Serotonin: what kind of hormone it is, where and how it is produced, the reasons for the lack of the hormone and how to increase its level in the body. Mood hormone: why do we need serotonin and where to find it Serotonin hormone effect on the body

Serotonin: what kind of hormone it is, where and how it is produced, the reasons for the lack of the hormone and how to increase its level in the body. Mood hormone: why do we need serotonin and where to find it Serotonin hormone effect on the body

10.04.2022 Glucometers

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter and hormone, first discovered by foreign scientists in 1947, it is often called the “hormone of happiness”, it is produced in the body during moments of ecstasy, its level rises during euphoria and decreases during depression. Serotonin is formed from the amino acid tryptophan in the pineal gland (pineal gland) with the obligatory participation of sunlight, as well as in the small intestine and pancreas, it is a chemical transmitter of impulses between the nerve cells of the human brain, controls appetite, sleep, mood and emotions of a person, “leads very many functions of the body, plays an important role in the processes of blood coagulation, regulation of motility and secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing its peristalsis and secretory activity, regulates vascular tone, contractility of the uterus and fallopian tubes, participates in the coordination of childbirth, is involved in the process of ovulation, is one of the causes of stroke, myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer, some mental illnesses, migraines and other forms of pathology. With a decrease in the level of serotonin, the sensitivity of the body's pain system increases, even the slightest irritation responds with severe pain. So, during a migraine attack, light and sound of normal intensity causes a severe headache. Serotonin is also one of the important mediators of allergy and inflammation. It increases vascular permeability, migration of leukocytes to the focus of inflammation, releases other mediators of allergy and inflammation. Local (eg, intramuscular) administration of exogenous serotonin causes severe pain at the injection site. Presumably, serotonin, along with histamine and prostaglandins, by irritating receptors in tissues, plays a role in the occurrence of pain impulses from the site of injury or inflammation.

In order for serotonin to be produced, in addition to tryptophan, glucose must be supplied to the body. It stimulates an increased release of insulin into the blood, which instructs the main amino acids to leave the bloodstream to the depot, and tryptophan is released through the blood-brain barrier (a barrier that protects the brain from substances coming from the circulatory system) to the brain to produce serotonin. The level of serotonin in the body can be influenced by physical exercises, changes in the rhythm and depth of breathing, natural and chemical drugs, diets, it is found in: bananas, figs, pineapples, plums, dates, wild rice, etc., and its predecessor is tryptophan in dairy products, eggs, fish, meat.

In the pineal gland, serotonin is the precursor of melatonin (“night worker” in Greek, by the way, two scientists who synthesized melatonin were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962). Melatonin is produced only in the dark with the participation of donors - serotonin and tryptophan, and has recently become one of the main and popular substances in pharmacology with a very wide range of applications. Among others, the “night worker” has a rejuvenating effect, the ability to prevent oncological diseases and the responsibility for reconfiguring the daily rhythms of the human body in the event of the latter moving from one time zone to another, improving mental performance (this is the reason why many creative people prefer to create their great works at night).

The peak level of melatonin in the body (the intensity of the conversion of serotonin into melatonin) occurs between three and four in the morning. At this point, the human body contains up to 70% of melatonin from the entire daily norm.

Melatonin donors are red fescue, barley, rice, and corn.

The lack of sunlight due to the shortening of daylight hours in the autumn-winter period is the cause of insufficient production of serotonin in the human body and, as a result, seasonal depression, the classic symptoms of which are: melancholy, apathy, loss of a sense of pleasure, impaired thinking, memory and attention, lethargy , increased appetite, cravings for sweets and starchy foods, leading to weight gain, daytime sleepiness and difficulty waking up in the morning.

People who are impressionable, anxious, prone to introspection, overly demanding of themselves become ill with depression more easily, and often this character is inherited, through the maternal line. In women, seasonal depression (like migraine) is observed three times more often than in men, it is more severe, which is associated with a higher (three times) level of serotonin in the blood of women compared to men.

