Where is serotonin produced in humans? Minor memory problems

People all over the world want to be happy and successful; for many centuries, scientists have been trying to find a substance that can affect mental and psycho emotional condition man, but it was only possible to find him in the middle of the last century. This is serotonin - the so-called happiness hormone. However, an excess of serotonin is no better than its deficiency; an increased level of the pleasure hormone does not make a person happier; rather, on the contrary, it leads to serious diseases.

Serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and in the brain. Construction material For the production of the hormone of happiness is an amino acid called tryptophan. IN pineal gland The brain produces only a small part of the hormone; the intestines are mainly responsible for the synthesis of serotonin. To produce the hormone of happiness, sunlight is necessary; in the winter months, a person’s mood and well-being may deteriorate due to the low production of this substance. In order for a person’s mood to be normal and all systems to work harmoniously, his body must have at least 10 grams of this hormone.

What is serotonin for?

The hormone is necessary for the human body not only for a good mood, it is also responsible for:

memory;
the functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular and muscular systems;
appetite;
regulation of blood clotting;
ability to perceive information and learn;
sexual desire;
natural pain relief.

However, the main function of the hormone is still to influence mental processes occurring in the body. It is important to understand that it is not the hormone itself that brings a person a feeling of happiness and pleasure; people are able to feel happiness with the help of this substance.

Reasons why serotonin may increase

Elevated serotonin in the blood can lead to serious problems in the human body. If the functioning of the endocrine glands malfunctions, too little or too much of the hormone can be synthesized. Excess serotonin is called serotonin cider, which can be quite dangerous to human health. As a rule, high levels of serotonin are observed under the influence of drugs:

drug-containing medicines;
antidepressants.

In some cases, a high level of the happiness hormone in the blood is achieved through a combination of certain medications.

In addition, the development of serotonin syndrome can occur during the treatment of the following diseases:

obesity;
digestive disorders;
neuroses.

Therapy for these ailments involves the use of drugs that can affect the functioning of the central nervous system. It must be said that the effect of such drugs is usually quite long-lasting and can remain in the body for months after discontinuation of the drugs. In order not to give impetus to excessive synthesis of the hormone of happiness, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all medications that are taken.

Basically, an excess of the happiness hormone in the blood is observed with an incorrect dosage of antidepressants that increase serotonin. This phenomenon can especially often occur during self-medication - hoping that an increased dose of the drug will lead to a more lasting effect, patients independently exceed the maximum dosage.

Sometimes such an increase in the hormone can occur when changing one antidepressant to another, or with an overdose of psychotropic substances.

In addition, increased serotonin levels may occur in patients with the following diseases:

malignant formations in the gastrointestinal tract;
oncology of the mammary glands and ovaries;
abdominal tumors;
thyroid cancer;
oncological processes that can synthesize the hormone;
complete or partial intestinal obstruction;
severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Symptoms of increased serotonin

Symptoms of excess serotonin in the blood appear quite quickly - from 2 hours to 2 days; signs of serotonin excess are divided into:

mental manifestations;
muscular-nervous symptoms;
signs of failure in vegetation.

However, this is not entirely specific symptoms, put accurate diagnosis is possible only taking into account the combination of these manifestations.

The first mental symptoms to appear are:

excessive emotional overstimulation;
uncontrollable feeling of fear, panic attacks;
a feeling of euphoria that is accompanied by an incessant flow of speech;
delusions and hallucinations;
disturbances in consciousness.

Of course, the intensity of these symptoms depends on how much the concentration of serotonin in the blood exceeds the norm. If the norm is not significantly exceeded, the clinic can only manifest itself in severe motor and psychological overexcitation. In some cases, such a person’s behavior can be regarded as an exacerbation of the underlying illness, and medication use not only does not stop, but also increases. In this case, more serious and severe consequences– hallucinations, confusion, even disorientation as self, and the surrounding space.

Vegetative signs may be as follows:

gastrointestinal motility accelerates, leading to nausea, diarrhea, pain in a stomach;
pupils dilate;
the temperature rises - sometimes to critical levels;
breathing quickens;
tachycardia appears;
arterial pressure rises;
there is chills, sweating, dry mouth;
headaches appear.

