What is Serotonin and what is its Role in the Brain and Body?

Serotonin is a natural chemical in the brain and body that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone.

It plays many roles in regulating mood, memory, sleep, digestion, and more.

Serotonin production is the result of an internal biochemical process of the metabolization or breakdown of the amino acid L-Tryptophan. The result of this breakdown is 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is the direct chemical precursor to Serotonin.

Serotonin produced from 5-HTP is used by the body for various important purposes, including controlling digestion and mood.

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How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
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Where is Serotonin Manufactured?

Serotonin is produced both in the brain and in the GI tract.

About 85% of the body’s Serotonin supply is found in the intestinal tract and in blood platelets. The remaining supply is found in the central nervous system.

In the digestive tract, Serotonin is used, in part, as an accommodator of peristalsis, or the involuntary contraction/movement and operation of our digestive systems.

In the central nervous system, Serotonin is used as a neurotransmitter, improving the connection quality between neurons. It is an inhibitory neurochemical, meaning that it helps to prevent over-excitement of the neurons, promoting a sense of calm, relaxation, happiness and focus.

The brain needs inhibitory neurotransmitters to balance the effects of excitatory neurotransmission caused by chemicals such as Dopamine, Noradrenaline, Acetylcholine and Glutamate.

Serotonin is not capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier if ingested or produced in other areas of the body. However much Serotonin is needed for internal brain functioning must be produced within the brain. Precursors for Serotonin include L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. It is considered essential because it cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through the diet or supplements. Tryptophan from food or supplements travels to the liver where it is broken down by the enzyme Tryptophan hydroxylase into 5-HTP and other metabolites including niacin (Vitamin B3).

The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, crosses the barrier separating the blood from the brain, and enters the brain tissue. In the brain, 5-HTP is converted in the pineal gland into Serotonin.

5-HTP is commonly used as a Serotonergic supplement. Tryptophan supplements are also used, however, some people prefer 5-HTP, as it is a step further on the metabolic conversion to Serotonin (which may mean fewer side effects for some people), and often works more quickly in the body.

What else does the Body use Serotonin for?

In its role as a neurotransmitter, Serotonin regulates the intensity of synaptic signaling. Serotonin plays various other important roles, affecting both bodily and psychological functioning.

Here’s a partial list of what Serotonin does in the body:

• Regulation of mood, appetite, digestion, social behaviors, libido, sleep, and memory;
• Supporting role in the production of breast milk;
• Used for metabolizing bones;
• Maintains cardiovascular system efficiency;
• Helps to regenerates the liver;
• Necessary for efficient cell division

Serotonin for Depression

Cases of depression, anxiety and various other mental conditions are highly correlated with imbalances of hormones and/or neurotransmitters. There is no singular known cause for depression.

An array of factors work on a given individual and may lead to depression. These factors may include:

• The age of the individual;
• The general state of health;
• Dietary choices;
• Activity levels;
• Geographic location;
• more…

In some cases, low Serotonin levels are associated with depression. It’s not clear yet if the depression causes the Serotonin levels to become low, or if already-low Serotonin levels cause the onset of depression.

In either case, low Serotonin levels are very common among depressed persons. For that reason, Serotonin supplements and natural ways to increase levels of this neurotransmitter are in high demand.

Since Serotonin cannot be supplemented directly, using 5-HTP has been studied as a way to increase Serotonin in the brain. The Natural Medicines database has rated 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of depression. Some research studies have shown that using 5-HTP may be comparable to some conventional antidepressant medications.

In one study, one group of patients were given 150-400 mg of 5-HTP daily, while the other group were given 20-40 mg of fluoxetine (Prozac). The study lasted for eight weeks, with the dosages of 5-HTP or fluoxetine starting at the lower dosage and gradually being increased to the highest dosage.

At the end of the trial it was determine that the 5-HTP had similar effects in reducing symptoms of depression as the fluoxetine. Other studies have shown similar results, and have found that 5-HTP can be comparable for improving depression symptoms to fluvoxamine (Luvox) or imipramine (Tofranil).

Other studies have examined the use of 5-HTP as an adjunct with other traditional antidepressant treatments. One study found that 300 mg 5-HTP combined with 50 mg of the tricyclic antidepressant chlorimipramine significantly decreased depression symptoms over patients taking chlorimipramine alone.

More research is still needed to fully determine the effects 5-HTP has on reducing symptoms of depression by increasing Serotonin in the brain. At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat depression.

Ways to Increase Serotonin Production

With the prevalence of antidepressant medications such as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), there is a strong emerging demand for natural methods for increasing Serotonin. Although there are many successful cases with treatment using mainstream pharmaceuticals, these drugs also come with a list of possible side effects.

People are searching for ways to naturally heighten their Serotonin activity in the brain. These methods include:

Modifications to diet: There are no foods that directly contain Serotonin, but there are foods that equip your body to generate more of it. These are the foods that are rich in the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan. Many people know Tryptophan as the chemical in turkey that makes them tired after eating it.

Additional sources of Tryptophan include other types of fowl, red meat, dairy products, soy products, and various types of nuts and seeds. However, be aware that not all the L-Tryptophan from dietary sources will make it to your brain due to competition with other amino acids at the blood-brain barrier.

Increase activity levels: There is no doubt as to the effectiveness of exercise as a general health enhancer.

It has not been shown that exercise increases Serotonin levels, however it has been repeatedly shown that exercise improves the mood and significantly reduces depression.

In fact, many studies have concluded that exercise alone is as effective as pharmaceuticals and/or psychotherapy as a treatment for depression. Furthermore, exercising with the use of an L-tryptophan supplement is reported to allow more of this amino acid to cross the blood-brain barrier.

This is caused by exercise-induced release of insulin which breaks down other amino acids, but not Tryptophan, meaning that this important precursor is better able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

5-HTP Serotonin Supplements: 5-HTP supplements are available from natural sources like the Griffonia simplicifolia plant from western Africa. When you increase the amount of 5-HTP in your system, the nutrients that are needed to synthesize Serotonin are readily available. These supplements have proven equally effective as certain prescription drugs in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Speak to your doctor if you are interested in using a 5-HTP pill to increase Serotonin for daily mood support. Your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your personal physiology and needs, as well as determine if there may be any side effects or interactions with existing drugs or supplements.

Managing Serotonin Levels

The never-ending combining of SSRIs, MAOIs and other drugs may be able to alleviate depression in the short-term, but there are questions regarding efficacy on a long term basis. Symptoms are managed periodically, but side effects may worsen with continuous use. There are also concerns regarding tolerance, withdrawal and addiction.

Natural ways to increase Serotonin levels make sense to many people. Increasing your activity levels, improving your dietary choices and taking natural supplements like 5-HTP can all work to better balance your brain chemistry for optimal living.

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