Serotonin deficiency is known to contribute to alcoholism (alcohol temporarily increases the level of serotonin in the body, but its long-term use leads to a decrease in serotonin levels and the need for new doses of alcohol).

In Russia at the end of the 20th century, for the first time in the world, a previously unknown syndrome of serotonin deficiency was discovered, the prevention and treatment of which, according to the President of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Academician Valentin Pokrovsky, can increase life expectancy by 20-30 years. Thanks to the devotion of Russian physicians (A. Simonenkov, V. Fedorov, etc.), it was possible to synthesize and launch the production of the drug serotonin, which, without exaggeration, can be called the elixir of life.

It turned out that this hormone provides a rhythmic contraction of the entire smooth muscles of the body and only a sufficient amount of it makes these contractions energetic and uninterrupted. The intestines, kidneys, blood vessels and even the brain work thanks to contractions of smooth muscles.

Recent studies of serotonin have shown that it restores the life force to blood vessels and almost all vascular diseases, including varicose veins, disappear without a trace after serotonin therapy. High-quality healing after a heart attack is unthinkable without serotonin. Virtually all ailments of the brain associated with insufficient blood supply to it are best treated if, along with recognized therapy, this hormone is used.

One of the ways to increase the level of serotonin in the human body, especially with a lack of natural light in the autumn-winter period, is quantum ophthalmotherapy (biorhythmic photostimulation of the retina of the eye) using the Aist-01LK amblyostimulator manufactured by the company "Stimed". The therapeutic effect is based on the stimulation of the body with low-energy light in the form of certain impulses with specified optimal characteristics. Quantum ophthalmotherapy is an effective, affordable, non-invasive, non-drug method for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, which, if used correctly, does not give complications and side effects.

Serotonin is a hormone that is produced in nerve cells. It is concentrated in the stomach and intestines, in the blood and the central nervous system.

Serotonin is formed from tryptophan, an essential amino acid that we get from food and which is converted into a hormone in the body by the action of enzymes.

Why do we need a mood hormone?

Serotonin affects the entire body, from emotions to motor skills. Here are its main features.

Serotonin is involved in digestion and controls intestinal motility.
Serotonin is involved in the nausea response: increased levels of the hormone stimulate the area of the brain that is responsible for vomiting. Serotonin helps to get rid of harmful substances that have entered the body, causing diarrhea.
In brain tissue, serotonin regulates anxiety, joy, and is responsible for mood. Low levels of the hormone have been linked to depression, while levels that are too high lead to hallucinations and neuromuscular disorders.
Serotonin stimulates the areas of the brain that control sleep and wakefulness. Wake up or fall asleep - decide serotonin receptors.
When a wound needs to be closed, serotonin constricts the arteries and helps form a blood clot.
Serotonin is essential for bone health, but excess serotonin leads to osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle.

How does serotonin affect emotions?

Serotonin regulates mood. When the hormone levels are normal, a person is happy, calm, focused and satisfied.

Studies have confirmed that depression, anxiety and insomnia are often associated with a lack of serotonin. But if the level of free hormone in the blood is increased, then the unpleasant symptoms subside.

How much serotonin is needed for happiness?

Normal levels of serotonin in the blood are between 101 and 283 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). But these criteria may change depending on how the analysis is carried out, so any research results should be discussed with the doctor.

Where to find it?

In foods high in tryptophan. It is found in large quantities in foods that contain proteins, iron, riboflavin, vitamin B6.

Eggs. Egg white increases the level of tryptophan in the blood plasma. Add a regular boiled egg to lunch or make it for breakfast.
Cheese. Another source of tryptophan. Consume with pasta for maximum benefit.
A pineapple. In addition to tryptophan, pineapples also contain bromelain, an enzyme with many beneficial properties: from improving digestion to reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Tofu. Soy products, like other legumes, are rich in tryptophan. Tofu is a source of amino acids and proteins for vegetarians. Pairs well with bell peppers.
Salmon. Salmon appears on many healthy food lists, including the tryptophan shortlist.
Nuts and seeds. All nuts and seeds contain tryptophan. A handful a day reduces the risk of heart and respiratory diseases.
Turkey. We don't have traditions around cooking turkey for the holidays, but why not have one? For a good mood.