As for neuromuscular signs, they may be as follows:

grooming reflexes increase;
muscle tone increases;
individual muscles or their groups begin to contract involuntarily and quickly;
tremor of the limbs;
uncontrolled vibrations of the eyeballs;
coordination disorders;
slurred speech as a result of a failure in the contractility of the muscles of the speech apparatus;
epileptic seizures.

It must be said that serotonin syndrome does not often manifest itself in full; generally, one or two symptoms are observed: different groups. Diagnostics similar condition complicated by the fact that the initial manifestations may be insignificant, and patients are in no hurry to seek the help of doctors. However, continued use of substances that increase serotonin can become a serious threat to the patient's life.

Diagnostic measures

To determine the level of serotonin, you need to donate blood from the ulnar vein, so that the analysis is correct, you need to prepare for it:

blood is donated on an empty stomach;
You should stop consuming alcohol-containing products within 24 hours;
coffee, strong tea, as well as all products that contain vanillin;
reception antibacterial drugs and other medications should be stopped several days before blood donation;
20 minutes before the analysis you need to level out your emotional state and sit quietly.

The serotonin level is usually indicated on the analysis form, since values in different laboratories may vary.

In addition, it is important to know that during cancer, the hormone in question can increase several times. In addition, a slightly increased hormonal levels may indicate intestinal obstruction, cystic or fibrous formations in the abdominal area, or an acute heart attack.

Treatment of pathology

Naturally, in order to reduce serotonin levels, it is necessary to reduce its concentration in the blood. If the hormone increases as a result of taking medications, it is necessary to stop taking medications. Also, for serotonin syndrome, adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers, dopamine receptor stimulants and other drugs of similar action are indicated.

If the symptoms are very pronounced, it is necessary to rinse the patient’s stomach and prescribe drugs that reduce the concentration toxic substances in organism. They also use drugs that normalize heartbeat, temperature and blood pressure. In some cases, drugs are used that reduce psycho-emotional excitability and stop epileptic seizures (if there is a need for this).

Possible consequences

The consequences of serotonin syndrome can be extremely dangerous, so all patients require urgent hospitalization.

Preventive actions

To prevent an increase in the level of the happiness hormone, patients should:

strictly adhere to the dosage and course of treatment with drugs prescribed by the doctor;
monitor your condition and, if there are any deviations, report them to your doctor so that he can make adjustments;
do not self-medicate;
inform your doctor about medications you are already taking.

Despite the fact that serotonin is a hormone that increases mood and feelings of happiness, only a doctor can decide whether it needs to be increased or decreased. Referral for serotonin analysis is also under the jurisdiction of an endocrinologist or neurologist. Self-regulating the hormone can be dangerous.

Modern people, with the help of various magazines, television and mainly the Internet, have access to information that was previously owned only by narrow specialists. Today, if someone, for example, complains of depression, then, along with doctors, almost every acquaintance, sympathizing and giving advice, will not forget to mention serotonin. How to increase the level of this substance in the body, what kind of thing it is, how it works - we will tell you about this in our article. So…

What is serotonin

Our smart body constantly synthesizes a substance that is closely related to the physical and mental activity of people: with our mood, appetite, libido. It can also directly influence our behavior. Thanks to the high level of this mysterious substance, we can feel a surge of strength and good mood, but if there is a lack, we experience despondency, irritation, etc. The name of the magical substance is serotonin. How to increase the level of this in the body will become more clear if you know that most of it is synthesized in the intestines (80-90%) and only 10-20 percent of serotonin is produced in the brain. Therefore, proper nutrition can literally transform our lives.

How does the “happiness hormone” work in the human body?

There is a constant exchange of information between the nerve cells of our body. Serotonin serves as a kind of mediator-transmitter of nerve impulses. Thanks to it, the brain receives commands: move, be happy, don’t be sad. If the amount of serotonin corresponds physiological norm, then this ensures a normal emotional mood, good mood, performance, etc.

So the correctness of signal transmission to neurons and a sufficient amount of the “happiness hormone” greatly influence the colors in which we perceive the surrounding reality: black or white. Our readers, based on what they have read, may get the impression that the more serotonin, the better. This is wrong! An excess of the hormone has the same detrimental effect on the body as its deficiency. But we will talk about this in more detail when we talk about drugs that increase serotonin. How to increase the level in the body, methods and effective means- all this is very important primarily for people suffering from depression.

