Serotonin is a chemical that is required for a variety of functions in the body. It is also called the "happy chemical" because it contributes significantly to making you feel good and making your mood happy. The scientific name of serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT. It is mainly found in the brain, intestine and platelets.

Serotonin is used to send messages between nerve cells. It also activates a certain type of muscle called "smooth muscles". Apart from this, it is also considered necessary for your appetite, emotions and memory etc. Serotonin is also necessary to make the mood good. On the other hand, if its level decreases, then you start getting depressed. It explains in detail what serotonin is, its benefits, functions and what is serotonin syndrome.

(Read more - Serotonin Deficiency)

  1. What Is Serotonin?
  2. Functions Of Serotonin
  3. Serotonin And Mental Health
  4. What Is The Normal Level Of Serotonin?
  5. What Is Serotonin Syndrome?
  6. Summary

Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells. It works to send signals between your nerve cells. Serotonin is mainly found in the digestive system, although it is also present in platelets and the central nervous system.

Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. You can get this amino acid from your diet and it is usually found in foods like dry fruits, cheese and meat. Lack of tryptophan also reduces serotonin levels in the body. As a result, you may have mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.

(Read more - 7 foods to improve your mood)

Serotonin affects your emotions and all parts of your body. Serotonin is considered to be a natural mood regulator. This chemical helps in sleeping, eating and digestion. Along with this, serotonin helps in the following bodily functions:

  • Reducing depression 
  • Reducing anxiety 
  • Healing wounds faster 
  • Cause of vomiting 
  • Making bones healthy 

What role does serotonin play in various functions in your body:

 

  • Activating the intestines: Serotonin is mainly found in your stomach and intestines. It helps in smooth and controlling the function of your intestines. 
  • Mood: Serotonin present in the brain controls anxiety, happiness and mood. Decreasing the level of this chemical is directly related to depression and increasing the level of serotonin through medication reduces your sexual arousal
  • Nausea: You may have nausea due to serotonin. Serotonin is produced in large quantities during diarrhea and it helps in removing contaminated food from the body. Not only this, increasing the level of serotonin in the blood stimulates the special part of the brain that controls nausea. 
  • Sleep: This chemical stimulates the part of the brain that controls your sleeping and waking process. 
  • Blood clotting: Platelets present in the blood secrete serotonin to heal wounds. Serotonin narrows the path of blood vessels to stop bleeding. 
  • To keep bones healthy: Serotonin plays an important role in keeping bones healthy. But high levels of serotonin in bones can cause osteoporosis, due to which bones become weak. 
  • Sexual activity: When serotonin levels are low, libido increases, whereas when serotonin levels increase, libido decreases.

(Read more - 10 Symptoms of mental illness)

myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Manamrit Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for problems like stress, anxiety, and insomnia with good results.
Brahmi Tablets
₹896  ₹999  10% OFF
BUY NOW

Serotonin naturally helps regulate your mood. Normal levels of serotonin can make you feel:

  • Happiness 
  • Calmness
  • Concentration on work
  • Reduction in anxiety 
  • Emotionally stable

A 2007 study found low levels of serotonin in people with depression. Lack of serotonin is also linked to anxiety and insomnia.

Researchers have different opinions about mental health and serotonin. Some researchers involved in older studies have questioned the link between depression and increased serotonin, while newer researchers accept the link between the two.

(Read more - How to Become Mentally Strong)

The normal level of serotonin in your blood is 101-283 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).

However, this can vary slightly depending on the blood sample, so talk to your doctor to understand the test result correctly. High serotonin levels indicate "carcinoid syndrome". It is a group of symptoms that are related to tumors in the following organs:

  • Small intestine 
  • Appendix
  • Colon 
  • Bronchial tubes (Whiskines)

Doctors recommend testing the level of serotonin in your blood to diagnose and treat the disease.

There are some medicines which can increase the level of serotonin and this extra serotonin can accumulate in your body. This can cause you to have "Serotonin Syndrome". This syndrome can usually occur when you start taking a new medicine or increase the dose of an existing medicine. Common symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

There are no lab tests that can detect serotonin syndrome. Therefore, to detect this, the doctor may make you do some physical activities.The symptoms of serotonin syndrome can be cured in a single day by not taking the medicines which cause increased serotonin levels. Apart from this, this syndrome can also be cured by taking medicines that reduce the level of serotonin.

If serotonin syndrome is not treated, it can even lead to death.

(Read more - Symptoms And Treatment Of Psychological Disorders)

Ashwagandha Tablet
₹347  ₹399  13% OFF
BUY NOW

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays many important roles in the brain and body. It helps in controlling mood, maintaining emotional stability, and regulating sleep cycle. The right level of serotonin promotes mental health and helps in preventing problems like depression, anxiety.

Read on app