How are food and mood related?

The connection between food and mood stems from the way tryptophan is converted to serotonin. That's just to increase the level of serotonin is not enough to go on a tryptophan diet.

Tryptophan must react with other amino acids in order to enter the nervous tissue. For this, helpers are needed - carbohydrates.

To process carbohydrates, insulin is released, which stimulates the absorption of amino acids into the blood, including tryptophan. The amino acid is concentrated in the blood, and this increases its chances of passing through the blood-brain barrier (that is, entering the brain).

To improve your mood, eat foods with tryptophan often (meat, cheese, legumes) and eat high-carb foods: rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread. The formula is: food with tryptophan + large portion of carbohydrates = increase in serotonin.

That's why macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes taste so good, especially when it's cold and wet outside.

What to do if the mood does not improve from the products?

Go to the doctors - the therapist and the endocrinologist. With a shortage of the hormone and the associated depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed - these are the most common antidepressants. Nerve cells release serotonin, but some of it is reabsorbed back into the neurons. SSRIs block this process so that more of the active hormone remains in the tissues.

Many other medicines cannot be used with these drugs because of the risk of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition in which the functions of the nervous and muscular systems are impaired. So be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking antidepressants.

What is serotonin syndrome?

This is a life-threatening condition associated with high levels of serotonin in the blood. This happens after taking a new drug or an overdose.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

shiver;
diarrhea;
headache;
confusion;
dilated pupils;
goose pimples;
involuntary muscle contractions;
increased temperature and blood pressure;
palpitations and arrhythmias.

Often, the syndrome resolves on its own in one day if drugs that block serotonin are prescribed, or if the medication that caused the disorder is stopped.

What else increases serotonin levels?

Anything that helps keep the body in good condition.

Sunlight.
Physical training.
Proper nutrition.
Positive attitude towards life.

Serotonin is a hormone, one of the main neurotransmitters, which belongs to biogenic amines (a class of tryptamines) by chemical structure. Serotonin is often referred to as the “hormone of happiness” and the “hormone of good mood.”

What is the role of serotonin in the body?

Serotonin has an effect on mood (with a sufficient content of the hormone, a person experiences joy, cheerfulness), sexual behavior, and appetite. By acting on the vessels of the kidneys, the neurotransmitter causes a decrease in diuresis. Thermoregulation and blood clotting depend on its level, since it causes the polymerization of fibrin molecules, platelet aggregation, and normalizes the retraction of a blood clot in thrombocytopenia. Serotonin stimulates the smooth muscles of blood vessels, intestines (causes increased peristalsis), bronchioles. It has an effect on metabolism, especially on bioenergetic processes, which are significantly disturbed during shock, activates gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, increases the activity of myocardial, liver and skeletal muscle phosphorylases, reduces the content of glycogen in them. Also, serotonin contributes to the active consumption of oxygen by tissues. Depending on the concentration in the blood, it stimulates or inhibits respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria of the brain and heart. Along with dopamine, serotonin plays an important role in regulating the hormonal function of the pituitary gland.

With low serotonin, alcohol, instant coffee, industrial products with a high content of synthetic food additives, and fast food should be excluded from the diet.

Serotonin is involved in the mechanisms of inflammation and allergy - enhances chemotaxis and migration of leukocytes to the focus of inflammation, increases the permeability of blood vessels, increases the content of eosinophils in the peripheral blood, enhances degranulation of mast cells.

The massive release of the hormone from dying cells of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines under the influence of cytotoxic drugs during chemotherapy of malignant neoplasms is one of the causes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Serotonin has an effect on the uterus, plays a certain role in the coordination of childbirth, its production increases several hours or days before childbirth, and increases even more in childbirth. The hormone affects the processes of excitation and inhibition in the genital system (for example, an increase in its concentration delays the onset of ejaculation in men).