What happens when serotonin levels are low?

If there is a lack of serotonin in the body, the following symptoms are observed:

Headache.
Fast fatiguability.
Irritability.
Depressive states of varying severity.
Insomnia.
Loss of appetite or, conversely, its increase.
Craving for alcohol.
Memory impairment.

Scientists spent a lot interesting research. Imagine a flock of monkeys, from which one male was chosen who did not evoke much respect among his relatives (too submissive and subject to bouts of aggression). But after its serotonin level was artificially increased, the status of the animal among its own kind increased sharply. The monkey became extremely self-confident, calm, looked boldly into the eyes, and its posture straightened. All this gave her the right to claim even the role of leader in the pack.

When observing people, a connection was also revealed between the level of serotonin, a person’s behavior and the attitude of others towards him. Scientists have found that people with low levels of serotonin are highly impulsive, prone to hysterics, and neuroses, which prevents them from achieving higher levels. social status in society. When scientists began to learn more about serotonin, how to increase levels in the body in effective ways, then we discovered feedback. If psychologists began to work with an insecure, complex person, then as the change external behavior and internal self-awareness, the level of the “happiness hormone” in the body also increased.

Foods that increase serotonin levels in the blood

Anyone interested in how to increase serotonin levels in the body should know that there are many foods that can help with this. People experiencing this often begin to eat a lot of sweets and starchy foods (cakes, buns, candies, etc.), especially the fairer sex. All of the above contains so-called fast carbohydrates in abundance. They instantly saturate the body with glucose, the level of serotonin rises sharply, the person feels relief, anxiety is muffled, but this does not last long, unfortunately. This “stress eating” causes gradual addiction, something like a drug addiction to fast carbohydrates arises, which ultimately leads to an even greater deterioration of the condition.

And here complex carbohydrates- this is what you need! Thanks to them, the body is gradually saturated and blood sugar levels are not affected. sharp jumps, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. Of course, you won’t be able to immediately feel a surge of overflowing joy; you will need to be patient and include the following foods in your diet day after day:

peas;
buckwheat;
lentils;
baked potatoes;
parsnip;
brown rice;
beans;
wholemeal bread;
whole grain cereals;
muesli;
vegetables;
fruits.

And now we will tell you one extremely important secret: in order to produce more serotonin, you need to ensure that the amino acid tryptophan enters the body. One or two grams of tryptophan per day are quite capable of ensuring normal production of the “joy hormone”. We will provide a list of products with high content the required amino acid. Please note that in the first positions are products with a higher concentration of tryptophan:

hard cheese;
soy products;
processed cheese;
chicken eggs;
lentils;
lean meat;
oyster mushrooms;
fatty cottage cheese.

Low-fat cottage cheese or even low-fat cottage cheese also contains serotonin. How to increase the level in the body additionally, or rather than? Natural coffee, several cups a day, is also a good help. And also products that contain B vitamins (liver, buckwheat, leaf salad, yeast, oatmeal). Melon, pumpkin, bananas, dates, oranges, prunes, dried apricots and chocolate (bitter) are also excellent allies in the fight to increase serotonin.

Physical activity and sunlight are factors that increase serotonin

How to increase the level in the body of a magical substance that makes life more joyful, using various products nutrition, we figured it out. But food alone will not be enough. You need to start moving more, which is generally quite difficult when you are depressed. And yet you need to make a strong-willed effort and resort to the help of physical education. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to immediately sign up for a fitness center; you can simply practice walking fresh air. By the way, fresh air saturated with oxygen is another factor that effectively increases serotonin.

And it would be nice to have more sunlight! True, here we are sometimes powerless, because the sky can be overcast, and this does not depend on our will. But as soon as the sun appears, you need to use it one hundred percent.

Serotonin: how to increase levels in the body. Drugs

There is a group medicines, which can effectively influence the production of serotonin in the body. They are wearing complicated name: selective, or selective, serotonin reuptake blockers. Such medications ensure the accumulation of the hormone in neurons in sufficient quantities.

