Serotonin and Depression: What's the Connection

Depression is one of the most common and treatable of all mental illnesses. One in four women and one in 10 men can expect to develop it for the rest of their lives. Studies have shown that people with depression have neurotransmitter imbalances, a natural substance that allows brain cells to communicate with one another. The two neurotransmitters involved in depression are serotonin and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate many physical and emotional processes such as mental performance, emotional state and pain responses. Almost all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters.

Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter with many important functions in the brain and body. Serotonin deficiency is a common contributor to mood problems. Some feel it is an epidemic in the United States. Serotonin is the key to feeling happy and is very important to our emotions as it helps protect us from both anxiety and depression. Most biochemical theories during depression focus on biogenic amines, which are the major chemical compounds in the neurotransmitters - most notably norepinephrine, serotonin and, to a lesser extent, dopamine, acetylcholine and epinephrine.

What causes or contributes to Serotonin Deficiency?

o Prolonged duration may reduce serotonin levels. Our fast-paced, fast-food community contributes to this imbalance.

o Poor Diet. Neurotransmitters are made in the body from proteins. Certain vitamins and minerals are also called "cofactors". If your diet is low and you are not taking enough protein, vitamins, or minerals to build a neurotransmitter, the neurotransmitters imbalance develops. We really think and taste what we eat.

o Genetic factors, impaired metabolism, and digestive problems can impair our absorption and breakdown of our reduced food ability to build serotonin.

Toxic substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, drug use, and some prescription drugs can cause permanent damage to serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and cholesterol lowering drugs reduce serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

o Hormone changes cause low serotonin and neurotransmitters imbalances.

o Lack of sunlight contributes to low serotonin levels

Symptoms. You may experience serotonin deficiency if you experience low mood, low energy, negative thoughts, tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have low interest in sex.
Other serotonin disorders include:

Depression

Anxiety

Panic attacks

Insomnia

Bowel disease

PMS / Hormone dysfunction

Fibromyalgia

Obesity

Eating disorders

Obsessions and Compulsions

Muscle pain

Chronic pain

Alcohol abuse

Migraine headache

How do I know if Serotonin is lacking?

Neurotransmitter, Questionnaire, and blood tests can help determine if you may have serotonin deficiency. Certain tests can determine whether you have the usual levels of precursors and the vitamins and minerals together that are needed for the brain to produce serotonin. In addition, hormones such as Adrenal, Thyroid, and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels and may explain why some women have mood disorders and menopause.

How to Increase Serotonin Levels Naturally

Prescription drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro are classified as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or (SSRI's). They help keep your brain more serotonin in circulation. It is used for a variety of symptoms such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, PTSD, obsession, and coercion. There are serotonin / norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRI's) such as Effexor and Cymbalta that store more serotonin and norepinephrine in circulation.

Healthy therapies like Amino Therapy Contrary to naturally increase the level of neurotransmitters that a person is lacking. 5 hydroxytryptophan and Tryptophan are well known for their ability to help with depressive symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Many clinical trials have studied the effectiveness of 5-HTP in treating depression. One compared 5-HTP to fluvoxamine with antidepressant drugs and found 5-HTP to be equally effective.

It can be used alone or in combination with medications to keep the dose low and to prevent the "dirt" of many people taking the medication.

or tryptophan -> 5-HTP -> serotonin

Herbal remedies such as St Johns Wort are provided to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some work the same way as SSRI antidepressants.

What you can do to improve your serotonin levels and improve your overall health

Exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week.

Walking, yoga, stretching.

Get lots of sunlight.

Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily

Prayer and meditation

Eat at least three times a day. Skipping meals promotes high pressure and low energy. Eat protein with every meal. Eat complex carbohydrates like brown rice. Avoid sugar, snacks, white pasta, white rice, white bread, cakes and cakes.

No caffeine, alcohol, or NutraSweet (aspartam). NutraSweet can be toxic to your brain.
Alcohol can worsen depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Useful Supplements

Multivitamin / multimineral daily

EPA / DHA capsule fish oil is combined with 2000mg daily

Serotonin enhances supplements such as:

L-tryptophan 1000 mg sleep

5HTP 300 mg daily

Serum 3 capsules daily

Seroton 3 capsules daily

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