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Serotonin
A Powerful Neurotransmitter
By CJ Johnson
"It has been shown that levels of transmitters are sensitive to dietary intake," says Dr. Beltz. "If the levels of a precursor molecular for a particular transmitter are raised, then more of that transmitter is usually synthesized."
She explains that for serotonin, the synthetic pathway involves the amino acid tryptophan. If levels of tryptophan are raised through various forms of food in the diet, it may be possible to increase serotonin levels. "This is not absolutely proven, but there are studies suggesting this is the case," she says.
She explains that through research conducted on cats in a lab at Princeton, it was determined that the electrical activity of serotonergic neurons in the brain increased during physical activity. Actual measurements of serotonin and dopamine levels during exercise have also been studied. "Serotonin and dopamine levels increase in the blood during exercise," she says. In short, with exercise, serotonin levels increase, and depression may be relieved.
"Serotonin levels fluctuate rhythmically, on a circadian 24-hour cycle," says Dr. Beltz. "This fluctuation is regulated by the day-night cycle, such that interruptions in the normal period of sleep or activity could disrupt the normal serotonin rhythm."
In order to ensure the most consistent cycling of serotonin, hormones and other neurotransmitters that are regulated in a circadian fashion, consistent sleep patterns are crucial.
Although there is still much to learn about serotonin, it is clear from research to date that it is one of the most powerful neurotransmitters in the brain.
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Re: Serotonin by anonymous on 12/08/2008 12:10PM
Has now helped me!
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Re: Serotonin by anonymous on 09/20/2009 09:19AM
I am a physician. This is a vast simplification and distortion of how serotonin works in the brain. DO NOT take supplements to boost your mood, eat a balanced diet of unrefined foods. This Serotab stuff is quackery. It is actaully rather difficult to get tryptophan in the brain. There are many errors here...tryptophan is not in carbohydrates....amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not sugars (carbs).