Do You have Low Serotonin Levels?

Serotonin deficiency is linked to pain, fatigue, depression, and more.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that helps with regulating mood. It sometimes acts like a hormone as well. When your body doesn’t produce enough serotonin or its receptors don’t work well, the resulting serotonin deficiency can impact your physical and emotional health. When serotonin is low, symptoms include:

• Depression
• Negative thoughts
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Chronic pain
• Changes in appetite
• Binge eating
• Loss of interest in sex

What Does Serotonin Do for the Body?

Serotonin is a regulator of many processes in the body. When serotonin levels are out of balance, so are the processes and functions to which they contribute.

What Are the Symptoms of Serotonin Deficiency?

Low serotonin levels can lead to both physical and emotional changes. The low serotonin may be due to the amount of serotonin produced, or the proper function and availability of serotonin receptors to use it in the body. Other causes may include the effects of nutrients like vitamin D.

Whatever the reason, serotonin deficiency can cause people to experience a range of symptoms.

What Causes Serotonin Deficiency?

Low serotonin levels may have a number of causes, many of which are still under study. Tryptophan levels play a role, because your body cannot produce serotonin without this amino acid. So do omega-3 fatty acids. Animal studies suggest vitamin B6 may also play a role in some cases.

Other research points to the role of genetics or environmental factors that can lead to disruptions in serotonin levels.

Low serotonin can happen because your body does not make enough, or it does not use it efficiently. There are likely several factors that cause or contribute to this. These may include genetics, stress, chronic pain, and nutritional deficiencies.

How Is Serotonin Deficiency Treated?

There are many ways that low serotonin can be fixed. Some people find that a combination of strategies works best for raising their serotonin levels and keeping them in a range that supports their physical and mental health. 

For example, managing stress levels and seeking support from friends can work alongside of medication used to treat depression. Here are some of the strategies for treating serotonin deficiency.

Antidepressant Medication

Nutritious Diet

Eating a nutritious diet can help with serotonin deficiency. It includes foods like nuts and seeds, animal protein, and soy, as well as probiotic-rich fermented foods.

You also can ask your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of boosting your diet with herbs and supplements like ashwagandha.

Bright Light

It may help to get plenty of fresh air and sunlight during the day. Some studies also find benefits when using a lightbox or another bright light source.

Keep in mind that digital screen light is different, though. There is some evidence to suggest that high levels of screen time (as with digital addiction) affect serotonin levels and disrupt sleep.

Exercise

There’s some evidence to suggest that exercise sessions can raise serotonin levels, although the effects appear temporary, and more research is needed to understand the role of exercise.

Stress Management

If you think you might have low levels of serotonin, talk to your healthcare provider. There are different ways to raise your levels and keep them up so you can feel and function at your best.

Source: verywellhealth.com©

Photo Credit: demaerre / Getty Images