Low Serotonin Levels

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that transmits nerve impulses and is concerned with regulating some crucial brain functions. It is mainly known for its effect on human emotions and regulating sleep, appetite, mood, alertness, memory, body temperature, behavior, energy and the functions of the endocrine system. Insufficient amount of serotonin has been often associated with depression. Apart from depression, such a condition can give rise to many other health and emotional problems.

Serotonin Deficiency Causes

It can be a genetic or acquired condition. Usually, it has been observed that prolonged periods of stress can deplete the level of this neurotransmitter in the brain. Even a poor diet that does not include essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, can lead to low production of serotonin in the body. However, sometimes, digestive problems can also cause deficiency of these vital nutrients by adversely affecting their absorption. This too can affect the level of serotonin.

Apart from these, some other causes are, lack of adequate exposure to sunlight, overuse of depression medications and substances like, alcohol and nicotine, exposure to toxic heavy metals, drug abuse, excessive exposure to certain chemicals and plastics, vitamin deficiency, especially deficiency of niacin, and hormonal fluctuations, especially low levels of the hormone progesterone.

Serotonin Deficiency Symptoms

It is usually associated with sleeping disorders. However, it can also cause many other symptoms like

• Depression and anxiety
• Cravings for carbohydrate or sugar
• Disruption of the normal sleep cycle
• Problems in concentration and attention
• Fatigue
• Emotional outburst and irritability
• Chronic pain
• Unusual fear or phobias
• Repetitive troublesome or negative thoughts
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Low self-esteem
• Increased sensitivity to pain

In addition to these symptoms, it is suspected that this condition may be associated with sudden infant death syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, aggressive behavior, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, weight gain, panic attacks and schizophrenia to name a few.

How to Raise the Serotonin Level?

Physician usually do not perform any specific test. Instead, the condition is most of the time, diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms. The symptoms produced by this condition can be managed to an extent with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like prozac. To raise its level, synthesized serotonin, which is derived from tryptophan can also be used. Tryptophan is an amino acid and the precursor of serotonin. However, some natural ways like, a diet that is rich in serotonergic foods can also help in this regard. The foods that can help to increase the level of this neurotransmitter are, fruits and vegetables, chicken, fish, walnuts and mushrooms. Otherwise, you can opt for the tryptophan or serotonin supplements.

Even exercise and relaxation techniques like, meditation and yoga can help to increase serotonin naturally. The exercises that increase the heart rate moderately are ideal for people who lack sufficient serotonin in their body. Recreational activities like crafts, hobbies and any activity that makes you feel good can also prove effective in alleviating the symptoms of this condition. At the same time, exposure to sunlight, especially during the morning is helpful. Sunlight is known to raise the level of serotonin and thereby, can help to control the symptoms.