Serotonin [The Basics Of Neurotransmitters]

Serotonin is a tryptamine derivative and one of the essential neurotransmitters in the organism. 90% of serotonin is produced in the intestines and the rest in the pineal gland and raphe nucleus (so in the brain).
Serotonin is commonly called "the hormone of happiness," as it directly modulates mood. The highest level of serotonin is found in young children (this is why babies tend to smile and laugh a lot). Moreover, adult men have a 30% higher concentration of serotonin in the body than adult women (well, the reason why stupid videos make us laugh a lot, while women can't understand our sense of humor). Serotonin also regulates appetite, body temperature, blood pressure, and simultaneously with melatonin regulates sleep.

Serotonin Receptors (5-hydroxytryptamine receptors; 5-HT receptors).

Serotonin Deficiency

It is associated with a range of psychological and physical symptoms. One of the most common causes of serotonin deficiency is disturbances in the gut microbiome; therefore, serotonin deficiency treatment should always begin with dietotherapy and improving gut microbiome.
Interestingly, SSRI medications are known to induce serotonin deficiency in the longer term. Prolonged serotonin reuptake inhibition causes serotonin receptors to become desensitized. As a result, less serotonin will be utilized appropriately, further impairing mental condition. Speaking about SSRIs and their adverse effects this is a topic for a separate, pages-long article.

Serotonin deficiency is associated with:

- depression

- lacks energy

- aggression

- irritability

- anxiety

- reduced appetite

- fatigue

- nausea

Excess Of Serotonin

Not speaking about the life-threatening condition of serotonin syndrome that may occur after overdosing or cross-reactions between serotonin reuptake inhibitors with numerous drugs, excess serotonin is a condition that may vary from a pleasurable experience to a serotonin deficiency-like sensation, especially in the longer term. Nevertheless, this condition usually is the result of drugs intake, and rarely occur among healthy individuals.
Worth nothing that high serotonin is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Excessive serotonin is associated with:

- euphoria

- metabolic disorders

- sexual dysfunctions

- social anxiety

- fear

- restlessness

- irritability

- feeling of boredom

- loss of muscle coordination

How to increase serotonin levels?

Serotonin levels may be increased via proper supplementation:

- Rhodiola Rosea (200-800 mg on an empty stomach)

- 5-HTP (50-300 mg on an empty stomach or right before sleep time). Remember to never supplement 5-HTP if you are taking SSRI medicaments or MAO inhibitors.

- Vit B6 (50mg)

- L-Tryptophan (500 mg before sleep time)

- Probiotics (intestines disorders disturbs serotonin synthesis)

- Ginkgo Biloba (50-100 mg)

- Pro-serotonin food like pineapples, eggs, salmons, and nuts

What reduces/regulates serotonin levels?

- Caffeine (100-400 mg daily)

- Nicotine (5 mg daily)

- Cardarine (5 mg daily)

- Bacopa moneiri (300 mg daily)

- Shisandra (3g daily, albeit strictly depending upon extract)

- Vitamin D (2000iu daily)

- Probiotics (depending on strain)

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In psychology we distinguish 4 personalities of people based on the highest natural concentration of a single neurotransmitter:

- acetylcholine nature (approx. 17% of people)

- serotonin nature (approx. 18% of people)

- GABA nature (approx. 50% of people)

- dopamine nature (approx. 15% of people)

Which type of these 4 personalities dominates in your body? You can estimate it by completing the "Braverman Personality Type Assessment" (Braverman test)