Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome

v Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome


v Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that's responsible for feelings of optimism, relaxation, and a general sense of well being. If you’re feeling bad emotionally it may not be psychological! It may simply be a neurotransmitter imbalance. Modern medical science has found that low serotonin can lead to a huge variety of symptoms and complaints.

§ You might have a serotonin deficiency if you suffer from anxiety, fatigue, depression, PMS, low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, loss of pleasure in usual activities, food cravings, sleep disturbances, migraines, obsessive compulsive disorder, violent/aggressive behavior, or panic attacks, to name a few symptoms.

§ Anti-depressant drugs may not be the answer to the above symptoms. Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, called SSRI’s, and normally referred to as anti-depressant drugs, keep whatever serotonin we have active, but they don’t actually provide additional serotonin. Some people may have inherited marginal amounts to begin with and they, along with others, would benefit from increasing serotonin levels.

§ Research indicates that proper diet and nutritional supplementation will help with symptoms related to serotonin deficiency syndrome by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptomine (5-HT), was first identified some 50 years ago, and ever since then scientists have been finding out more and more about the functions it performs in the body.

§ Nerve cells synthesize 5-HT by a two-step process that begins with the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. The FDA stopped all sales of L- tryptophan in 1989 after a contaminated batch was distributed by a Japanese company . In 1996, many compounding pharmacies began providing L-tryptophan again, by physician prescription, and a new version of L-tryptophan called 5-HTP became available over the counter in 1998, without FDA opposition. L-tryptophan is now available through various supplement suppliers.

§ Once L-tryptophan has been taken up into the nerve cell, it is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) with the help of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. Studies have shown that taking whole food supplements of L-tryptophan, or supplementing with 5-HTP, could increase the amount of serotonin available for use by neurons. And the elevation of available serotonin can have a profound impact on your emotional condition.

§ PROLONGED STRESS “uses up” your natural sedatives, stimulants and pain relievers. Stress reduction and stress management are very important to maintain serotonin levels. (See link to “Basic Stress Management Tips” page, above).

§ PROTEIN in insufficient amounts has a profound impact on the brain. Research suggests that the foods you eat can influence production of brain messenger chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Your brain relies on protein – the only food source of amino acids – to make all of its mood-enhancing chemicals. If you’re not eating enough protein, you won’t be able to manufacture these crucial chemicals. Also, there are “essential” amino acids your body can’t manufacture, which need to be obtained from food or supplements. Certain foods are considered either “complete” or incomplete proteins. Combining grains and legumes, two incomplete sources, will provide you with a complete protein.

§ Also, regular use of refined sugars, flours, alcohol, caffeine, and some medicines, can inhibit the production of your brain’s natural pleasure chemicals. These highly refined, simple carbohydrates are absorbed instantly, unlike complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, that need time to be digested.

§ Both sugar and alcohol instantly skyrocket blood sugar levels and temporarily raise levels of at least two potent mood chemicals in the brain. They can have a drug like effect, altering our brains’ mood chemistry and fooling is into a false calm, or a temporary energy surge. We can become dependent on these drug like foods for continued mood lifts. Unfortunately, each high is followed, of course, by a low.

§ Omega 3 fatty acids can also be beneficial in enhancing mood as can other co-factors in healthy nutrition. Please follow the “Basic Anti-Aging Nutrition Tips” for information to help increase and stabilize your brain’s mood enhancing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in healthy ways. “Essential” amino acids are those the body doesn’t make and therefore need to be obtained by nutrition or supplementation. Yo
Because of the potential for side effects, complications with other health issues, health concerns that may not be addressed here, and interactions with medications, it is recommended that dietary supplements be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provide

Dr. Cindy Bates