True, there is a possibility of overdose, and this in itself can lead to great harm. In this case, sick people may experience a state of hyperactivity, severe migraines, hand tremors, sleep disorders, and convulsions. Therefore, such medications must certainly be prescribed by a doctor, indicating exact dosage and duration of reception. For informational purposes, we provide a list of medications that increase serotonin:

"Paroxetine."
"Citalopram".
"Fluoxetine."
"Sertraline".
"Fluvoxamine."
"Venlafaxine"
"Mirtazapine."

Serotonin: how to increase levels in the body using folk remedies

It seems that all the ways to increase serotonin have already been listed, but there are still more folk recipes, they also need to be mentioned for the sake of completeness. And the first thing we can recommend is a Russian bathhouse with a birch or oak broom; however, a Finnish sauna is also quite suitable. After the bath procedure, the joy in the body will definitely increase, it is such an effective remedy.

Well, after the bath it would be nice to drink some healing tea. There's a wide selection to suit every taste! A decoction of rosehip with honey, linden tea, and St. John's wort tea are very good. The herb St. John's wort, by the way, has the ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. From its extract, even a pharmacological drug is produced under the self-explanatory name “Negrustin”.

Well, it seems that everything they knew told you about serotonin: how to increase the level in the body folk ways, and pills, and food, and exercise. Well, all you have to do, our dear readers, is to start applying the information received in practice.

Final word

When depression sets in, a person may feel that no one and nothing can help him; complete apathy and reluctance to take any action. In fact, such thoughts are caused by a disease that can be defeated, and then the joy of life will certainly return.

The hormone secreted in the hypothalamus of the brain is called the “hormone of happiness.” It is responsible not only for a positive mood, but also affects appetite, digestion, memory and sleep. People with a deficiency of this hormone primarily experience problems associated with deterioration of humor, manifestations of aggression, and eating disorders.

We will look at two of the most common questions related to the lack of serotonin in the human body. If this is not enough, then you can also get answers to your questions on the forum using the link - answers and questions. Here are sections from the most different areas life, including business, medicine, science, education, etc.

What signs may indicate that we lack serotonin?

Insomnia

According to research conducted at the University of Boston, a lack of serotonin can cause problems falling asleep. If you wake up several times during the night and take several hours to fall asleep, this may indicate a deficiency of this hormone. This is the most common symptom of serotonin deficiency.

Depression

This disease affects 120 million people in the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as one of the most serious illnesses. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood and emotions, and its deficiency can cause depressive disorders or states of anxiety. It is worth knowing that depression does not depend only on a deficiency of this hormone. Appropriate concentrations of serotonin may help relieve their symptoms.

Sweet cravings

Hormone deficiency leads to the fact that the body requires components that could satisfy it. As you know, after eating chocolate or a sweet dessert, serotonin is produced in the brain, and we begin to feel blissful pleasure.

How to increase serotonin levels?

Typically, people with serotonin deficiency must take special medications. It's worth a try before you do it natural methods, due to which the concentration of the “happiness hormone” will increase.

Here are some of them:

Spend time outdoors. Sunlight is best source vitamin D, which also has a beneficial effect on our body.
Exercise helps tremendously in balancing serotonin levels in the body, as well as eliminating stress, relieving depression and improving mood.
Eating foods that contain tryptophan (the amino acid from which serotonin is formed), such as eggs, cheese, pineapple, tofu, salmon, sunflower seeds, nuts and turkey.

Many people wonder: what is the secret of a good mood? The answer is on the surface. It's all about the hormone of happiness - serotonin, which is produced by the human body. How to speed up its formation and maintain the quantity at the required level?

What is serotonin and what is its role in the human body

Serotonin is a chemical element that is formed in the pineal gland of the brain from tryptophan, and most of it is synthesized in the intestines after the breakdown of dietary protein into amino acids. Once in the bloodstream, the hormone is transported to the brain, internal organs, endocrine glands, skin.

In the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, and when released into the blood, it behaves like a hormone.

Serotonin promotes the transmission of impulses between nerve cells, normalizes their activity, and issues commands for certain actions. It is not capable of disrupting the functioning of the hormonal system and refers to substances that help the production natural hormones person. High level serotonin creates a positive emotional mood: one feels cheerfulness and high spirits.

