Healthwatch by Shyft

What Happens When We’re Feeling Low? Our Brain on Serotonin

What Happens When We’re Feeling Low? Our Brain on Serotonin
Content
Content

The second of our How to Feel Good series. Check out the other parts of the series here: dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins.


If you’re feeling particularly content today, you might be experiencing what is known as a ‘serotonin boost’.

Serotonin is one of the body’s crucial neurotransmitters and hormones, and has long been associated with regulating our moods – earning it the nickname ‘the happy hormone’.

In fact, serotonin is associated with our feelings of satisfaction and optimism. It also plays a key role in our sleep, digestion, fear, sexuality and stress levels. 

What is serotonin?

Like dopamine, serotonin is a neurotransmitter – which means that it transmits critical messages from the brain to other parts of the body through chemical signals. Interestingly, about 90% of our body’s serotonin is found in the gut – which is then released into our bloodstream. About 10% of serotonin is produced by the brain.

Serotonin functions to regulate several of the body’s critical functions. Primary among them is our mood. When your serotonin is at normal levels, you feel satisfied, positive and happy. Lower levels of serotonin is associated with mood disorders and other mental health issues. Serotonin is also closely involved in our digestive functions – serotonin in our bodies’ intestinal tract cna speed up metabolism, and increase or decrease our hunger levels. Our brains also use serotonin to make melatonin – the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles. It also plays a role in our libidos. 

Serotonin and depression – what’s the connection?

Low levels of serotonin in our body has been linked with a number of health issues like anxiety, OCD, mood disorders and sleep issues. Most prominently, low levels of serotonin have long been considered the primary reasons for clinical depression. In fact, modern antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the body. While this theory has been well-established for the past 50 years, recent research conducted in 2022, has challenged this notion – where a comprehensive review found no clear evidence linking low serotonin levels to depression, bringing into question the effectiveness of common antidepressants. However, studies on this linkage are still ongoing, with more research coming in on the serotonin-depression link.

Serotonin has also been linked to the ‘brain fog’ experienced by patients with long COVID. 

Boosting serotonin levels

Serotonin is made up of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is not something the body naturally produces, we usually get it from our diet. Exercise – like running or strength training – can also increase metabolism of tryptophan by our bodies. The ‘high’ we get when we do a particularly grueling workout is a result of our bodies producing both serotonin and endorphins, another ‘feel-good’ hormone. 

Takeaway

Lifestyle can play an important role in managing serotonin levels. Eating a diet rich in tryptophan (protein-rich foods like chicken, egg, soy, milk, cheeses), and exercising regularly are ways to increase serotonin. Light therapy – or increasing exposure to the sun or bright lights- has also been known to increase serotonin levels, especially when it comes to treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Stress-reduction techniques like meditation have also been proven to increase serotonin levels. The more you practice, the better the correlation between the two – studies have shown a significant increase in serotonin in long-term meditation practitioners. 

Want to know more about how hormones play a part in making us feel good? Check out Part 1, 3 and 4 of our How to Feel Good series.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Treatment for ADHD: All You Need to Know!

When you get diagnosed with ADHD, it is natural to be flooded with questions. What should be your next step? Now, we aren’t here to give you medical advice, but like a faithful friend, we want you to be aware of every option available to you for treating ADHD. Do keep in mind that what we provide is a general overview and the type of treatment suitable for someone depends on their age, symptoms, and a range of such factors.… Read more

Featured

Treatment for ADHD: All You Need to Know!

Treatment for ADHD: All You Need to Know!

When you get diagnosed with ADHD, it is natural to be flooded with questions. What should be your next step? Now, we aren’t here to give you medical advice, but like a faithful friend, we want you to be aware of every option available to you for treating ADHD. Do keep in mind that what we provide is a general overview and the type of treatment suitable for someone depends on their age, symptoms, and a range of such factors.…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Featured

Debunking myths about ADHD

3 minutes

11 Apr 2023

Debunking myths about ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health disorder that affects a huge population, yet is shrouded in misconceptions and misunderstanding. From the idea that ADHD is just a lack of discipline to the belief that it only affects children, we will examine each myth and produce a well-rounded understanding of how this disorder manifests itself. Let the debunking commence! Myth 1: ADHD is only an issue that concerns children  Let us begin with the most common myth, that ADHD… Read more

Editor’s pick

Debunking myths about ADHD

Debunking myths about ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health disorder that affects a huge population, yet is shrouded in misconceptions and misunderstanding. From the idea that ADHD is just a lack of discipline to the belief that it only affects children, we will examine each myth and produce a well-rounded understanding of how this disorder manifests itself. Let the debunking commence! Myth 1: ADHD is only an issue that concerns children  Let us begin with the most common myth, that ADHD…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

11 Apr 2023

Editor’s pick

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

The world today moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes catching up can get overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Medicines (under a Doctor’s supervision) and therapy are the way to go, but if you truly want to enhance their impact and understand how your brain functions, practicing mindfulness meditation techniques can be immensely helpful. What is mindfulness? The concept of mindfulness is very simple to understand. It is the ability to be aware of where you… Read more

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

The world today moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes catching up can get overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Medicines (under a Doctor’s supervision) and therapy are the way to go, but if you truly want to enhance their impact and understand how your brain functions, practicing mindfulness meditation techniques can be immensely helpful. What is mindfulness? The concept of mindfulness is very simple to understand. It is the ability to be aware of where you…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Bipolar Disorder and Addictions: evils of body and mind

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that is characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings. These mood swings can range from highs, called manic episodes, to lows, called depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.6% of the adult population in the United States and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. One aspect of bipolar disorder that is not often talked about is the link between the disorder and addiction. Research has shown… Read more

Most read

Bipolar Disorder and Addictions: evils of body and mind

Bipolar Disorder and Addictions: evils of body and mind

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that is characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings. These mood swings can range from highs, called manic episodes, to lows, called depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.6% of the adult population in the United States and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. One aspect of bipolar disorder that is not often talked about is the link between the disorder and addiction. Research has shown…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

05 Apr 2023

Most read

Checkout some healthy recipes that taste good, approved by our nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Prawn Pakoda

A crispy preparation of prawns marinated in flavourful batter - a perfect snack for all age groups.

12 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Tomato Sambar

A delicious variation of classic South Indian sambhar that makes for a hearty and comforting meal.

14 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Creamy Veggie Pasta

Pasta packed with veggies and tossed in a creamy, rich white sauce - perfect for sneaking vegetables into your kids’ diets!

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Power Smoothie

A bright and refreshing smoothie with goodness of mango and coconut water.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

10 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Lemon Steamed Broccoli

A quick & easy to prepare salad with the goodness of broccoli.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Spinach and Egg Curry

Wholesome and finger-licking curry made with spinach and boiled eggs

13 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Chicken Hummus Salad

A filling non vegetarian, ideal for meal times

7 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

View all