.

Understanding Serotonin Imbalances

In order for the body to function properly, it needs a normal amount of serotonin. Having too much or too little will cause problems with serotonin hormone function. Symptoms of low serotonin levels may include:

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

Some of the symptoms of higher than normal serotonin levels may include:

• High fever
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Goosebumps
• Shivering
• Muscle stiffness
• Twitching muscles
• Loss of coordination
• Heavy sweating
• Dilated pupils
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Agitation

In some cases, high levels of serotonin may even become life-threatening or fatal. However, dangerously high serotonin levels rarely occur naturally.

Most cases of high serotonin levels are caused by the combination of two substances that raise serotonin, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-migraine medications, illicit drugs and other such substances.

Correcting an Imbalance

Individuals suffering from serotonin imbalance can alleviate their symptoms by helping their serotonin levels to return to normal.

In the case of too much serotonin, the individual can typically correct the problem simply by discontinuing one or more of the substances that were raising his or her levels artificially.

In the case of low serotonin hormone levels, however, correcting the imbalance may be more complicated. Some of the natural methods people have used to raise serotonin levels include:

Increasing Exposure to bright light. Research studies indicate that exposure to light may boost serotonin levels in the brain. Exposure to sunlight also prompts the body to synthesize Vitamin D, which is required to produce serotonin.

Cutting out caffeine, alcohol and illicit drugs. Depleted serotonin levels are sometimes caused by the consumption of substances that reduce serotonin levels. Avoiding these substances may improve symptoms.

Improving your own mood. Some studies have shown that improving your mood by participating in enjoyable activities or socializing may increase serotonin levels in the body.

Taking in more L-tryptophan. The body synthesizes serotonin from the amino acid L-tryptophan. Thus, it may be possible to raise serotonin levels by increasing your intake of L-tryptophan in order to support serotonin hormone production.

Some of the foods that contain L-tryptophan include red meat, tofu, nuts, eggs, lentils, beans, oats, fish, turkey, chicken and seeds.

You may also be able to increase your levels with certain supplements, including 5-HTP and L-tryptophan supplements. While L-tryptophan supplements contain the amino acid in its usual form, 5-HTP supplements contain a natural byproduct of L-tryptophan that is the immediate precursor to the serotonin hormone.

People who suffer from low serotonin levels that cannot be resolved naturally may take prescription drugs, such as SSRIs, to boost serotonin hormone levels. However, these substances should be used with caution, as they have the potential to produce adverse effects.

Before taking any serotonin supplement or prescription medication, always talk to your doctor to make sure the supplement or drug is safe for you.

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