If serotonin is produced in sufficient quantities, a person feels joy and a sense of satisfaction

Serotonin does not act as a stimulant, does not depress the nervous system and does not destroy internal organs.

Moreover, at night from this chemical element melatonin is formed, which regulates the work endocrine system, restores blood pressure and normalizes sleep. Serotonin also helps the synthesis of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating and somatotropic hormones. When a neurotransmitter enters the bloodstream, it affects inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, activates platelets.

A lack of serotonin leads to unpleasant consequences: weakness, apathy and feelings of depression. The following signs indicate a lack of this hormone:

craving for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages;
an irresistible feeling of hunger that occurs suddenly;
fatigue and stress;
sleep disturbance.

How to Boost Serotonin Levels with Food

The hormone itself is not present in food products; they may only contain components from which serotonin is produced. Substances necessary for the formation of the hormone:

tryptophan (belongs to essential amino acids);
omega-3 fatty acid;
complex and simple carbohydrates;
B vitamins and magnesium.

Tryptophan is a precursor to the hormone of happiness

Tryptophan is a natural antioxidant and is the main source of serotonin production. It helps get rid of nervous tension and allows you to relax. It is believed that the substance even helps to cope with depression and overcome alcoholism, as well as reduce cravings for high-carbohydrate foods.

Hard cheese is an essential source of tryptophan

The leader in essential amino acid content is hard cheese (processed cheese has a lower concentration).

According to scientists, to cheer up, it is enough for a person to provide the body with 1-2 grams of tryptophan per day.

Tryptophan is also included in following products power supply:

chicken eggs;
lean meat;
oyster mushrooms;
cottage cheese;
buckwheat and millet.

Small amounts of the amino acid are present in fresh vegetables and fruits.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, involved in the formation of serotonin, are a structural component of human cell membranes. They provide normal work heart, brain, retina, transmit signals between nerve cells, have antioxidant properties. Omega-3 acids are almost never produced by the human body, so they must be supplied in the right quantities from food.

The component is contained in:

fish (including fish oil);
vegetable oils;
sunflower seeds;
nuts

Simple and complex carbohydrates

Carbohydrates act as the main supplier of energy to the human body. Their lack leads to metabolic disorders. As a result, the body compensates for the lack of energy using fats and proteins, which causes increased stress on the kidneys, impaired salt metabolism, poisoning of brain cells.

Chocolate is one of the leaders in the content of components necessary for the production of serotonin

Simple carbohydrates included in the following foods:

sweets (cakes, chocolate, marshmallows and others);
white bread and other types of baked goods.

Those who are on a diet should not get carried away with eating foods containing simple carbohydrates.

Complex carbohydrates are found in:

legumes (peas, beans, lentils and others);
pasta and bread made from whole grains;
brown rice;
starchy vegetables (parsnips and sweet potatoes).

Magnesium and B vitamins

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, regulates balance in the nervous and muscle tissue. This element also provides alkaline environment in tissues and organs.

High magnesium content is observed in bran and fiber, black rice, dried apricots and prunes, and seaweed.

B vitamins play a big role in normalization metabolic processes, have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

To avoid a deficiency of this component, important for the production of serotonin, it is recommended to consume the following foods:

bananas, oranges, melons;
yeast (including brewer's yeast);
oatmeal;
liver, as well as other meat by-products;
salads and leafy vegetables;
pumpkin;
dates.

If you include at least one product from each group in your diet every day, you can provide not only a good mood, but also excellent support for the whole body.

What reduces the production of the substance

Coffee can quickly increase productivity and lift your mood, but its effect is short-term and fraught with consequences.

Alcohol leads to a decrease in the amount of the hormone, similar action It also has caffeine. These products can lift your mood for a while, but ultimately have a depressing effect on the nervous system, leading to its depletion. Therefore, it is not advisable to get carried away energy drinks and coffee, and if it is difficult to do without them, then it is recommended to eat a hearty meal in advance.

Bad mood is often a consequence of dysbiosis. Products containing a lot of sugar and yeast can lead to fermentation in the intestines. As a result of their overuse the balance of microorganisms that synthesize derivatives for serotonin is disrupted.

