The hormone serotonin is a chemical that has many functions in the human body. This hormone is also known as the happy hormone.
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What is the serotonin hormone?
The scientific name of serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT. This hormone is mainly found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets.
Serotonin is used to transmit messages between nerve cells. In addition, it also has the effect of smooth muscle contraction, making people feel happy and many other effects
Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, which helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
The hormone serotonin also plays a role in appetite, emotions, and motor and cognitive functions. However, studies don’t know exactly whether serotonin affects these effects directly or has an overall role in nervous system coordination.
In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining mood balance. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression.
The function of the hormone serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. It is responsible for relaying signals between nerve cells.
In addition, serotonin is considered to play an important role in the central nervous system and the general functioning of the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have found a link between the hormone serotonin and bone metabolism, breast milk production, liver regeneration, and cell division.
Gut function
Most of the body’s serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Here it regulates the function and movement of the intestines or bowel movements. This hormone also contributes to the reduction of cravings while eating.
Mood influence
In the brain, the hormone serotonin impacts levels of mood, anxiety, and happiness. Illegal mood-altering drugs such as ecstasy and narcotics cause a significant increase in serotonin levels.
Blood clotting function
The hormone serotonin contributes to the formation of blood clots. It is released by platelets in the presence of a wound. The result is vasoconstriction or narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and helping blood clots form.
Stimulate vomiting, nausea
If you ingest something toxic or irritating, the gut will produce more serotonin to increase transit time and expel the irritant, resulting in diarrhea.
In addition, this hormone also stimulates the brain leading to nausea and vomiting.
Sexual function
Serotonin appears to inhibit sexual activity.
This is demonstrated in the case of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that increase serotonin levels in depressed individuals. Results showed that between 20 and 70 percent of people who used the drug had a variety of symptoms related to sexual dysfunction.
The hormone serotonin and depression
Until now, it is not clear exactly what causes depression. However, an important theory from the past 50 years is that the condition may be related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones in the body.
Depression is linked to low serotonin levels. But whether it low contributes to depression or if this is the result of depression remains unclear.
The SSRI group is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
Normally, once the neurotransmitter has transmitted the nerve impulse, it is reabsorbed into the body. SSRIs prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed, leading to higher serotonin levels in synapses.
However, scientists are now questioning the role of serotonin or any single neurotransmitter in causing depression.
Symptoms of a deficiency of the hormone serotonin
Low serotonin levels are associated with:
- Poor memory
- Sad mood
Low levels of the hormone serotonin can also lead to the following symptoms:
- Craving sweet or starchy foods.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low self-respect
- Always worried, self-deprecating
- Aggressive, easy to provoke
In fact, these are common symptoms of depression. However, there is little evidence that these problems are directly related to low serotonin levels.
When someone uses stimulant drugs, such as opiates and ecstasy, large amounts of serotonin are released. This can lead to a decline in serotonin, leading to a bad mood, confusion, and other symptoms that will last several days.
Studies have also shown that stimulant drugs can also damage nerves that contain serotonin, with potentially long-lasting side effects.
How to increase the level of serotonin hormone in the body?
In fact, there is no need to use illegal drugs or drugs. We have other ways to increase serotonin levels in the body.
Change your mood yourself
Changes in thinking, through psychotherapy or self-change, can increase serotonin levels. Because the interaction between serotonin synthesis and mood is a two-way relationship.
Go outdoors
Spending time outdoors, and enjoying the morning sun is a great and effective way to increase serotonin levels in the body.
According to 2008 research, exposure to sunlight can increase the production of both serotonin and endorphins.
It’s not bad to spend time outdoors for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day.
If you’re tired of the old attractions, try exploring a new neighborhood, or park, or travel far.
Take time to exercise
Exercise has many benefits for physical health. It can also have a positive effect on emotional well-being.
Many studies have shown a link between exercise and the release of the hormones endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. This would be a great option for boosting happy hormones.
Smile with friends around
Surely no one has ever heard the saying “one smile is ten tonics”
Of course, laughter will not treat or solve ongoing problems. But smiling can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or stress and improve mood by increasing dopamine, endorphin, and serotonin levels.
Cook and enjoy a favorite meal with your loved one
In theory, this tip could boost all your happy hormones.
The feeling of pleasure when you eat something delicious can trigger the release of dopamine along with endorphins. Sharing a meal with someone you love and bonding during meal preparation can boost oxytocin and serotonin levels.
- Certain foods can also have an impact on hormone levels. So keep the following in mind when planning your meals to boost those happy hormones:
- Spicy foods can trigger the release of endorphins.
- Yogurt, beans, eggs, low-fat meat, and almonds are a few foods that have been linked to the release of dopamine.
Foods rich in tryptophan, have been linked to increased serotonin levels.
In addition, jobs such as listening to music that I like, raising a pet, thinking more positively, etc. all help increase happiness hormones, not only serotonin hormone.
Listen to your favorite music
Music can stimulate the release of many happy hormones.
When listening to music, this positive change in your mood can increase serotonin production.
Enjoy a good night’s sleep
Inadequate quality sleep can affect your health in many ways.
Not getting enough sleep can contribute to hormone imbalances in the body. This can have a negative impact on your mood as well as your physical health.
Spending 7 to 9 hours a day sleeping can help restore the balance of hormones in your body, which can help you feel better.
If you’re having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep, try:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Create a quiet, comfortable sleeping environment (try reducing light, noise, and screens before bed).
- Reduce caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Stress management
It’s normal for you to experience some stress from time to time. However, living with regular stress or facing stressful life events can reduce dopamine and serotonin production. This can negatively affect your health and mood.
If you are under a lot of stress, the American Psychological Association recommends that:
- Take a break and avoid stressors
- Meet your friends and have lots of laughs
- Take 20 minutes to walk, run, bike, or do other physical activities
- Meditation
- Talk more with the people around you
Any of the above methods can help reduce stress. It also boosts levels of serotonin, dopamine, and even endorphins.
Final thought
The hormone serotonin is one of the body’s happy hormones. Without stimulants, enjoying life, doing the things you enjoy, going outdoors or walking with friends, raising pets, etc. are simple and effective ways to increase the levels of the natural hormone serotonin. naturally in the body.
Top News hopes this article can help you learn more about how to boost serotonin naturally and lead a happy life!
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