Violation of the secretion or absorption of serotonin causes a decrease in mood, contributes to the development of depression. The action of most antidepressants is based on the normalization of its metabolism.

Serotonin production and factors affecting it

Serotonin is secreted predominantly by the pineal gland (pineal gland) and cells of the digestive tract during the decarboxylation of tryptophan. Magnesium and B vitamins are involved in the process.

The production of serotonin in the intestine depends on the state of the intestinal microflora. So, if the balance of microflora is disturbed, the synthesis of serotonin is significantly reduced. Enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract synthesize and store 80-95% of the total amount of serotonin in the body. A significant part of it in enterochromaffin cells is adsorbed by platelets and enters the bloodstream.

Hyperactivation of serotonin receptors (when taking drugs, etc.) can lead to the appearance of hallucinations. Against the background of a chronic increase in the level of activity of these receptors, schizophrenia develops.

The production of a neurotransmitter in the pineal gland is directly dependent on the length of daylight hours - the longer a person is outdoors during daylight hours or in a well-lit room, the more serotonin is synthesized. Normally, about 10 mg of the “happiness hormone” constantly circulates in the body.

The concentration of serotonin is related to the level of a number of hormones in the blood. Thus, an increase in the production of serotonin is associated with the release of insulin from the cells of the pancreas. In addition, the secretion of the neurotransmitter is influenced by psychological factors. For example, the emotional perception of works of art or the feeling of being in love activate the production of serotonin, while despair and guilt affect the opposite way.

An excess of the hormone can cause the development of serotonin intoxication (serotonin syndrome), which is often the result of the combined use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, as well as drug poisoning. The risk of developing serotonin syndrome depends on the dose of the drug taken.

A decrease in serotonin levels is observed with untreated phenylketonuria, Down's syndrome.

Unbalanced nutrition, constant stressful situations, external toxic effects on the body, lack of sunlight, impaired cerebral circulation, vitamin deficiency lead to risk factors for the development of serotonin deficiency. Bad habits negatively affect the chemical balance of the brain, increasing the body's need for serotonin, while simultaneously leading to a deterioration in the absorption of tryptophan, which contributes to the development of a chronic depressive state.

A number of studies have shown that serotonin levels increase with regular consumption of saffron.

Lack or inhibition of serotonergic transmission (for example, with a decrease in the level of a neurotransmitter in the brain) are among the main factors in the formation of depression, migraine, obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Signs of lack of serotonin in the body

The main symptoms of serotonin deficiency in the body include:

apathy, lack of interest in life (up to the appearance of thoughts of death, suicide);
low mood;
emotional vulnerability;
weakness, fatigue;
increased cravings for sweets and / or alcoholic beverages, smoking;
sleep disturbances (severe morning awakening, insomnia);
problems concentrating, distraction;
anxiety, panic attacks;
lowering the threshold of pain sensitivity;
deterioration in the quality of sexual life, decreased libido, anorgasmia.

The more signs of a lack of serotonin present and the more pronounced they are, the greater the lack of it in the patient.

Hyperactivation of serotonin receptors (when taking drugs, etc.) can lead to the appearance of hallucinations. Against the background of a chronic increase in the level of activity of these receptors, schizophrenia develops.

In especially severe cases, an urgent consultation with a doctor and immediate medical correction is necessary. With minor symptoms of deficiency, you can increase serotonin in the body on your own.

How to increase the level of serotonin in the body

Serotonin is produced more actively when you are outside during the daytime. Even in the autumn-winter period, walks between 11:00 and 15:00 are recommended. In addition, you should have a sufficient level of lighting in rooms where a person stays for a long time, especially if he has signs of a serotonin deficiency. For medicinal purposes, you can visit the solarium (limited and if there are no contraindications).

You can increase the level of serotonin with the help of regular physical activity, as they contribute to the activation of its synthesis.

