Serotonin | Astroveda

Serotonin, often nicknamed «the hormone of happiness», is an essential neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our emotional well -being, in our mood and even our physical health.

Let’s find out what serotonin is, its role in our body, the consequences of its imbalances and how we can promote its production to improve our quality of life.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that transmits the signals between the neurons in the brain. It is mainly produced in the central nervous system and in the intestine.

About 90% of our serotonin body is in the gastrointestinal tract, which underlines the link between our digestive system and our mood. This connection is often called «intestinal brain», illustrating how our digestive health can influence our mental health.

The roles of serotonin

Serotonin performs several key roles in our body:

1. Mood adjustment : Serotonin contributes to the regulation of mood. Adequate levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of happiness and well -being, while low levels can cause mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Studies show that people with depression often have lower levels of serotonin.
2. Sleep : Plays a crucial role in the sleep cycle. Serotonin is a pioneer of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep adjustment. An imbalance in serotonin levels can therefore disturb sleep, resulting in insomnia or poor quality sleep problems.
3. Appétit : Serotonin also influences our appetite. It helps to regulate the feeling of satiety, which can affect our food habits and our weight. Adequate levels of serotonin can help reduce sugar desires and promote a balanced diet.
4. Cognitive Fontation : This neurotransmitter is involved in cognitive functions, such as memory and learning. A good regulation of serotonin promotes optimal concentration and helps to maintain good memory.
5. Physical health : Serotonin also has effects on the body. It plays a role in the contraction of smooth muscles, in the regulation of blood circulation and even in the modulation of pain. Therefore, a good level of serotonin is crucial for optimal body operation.

The consequences of an imbalance of serotonin

An imbalance in the levels of this neurotransmitter can have devastating effects on our mental and physical health. Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are often associated with insufficient levels of serotonin.

In addition, studies have shown that even excessive serotonin levels can be problematic, causing conditions such as serotonergic syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated.

How to increase serotonin levels?

There are several natural ways to increase serotonin levels in the body:

1. Food : Consuming foods rich in tryptophan, a precursor of amino acids of serotonin. Sources include walnuts, seeds, cheese, chicken, fish and dairy products -Caseari. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, can also promote the absorption of tryptophan.
2. Exercise : Physical activity regularly stimulates serotonin production. Exercises such as the course, yoga or even a simple walk can help improve your mood. Exercise also increases blood circulation, which can promote the transport of serotonin in the body.
3. Sunlight : Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, promotes serotonin production. Spending time outside can therefore be useful. During the winter months, it can be useful to use light therapy lamps to compensate for the lack of natural light.
4. Meditation and relaxation : Practices such as meditation, yoga or breathing techniques can reduce stress and increase serotonin levels. The meditThe action, in particular, has shown positive effects on the regulation of neurotransmitters, in particular anxiety and improves mood.
5. Food supplements : In some cases, food supplements such as 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptopal) or the San Giovanni grass to support the production of serotonin can be provided. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, since pharmacological interactions or side effects may occur.