Throughout his or her life, a human being experiences a wide range of emotions triggered by experiences or memories. These reactions are not only psychological, they are also respond to chemical processes in the brainregulated by neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
Serotonin, whose scientific name is 5-hydroxytryptamine, is known as one of the ".happiness hormonesThe "mood control" is a fundamental role in the control of mood. It is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. and its highest concentration is found in the intestine.
It plays a fundamental role in the regulation of multiple physical and mental functionsIt is also a precursor of melatonin, helping to regulate mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, emotions, memory and learning. In addition, as a precursor of melatonin, it contributes to regulating sleep-wake cycles and the biological clock.
Main functions
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter widely recognized for its role in regulating emotions and mood. However, its functions go far beyond that. Among its main roles, the following stand out:
- Regulation of the appetitegenerating a feeling of satiety.
- Modulation of behavior and attention.
- Control of the body temperature.
- Regulation of the sexual desirel.
- Influence on the motor activity, perception and cognitive function.
- Involvement, together with dopamine and noradrenaline, in processes related to the anxiety.
- Regulation of hormone secretion, as in the case of melatonin, which is implicated in the circadian rhythms and sleep.
Serotonin and depression
The depression is frequently associated with low serotonin levels in the brain. This can cause symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
The neurotransmitterssuch as serotonin, are chemical substances that transmit signals between the neurons. Once the transmission is completed, they are usually reabsorbed by the emitter cell in a process called reuptake. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors act by blocking this process, which prevents the neurotransmitter from being reabsorbed. As a result, the levels of the neurotransmitter remain active in the synaptic space for a longer timeand contributing to the development of the improve mood in people with depression or related disorders.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include approved by the FDAThe fluoxetine (prozac), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) among others.
In cases infrequentmay be presented with a severe condition known as serotonin syndrome that occurs with excessive levels of this hormone. A excess serotonin in the body can cause symptoms such as tremors and diarrhea, muscle stiffness, high fever and seizures. This disorder usually arises when increasing the dose of certain drugs or starting a new drug treatment that affects serotonin levels. The most common cause is a combination of drugs. selective reuptake inhibitors of this neurotransmitter as an antidepressant together with other drugs as migraine medications.
Actions influencing serotonin levels
Various actions can influence serotonin levels in the body:
- Activities such as exposure to sunlight, the regular exercisethe techniques of relaxation (such as yoga), changes in routines, travel, the new projects and healthy leisure contribute to to increase its production.
- On the other hand, factors such as a diet low in tryptophan, the stressa fast pace of life, the lack of physical activity, the lack of hormonal imbalances and diabetes can reduce the synthesis of serotonin, they can decrease production of serotonin in the body, negatively impacting emotional well-being. This decrease is even more noticeable in situations of prolonged chronic stress, where serotonin levels tend to be significantly reduced.