Persons with a low level of serotonin are shown a correction of the day regimen - a full night's sleep, walks during the day, a measured diet. In some cases, it may be necessary to work with a psychologist.

You can increase the level of serotonin with the help of regular physical activity, as they contribute to the activation of its synthesis. A good effect is demonstrated by yoga, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, aerobics, etc. An effective folk remedy for increasing serotonin is dancing. It should be taken into account that the load should not be exhausting. It is recommended to devote at least 30 minutes of physical exercise a day.

In order to increase the level of serotonin in the body, a good night's sleep is of no small importance. At the same time, to normalize the concentration of the neurotransmitter, it is recommended to sleep in the dark, since working on night shifts, visiting nightly entertainment venues, and the main sleep during the day, on the contrary, contribute to a decrease in the production of serotonin, leading to its deficiency over time.

A depressive state that did not develop in the autumn-winter period and not against the background of an irrational daily regimen requires work with a psychotherapist. In order to normalize the psycho-emotional state, auto-training, hypnosis, and in some cases drugs that stabilize the content of serotonin in the blood are used.

Drug therapy consists in the appointment of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which maintain a sufficient amount of this neurotransmitter in nerve junctions, and also have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. Dietary supplements (5-hydroxytryptophan), melatonin can also be used.

An increase in the concentration of serotonin delays the onset of ejaculation in men.

In addition, to increase the level of serotonin in the body, it is necessary to improve the functioning of the digestive tract.

How to increase the level of serotonin in the body with the help of diet

You can increase the level of serotonin in the body with the help of diet. To this end, foods rich in tryptophan, vitamins and minerals should be included in the diet, and carbohydrate intake should be balanced. According to studies, the level of absorption of tryptophan from food is associated with lifestyle and metabolic characteristics.

The following foods contain a large amount of tryptophan:

dairy products (especially cottage cheese and different types of cheese);
meat (pork, turkey, duck, rabbit, veal, lamb);
fish (pollock, salmon, herring), red and black caviar;
seafood (squid, shrimp, crabs);
chicken and quail eggs;
nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts) and seeds (sesame);
legumes (soybeans, beans, peas);
some vegetables and fruits (ripe bananas, figs, dates, melon, plums, tomatoes);
some types of sweets (sesame halva, dark chocolate).

The inclusion of natural fermented milk products in the diet allows you to increase the synthesis of serotonin in the cells of the digestive tract by about 50%. A daily intake of tryptophan-rich foods from different groups is recommended. The norm of tryptophan is 3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

To increase the level of serotonin, you should increase the intake of B vitamins and magnesium, which are needed for its synthesis. To this end, the diet includes:

offal (for example, liver);
cereals (oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, millet);
bran;
prunes.

To compensate for the lack of vitamin B 9 (folic acid) in the body, it is recommended to eat all varieties of cabbage, corn, citrus fruits, root crops. In addition, a number of studies have shown that serotonin levels increase with regular consumption of saffron.

Violation of the secretion or absorption of serotonin causes a decrease in mood, contributes to the development of depression.

With low serotonin, alcohol, instant coffee, industrial products with a high content of synthetic food additives, and fast food should be excluded from the diet.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Not many people know what serotonin is, but this substance improves mood, increases the body's defenses and provides a burst of energy. Serotonin is a hormone of happiness, since its amount and the emotional state of a person have a close relationship. Moreover, this relationship is inversely dependent - not only the mood depends on the amount of the hormone, but also the amount of the hormone depends on the emotional state.

Scientists have learned about serotonin relatively recently, not even a hundred years have passed since its discovery. This is a completely insignificant period by scientific standards, as a result, this hormone has not been fully studied, and perhaps in the near future people will find out that the role of serotonin in the body does not correspond to the modern idea at all.

In the human body, a certain percentage of the hormone of joy is produced in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. But 90% of the hormone is produced in the intestines. This process requires vitamins and trace elements, in fact, serotonin is a product of chemical reactions and the conversion of tryptophan. The source of tryptophan is food, the amino acid is formed during digestion.

