Why Do We Need A Serotonin Boost?
- erudite .
- Apr 28, 2022
- 3 min read
By Anoushka Ghosh
Have you ever heard of things like “I need a serotonin boost” or “Serotonin and dopamine: technically, the only two things you like.” There are an array of jokes and tweets that talk about requiring a “serotonin boost” - in time, you’ll learn about the significance of serotonin within your body. From context, you can understand that serotonin can boost one’s happiness. However, let us understand what it really means to have serotonin.
When I encountered the word “serotonin”, I encountered it during my Biology class and we were discussing blood clotting. So, serotonin is a hormone that induces constriction of blood vessels in order to enhance platelet aggregation and decrease bleeding. Yet, it’s functions don't end there. It aids in regulating depression, anxiety, stimulating nausea, and maintaining bone health. Technically, serotonin itself is the chemical nerve cells known as hormones which would send signals between your nerve cells. As a precursor of melatonin, it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and the body clock. In order to better understand serotonin, we have to understand its origins and the effect of the lack of serotonin.
Serotonin is an offspring of tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that is used in producing niacin that is found in neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This is a component of protein that combines with tryptophan hydroxylase to form serotonin. Hence, we can find serotonin in both the intestines and brains which flows into the blood for the use of blood clotting. Serotonin is unable to pass the blood-brain barrier and therefore cannot be supplied by other areas of the body. In short, if the brain requires serotonin, then the brain has to produce serotonin.
Then, why do we joke about needing a serotonin boost? The cause of depression remains unknown to many, but scientists have theorized that it occurs with an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the blood. There may be a serotonin deficiency in our body, so doctors usually prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or antidepressants. Basically, we don’t re-absorb the serotonin that has been transmitted into the blood, so it leaves a higher level of serotonin in our blood. As a result, this would decrease the imbalance and perhaps reduce the level of mood imbalance within a person. Yet, we may be able to decrease the level of hormone imbalance in the bloodstream - it is unknown the level of serotonin in the brain and this may possibly cause negative effects within the body.
Although this may be the case, SSRIs or similar drugs are prescribed to regulate serotonin levels and treat disorders like bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which theorised to occur as a result of the imbalance of serotonin. Thus, we can understand that a deficiency of serotonin can lead to mood swings and low quality sleep. Therefore, if you feel that you have a lack of serotonin in yourself, immediately consult a doctor instead of misdiagnosing yourself and consuming drugs without prescription.
If you are looking for a “serotonin boost”, you can also exercise regularly, improve your diet, massage therapy, and use supplements. Research has shown that exercise can increase serotonin levels and increase BDNF activity (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which stimulates nerve cells and increases the level of proteins. It can therefore regulate and improve your mood. However, if you’re not in the mood to exercise, perhaps you can change your diet. Treat yourself to salmon or poultry meats which can increase the production of tryptophan and boost serotonin levels. There is a large number of natural treatments that can be utilised to fully reach that serotonin boost. Stray away from taking antidepressants without a doctor’s permission because it may lead to dire imbalances within your body that can affect many chemical reactions. Take care of yourself and make sure to keep yourself in peak condition.
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