What other ways to increase hormone levels?

In addition to eating certain foods that contain substances necessary for the formation of serotonin, there are other ways to increase the level of the hormone:

regular exercise (the amount of tryptophan increases and remains after exercise);
getting enough light;
massage (reduces the level of nervous tension);
avoidance of stressful situations;
reviving pleasant memories.

You should exercise at an appropriate intensity. The production of serotonin increases in those who feel comfortable, so there is no need to strain yourself with all your might.

When for a long time If you are overcome by sadness, you should not fall into despair and resort to the help of medications. Proper nutrition, physical exercise and an optimistic attitude work wonders by increasing serotonin levels, which helps a person get rid of bad mood and feel happy again.

In the course of life, every person experiences moments when he ceases to experience euphoria, happiness, joy, and good mood. The confidence that everything will work out disappears. Gradually, life turns black and in this state, a person remains for more than one day and even a month.

People especially suffer from this in the autumn - winter period when it’s cloudy and dreary outside. When the weather is not pleasant with sunny days for a long time, depression, apathy, and a decadent mood begin to take hold of a person. Ultimately, this can lead to suicidal behavior. To avoid such undesirable consequences, V human body the hormone serotonin is produced.

What is the hormone serotonin and where is it produced?

What is serotonin? This is a hormone that allows you to feel all the joy of life, it puts people in a good mood. Thanks to him, you feel lightness and confidence in the future. Such people leave a person unpleasant feelings How:

depression;
fatigue;
anxiety;
tearfulness;
irritability;
state of hopelessness.

Serotonin 5-HT molecules (common name in scientific world) in the human body are located in the central, muscular, nervous system, in the adrenal glands and in the blood.

Serotonin is produced by the intestinal mucosa, this is 95%, the remaining 5% is produced by the pineal gland. The physical effects of serotonin depend on which receptor it is on. action in progress hormone of happiness. The human body has several storage sites for serotonin, primarily the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. intestinal tract, platelets, midbrain.

The hormone of happiness plays an important role in blood clotting; it increases the activity of platelets and their tendency to form blood clots. In addition, serotonin is present in the uterus. This hormone plays a major role in the contraction of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The amount of serotonin increases significantly a couple of hours before birth.

Serotonin is produced during moments of ecstasy; the level of the hormone rises significantly during periods of euphoria and decreases significantly during depression.

The hormone serotonin affects the human body due to more than one number of factors:

sufficient tryptophan (an amino acid that forms serotonin);
consumption of protein foods;
as much daylight as possible;
mobile activity;
a good night's rest.

All of these factors influence the production of this hormone in the human body. The formula of serotonin is quite simple N2OC10H12, it is even used by fashionistas as a tattoo. For them, she is a symbol of happiness, high spirits, fighting spirit, and euphoria. A person feels truly happy only with a certain amount of serotonin in the body.

What functions does the hormone perform in the human body?

This hormone has the following functions:

restores memory, attention and perception of life;
increases physical mobility;
with a certain amount of this substance, the pain threshold decreases;
maintains normal libido and reproductive activity of the body;
provides complete rest;
has a positive effect on intestinal motility;
leads active struggle with inflammation and allergic reactions;
blood clotting accelerates;
takes part in labor activity body;
the perception of life changes;
provides large quantity positive emotions.

Symptoms of serotonin deficiency

Serotonin is produced in the body and this has a beneficial effect on the secretion of pituitary hormones. A lack of serotonin in the human body contributes to the development of the following symptoms:

depression;
vulnerability to stress;
a state of constant dejection;
general deterioration of health;
decreased immunity;
chronic insomnia and disturbance of night rest;
enuresis and diathesis appear;
schizophrenia and others psychical deviations from normal;
headache;
toxicosis worsens in pregnant women;
appetite increases or is lost altogether;
addiction to alcoholic beverages appears;
memory deteriorates sharply.