Everyone knows that good weather, chocolate or other sweets can improve mood - this is due to the fact that sugar affects glucose levels, therefore, there is more insulin, tryptophan and other amino acids in the blood.

The higher the level of tryptophan, the higher the synthesis of serotonin - the hormone of happiness. Sunlight also contributes to the production of serotonin, so on a fine day, a person’s mood is better. Serotonin (formula) - 5HT is a very capricious hormone, and its required concentration is achieved only when exposed to several factors, and this should happen simultaneously:

the body must have a large amount of tryptophan;
the diet should be rich in protein;
active movement;
sunlight.

In addition, the production of serotonin depends on a person's full sleep.

In its structure, serotonin is an amine (a substance that is produced from amino acids). The amine (serotonin) molecule is very elegant, which is why many people nowadays decorate their bodies with it in the form of a tattoo. The structural formula is a bond of hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.

Hormone functions

So, the hormone of joy serotonin, the functions of this hormone are not limited only to the effect on the emotional state of a person, there are many more of them:

He is responsible for some mental processes occurring in the body - perception, memory, attention.
Helps you move faster and easier.
With a sufficient amount of this hormone, the threshold for pain sensitivity decreases.
Supports reproductive function and increases libido.
It has a positive effect on peristalsis.
Reduces the risk of developing inflammatory and allergic processes.
Improves blood clotting - this is due to the fact that the vessels narrow.
Takes part in the processes of childbirth.

In addition, serotonin affects the production of pituitary hormones.

The effect on the body of this hormone differs from the effect of other endorphins - the feeling of euphoria that these substances provoke in the body is different. For example, dopamine (also an endorphin) has a short-term effect, and to a greater extent it can be called a motivating hormone. In humans, it is synthesized during the period of anticipation of pleasure - the expectation of a trip to the sea, meeting with a loved one, and so on.

The hormone serotonin works differently - it causes a feeling of joy from quite familiar things. Scientific evidence suggests that the level of the hormone of happiness in the blood of a person in love is low, about the same as that of a person who is depressed. But in a state of depression, dopamine is also below normal, so a person has no desires. I must say that dopamine is a hormone that suppresses serotonin, that is, the higher the dopamine, the lower the serotonin, but there is no inverse relationship.

How the hormone works

Serotonin in the body is stored in the midbrain, in the intestinal mucosa and in enterochromaffin cells. Serotonin in the brain (part of it) as a result of metabolism is converted into melatonin - a substance that affects human sleep.

When serotonin is released from lymphocytes, a number of processes occur, resulting in vasoconstriction. Serotonin metabolism also occurs in the gastrointestinal tract - there are several subtypes of the hormone in the mucosa, so serotonin receptors can have different effects on the body. This may be an increase or decrease in the speed of peristalsis, an effect on the gag reflex, and so on.

Serotonin norm

The normal level of the hormone in question is not an international standard, and depends on the reagents and methods that are used in a particular laboratory. The following indicators are considered to be the norm:

in males over 18 years old - 40-400;
in a female over 18 years old - 80-450.

Who should get tested for serotonin

Oddly enough, but to detect depressive disorders, an analysis of the level of serotonin is not often prescribed, in most cases this analysis is prescribed if you suspect:

oncological diseases;
acute form of intestinal obstruction;
leukemia.

Most often, the level of the hormone is determined to diagnose carcinoid tumors.

Blood is taken on an empty stomach in the morning. Blood is taken from the cubital vein. The day before the analysis, it is necessary to give up alcohol, strong tea and coffee. In addition, it is necessary to refrain from products containing vanillin, as they can distort the picture of the analysis. For a week, you should stop taking medications, and immediately before taking the test, you need to sit still for a few minutes and stabilize your emotional state.

What does high hormone levels mean?

If the level of serotonin is high, then the following pathological processes in the body can be assumed:

the presence of a carcinoid tumor with metastases, localized in the area of the digestive tract;
the presence of an atypical carcinoma tumor, for example, a medullary malignant process.

