Why is managing your serotonin levels so important? They are responsible for so much! Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced and released in the body to regulate brain process. The level of serotonin in your body can effect your mood, stress levels, sleeping patterns, and appetite. If you have low levels of serotonin in your body you are more likely to experience mood changes, high stress and anxiety levels, depression and aggression. Serotonin can also affect your memory, emotions and may cause insomnia.
Most people believe that serotonin is only produced in the brain, when in fact about 90% of it is made in your intestines. The location of where serotonin is released affects different parts of your body. For example, if it is released in the hippocampus it can affect your memory, whereas if it is released from the frontal cortex of the brain, it can affect your cognition.
One way of increasing serotonin in your body is by ingesting the precursors or nutrients that help synthesize the neurotransmitter. Serotonin is ultimately made from an amino acid called tryptophan. In cells of the brain and particularly the gut, tryptophan converts into 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) and then finally made into the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in turkey, chicken, milk, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. Although these foods contain trace amounts of tryptophan they are usually not enough to affect the body, which is why I recommend taking the supplement 5-HTP or Tryptophan amino acid. These supplements can be purchased at the local health food store and can be found individually or with other herbal remedies and nutrients.
Not only are healthy serotonin levels good for the body, but also for a healthy mind. 5-HTP at high levels can cause unfavorable symptoms, so it is important to speak with your doctor to work out an effective plan. Uplift yourself!