Also, serotonin deficiency in the body provokes:

bad mood for a fairly long period of time;
apathy, for no apparent reason;
prostration;
loss of all interest in activities that previously brought pleasure;
thoughts about death;
addiction to smoking and drug use;
absent-mindedness;
too rapid loss of performance;
spontaneous occurrence of muscle pain;
prolonged migraine attacks;
dysfunction in the intestines;
the appearance of the first symptoms of obesity;
self-flagellation, panic, fear, impulsiveness, strong aggression.

Reasons for the lack of this hormone

Before you start taking medications, you should find main reason, which provoked the above symptoms. This can also be affected by diseases such as:

idiopathic parkinsonism syndrome;
Down syndrome;
liver diseases;
mental disorders and other diseases.

Foods that affect serotonin production

Seratonin is produced through foods such as:

peas;
buckwheat;
beans;
hard cheese;
cereals;
oyster mushrooms;
bananas;
greens, lettuce;
dark chocolate, bitter;
dates, dried apricots, raisins;
sprouted wheat;
potato;
seafood;
bran;
legumes;
Brewer's yeast;
parsnip;
lean meats;
cottage cheese (fat, low-fat, low-fat);
soy food products;
natural coffee (2 cups per day);
turkey liver;
yeast;
oatmeal.

Medicines that help restore serotonin production

You can increase the level of serotonin in the body in another way by taking tablets that contain artificial serotonin. Patients feel the positive effects of taking the pills instantly, which in turn gives them a surge of energy, improves their mood, and improves their mood. effective fight with stressful situations, depression is overcome. These medications do not cause problems internal organs. It is necessary to take serotonin tablets only as a last resort, when the human body signals such unpleasant manifestations like: decreased sexual desire, stiffness and other undesirable consequences.

Serotonin tablets should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor.

Among the drugs it is worth noting the following:

Reglucol-1095 rubles - in combination with nutrition and physical activity, it helps normalize blood sugar levels in patients, helps control body weight and improves overall well-being;
Demythylaminoethanol– 980 rubles – tones the brain and improves skin condition;
7-Keto-DHEA– 2737 rubles – affects the restoration of hormone balance and is effective for weight loss;
L – Tyrosine (Brain Booster)– 1127 rubles – restores the functioning of the thyroid gland;
L-Phenylalanine (Revord)– 1540 rubles;
– 1817 rubles. This antidepressant helps restore the necessary concentration of the happiness hormone. In the nervous system, the hormone takes part in the transmission of signals that affect: mood, sleep, awakening, cardiovascular vascular system. It acts on the human body as a non-medicinal antidepressant.

Serotonin 5 hydroxytryptophan prescribed for preventive purposes for patients suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction. This antidepressant reduces appetite for those people who suffer from overeating during the day and at night. It is indicated for use by people who suffer from the following ailments:

depression;
disturbance of night sleep, or its complete absence;
phobias;
severe fatigue;
migraine;
state of anxiety and nervousness;
state of aggressiveness, irritability, etc.;
decreased feeling of hunger;
application in complex treatment patients with alcohol and drug addiction, this antidepressant is effective in preventing addiction to harmful substances;
influences the maintenance of optimal levels of the hormone “serotonin” and naturally regulates its content in the blood;
applicable for support of cardio-vascular system body;
helps regulate body temperature;
influences the maintenance of function and proper operation genitourinary system, gastrointestinal and respiratory tract, etc.;
this antidepressant is a source for the synthesis of melatonin.

Serotonin 5 hydroxytryptophan is contraindicated:

pregnant women;
nursing mothers;
for schizophrenia;
In case of individual intolerance to the components, do not take with inhibitors.

There are also other medicines

"Paroxetine";
"Citalopram";
"Fluoxetine";
"Sertraline";
"Fluvoxamine";
"Venlafaxine";
"Mirtazapine";
"Fevarin";
"Effectin"

All of the above tablets have side effects on the human body, namely:

dizziness;
headache;
disturbance in activity digestive tract and sleep;
renal failure.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

There is also such a term as serotonin reuptake. To increase the happiness hormone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used. The principle of its effect on the body is as follows: this drug blocks the reuptake of the hormone in the area where contact occurs nerve cells. As a result, the patient’s mental and nervous state improves significantly.

Selective inhibitors are the safest antidepressants for humans, although they have side effects in particular:

insomnia;
diarrhea;
headache;
increased emotional excitability.