If serotonin is produced in amounts slightly higher than normal, then the presence of:

intestinal obstruction;
cystic formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
acute infarction.

An increase in the hormone allows the specialist to establish a preliminary diagnosis, but the presence of a pathological process can only be confirmed by the results of a further examination.

An increase in the level of serotonin is called serotonin syndrome, the manifestations of this pathology can threaten not only human health, but also his life. Symptoms that indicate that the body has begun to produce serotonin in large quantities:

high level of anxiety;
strong emotional overexcitation, which can progress to euphoria and unbridled joy;
lack of control over one's emotions, which is manifested by a violent reaction and comments, most often meaningless;
mood swings - from fun to panic attacks;
tantrums, throwing, which provokes the fear of an approaching mortal danger;
delusions and hallucinations;
loss of consciousness;
a coma in consciousness - a person loses his reaction to external stimuli, he does not move, but at the same time he is conscious.

In addition to mental symptoms, vegetative disorders can also be observed:

stool problems;
nausea and vomiting;
flatulence;
dry mouth;
pupil dilation;
convulsions;
migraine;
muscle weakness;
tachycardia;
tremor of the limbs;
difficulty breathing.

Of course, all the symptoms listed above may indicate a variety of disorders, sometimes completely unrelated to serotonin, so an accurate diagnosis is possible only after a clinical examination.

It happens that not all of the listed symptoms appear, but only one or two, in which case they do not cause a person severe discomfort, and the person does not even suspect that he needs specialist help.

What does low serotonin mean?

Insufficient formation (serotonin) of the hormone of joy indicates the following ailments:

Down syndrome;
Parkinson's disease;
liver pathology;
depression
phenylketonuria.

The lack of serotonin can be identified by the characteristic symptoms, these symptoms are:

depressing state, incredulity, depressive states;
a sudden desire to eat sweets, no matter what - chocolate, pastries, honey, jam - this is an unconscious desire of the body to make up for the lack of serotonin;
insomnia;
low self-esteem and self-doubt;
fears and panic attacks.

Vegetation reacts with the following manifestations:

muscle pain that occurs suddenly and for no reason;
migraine-like headaches;
cramps in the lower extremities;
intestinal disorders;
signs of obesity.

How to normalize the level of the hormone of joy

This question can only be answered by a specialist who has research analyzes on hand. As a result of a malfunction in the concentration of the hormone responsible for the emotional background of a person, various pathologies can develop, so it can be extremely dangerous to regulate its level on your own.

If the level of serotonin is elevated, only a qualified doctor can deal with this problem. In some cases, the level of the hormone rises under the influence of certain medications, therefore, in this case, it is necessary to cancel the drug, and then the body itself will bring the hormonal level back to normal. In especially severe cases, gastric lavage and medications that reduce the level of toxic substances in the body will be required.

More often people try to independently raise the lowered level of serotonin. Since the level of this hormone directly depends on mood, you can artificially cheer yourself up by watching a comedy movie or reading a book with a happy ending.

Feeling that the mood has improved, you can be sure that the level of the hormone has also risen. You need to try so that gloomy thoughts do not return, for this you can go for a walk - get some fresh air and buy foods that help increase the concentration of the hormone. These are chocolate, bananas, legumes, cottage cheese, cheese, mushrooms. The main source of serotonin is protein food, an active lifestyle and good weather.

In search of happiness, we are ready to “move mountains”, overcome all life’s difficulties, but strangely enough, from a medical point of view, “happiness” is just a chemical reaction of the body that occurs due to the production of hormones, namely serotonin and endorphin.

Serotonin, like endorphins, are hormones of happiness that are responsible for a person’s mood, emotional stability, and allow you to feel lightness, confidence, euphoria and joy. The release of joy hormones into the human body causes a good mood, the feeling of fatigue and anxiety disappears, a person is confident in his strengths and capabilities. These hormones are not only able to cheer up, but also take an active part in the biochemical reactions of the body, which in one way or another are reflected in the physical and psychological state of health. The number of joy hormones in the human body is produced in almost the same amount, but there are people who have increased serotonin synthesis. As a result, this category of people is happier, they know how to get more joy out of life, they feel truly happy. How to become happy? What are “happiness hormones”, what role do they play and how to increase their amount in the body?

What are "happiness hormones"?

Hormones of joy and happiness are neurotransmitters that are produced in the brain by the pineal gland and are formed from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis of serotonin is affected not only by tryptophan, but also by glucose, which stimulates the activation of tryptophan amino acids, allows it to pass through the blood-brain barrier and affect our body. The process of formation of "hormones of happiness" is quite complicated, but in any case, thanks to these compounds of the biochemical reaction, we have the opportunity to feel joy and pleasure.

The level of serotonin in the body rises during ecstasy, euphoria and decreases significantly during depression. Serotonin and endorphin are the main hormones of happiness and pleasure, but by no means the only ones. For example, the hormone adrenaline affects physical activity, phenylethylamine affects feelings of sympathy and tenderness, and dopamine is the hormone of love. All these hormones take an active part in the life of the body and are extremely necessary for us to live a full life. Violation of the production of one of the hormones leads to various mental and physical disorders that significantly worsen a person’s life, can cause prolonged depression, deterioration in general well-being, up to thoughts of suicide. That is why the balance of “hormones of happiness” is very important for each of us.

The role of serotonin in the human body

Excessive amount of “hormones of happiness” in the human body causes a feeling of joy, high spirits, but their deficiency, on the contrary, causes depression, chagrin, “inhibition”. Serotonin and other "hormones of joy" in the human body allow:

normalize sleep;
increase appetite;
relieve the feeling of fatigue;
improve mood;
increase mental and physical performance;
give a feeling of happiness.

In addition, the "happiness hormones" take an active part in the work of internal organs and systems. They improve the work of the heart, blood vessels, intestines, activate the work of immune cells. An excess amount of serotonin and endorphin in the body allows a person to increase self-esteem, increase brain function, stimulate sexual desire and improve other processes in the body.

Deficiency of "happiness hormones" - consequences

With a deficiency of “happiness hormones”, a person does not experience mental, physical and moral satisfaction. Some symptoms are so common that for some people they are considered quite normal. Serotonin deficiency can cause frequent depression, excess weight, depression, dissatisfaction with yourself or your loved ones. Women in whom serotonin is produced in insufficient quantities are quite tearful, often feel anxious, have a bad mood. As a rule, such disorders and symptoms lead to a general deterioration in health, against which various diseases of the nervous system often develop.

How to increase the level of hormones of happiness

Serotonin, like any other hormone of happiness, is synthesized by the human body, but in some to a lesser extent, in others to a greater extent. Some believe that you can increase the level of “hormones of happiness” in the body with the help of food, but in fact there is no such product that would affect the amount of serotonin. However, there are a large number of food products, with the help of which production is enhanced - tryptophan, from which almost all “happiness hormones” are formed and consist. You can increase the synthesis of serotonin in the body with the help of the following foods:

fermented milk products: cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir;
cereals;
mushrooms;
fruits: bananas, orange, prunes, figs;
vegetables: tomatoes, greens, lettuce;
chocolate, pastries and other sweets;
coffee Tea;
fish fat;
vegetable oils;
chicken eggs;
seaweed.

In addition to food, physical activity, as well as positive emotions, good news, will help increase the production of serotonin. Not the last place in the formation of serotonin in the human body is the sun, fresh air. For example, probably, each of us noticed that when it is raining, fog, slush and cold outside, a person has no mood, and when it is warm, sunny, there is always a desire to do something, to go somewhere, the mood is upbeat and cheerful, well suited to the weather.

Each of us must remember that a good mood is the key to good health. Therefore, pay more attention to your loved ones, do not skimp on warm and gentle words, live in pleasure and forget about problems and troubles, because life is so short, and there are so many interesting things in it!