Patients undergo treatment with such antidepressants for approximately one month. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) should be taken orally without chewing. For better absorption of the drug by the stomach. Medicines must be taken with sufficient quantity liquids. Abruptly stopping the drug is not recommended; the dosage must be gradually reduced, otherwise this may lead to a relapse.

In the case where the level of serotonin is not associated with mental disorders, non-psychotics will help more effectively. medicinal methods hormone production. Medicines that affect serotonin should not be taken by women during pregnancy and lactation. This contraindication is due to the fact that the medications have not been properly tested and it is unknown how this will affect the newborn. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have the same contraindications for use as other drugs, namely:

individual increased sensitivity to the components of the drug;
kidney dysfunction;
high blood pressure;
bronchial asthma;
acute thrombosis;
code condition increased blood clotting.

You can increase the level of the happiness hormone in your body on your own by consuming certain products nutrition, and by turning to appropriate specialists for help, if you can’t do it yourself.

Non-medicinal ways to raise hormones

The happiness hormone serotonin can be increased through yoga, auto-training, meditation, art therapy, and breathing exercises.

Positive memories can help increase serotonin levels in the body. physical activity(physical education), as much sunshine as possible and walks in the fresh air. Helps produce hormones bath procedures, Finnish sauna.

Serotonin is produced in the body thanks to rosehip decoctions with honey, linden tea, St. John's wort tea. A drug is produced from St. John's wort extract " Negrustin».

Such people know how to overcome negativity without lowering themselves to depressive states. This category of people no longer needs to think about how to increase the level of serotonin in the body. Only for those who are completely disappointed in life, when a person finds it difficult to find positive points in life, it is during this period that self-flagellation begins, thoughts of death and attempts at suicide overcome. It is in such cases that there is an urgent need to increase the level of serotonin in the body.

The above methods significantly increase the level of the hormone in the body.

Many people don't even realize that serotonin is produced through such basic things as physical activity, walks in the fresh air and a positive attitude towards life, these are important components for good health.

Preparing the patient for the test

Serotonin test are prescribed to be given to patients when they are diagnosed oncological tumors related to abdominal cavity in its early manifestations, acute form intestinal obstruction, leukemia. A procedure such as a serotonin test is not on the list of hospital procedures known to many, so it is carried out in large laboratories. Biological material For this analysis, a blood sample is taken from the patient's cubital vein. Before taking a serotonin test, the patient must prepare and follow certain rules, namely:

the analysis is taken from the patient on an empty stomach;
per day, the patient should exclude from the diet such foods as alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea, pineapples, bananas;
two weeks before the test, the patient is obliged to either stop taking the medication or stop it (this applies to all types of medications without any exceptions);
Before taking the test, the patient should sit in a relaxed state for some time (approximately 30 minutes) so that the person’s emotional background normalizes.

For women, it is especially important to increase the level of this hormone, since they are the ones who are quite whiny in this regard and often experience feelings of anxiety and bad mood.

Negative effects of the hormone of happiness on the human body

An excess of serotonin in the human body causes very dangerous condition – serotonin syndrome. This pathology is associated with increased level serotonin. Serotonin syndrome occurs from taking antidepressants and other medications, as well as narcotic substances and incorrect combination of medications. In case of excess, patients experience mental disorders such as:

euphoria;
rapid breathing and pulse;
increase in body temperature.

cure this problem possible only in a hospital. Therapeutic interventions for patients are developed taking into account all individual characteristics person. If the hormone concentration exceeds acceptable standards, this can become life-threatening.

The normal content of the hormone of happiness in the body is counts 50-220 ng/ml. If the indicators are too high, this indicates a carcinoid tumor in the gastrointestinal tract, atypical carcinoid tumors. If a patient has a slight increase in serotonin, this may indicate intestinal obstruction or fibrocystic formation in the gastrointestinal tract. Information about the increase in the level of the hormone in the patient’s blood will allow doctors to make a more accurate diagnosis.

In conclusion, we can say that it is possible to increase the level of the hormone, both at home, by resorting to food, meditation, yoga, physical activity, or take advantage of the recommendations of psychologists and undergo a course of treatment by taking serotonin tablets.