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Serotonin, a key signalling molecule in the digestive tract, is made from the amino acid tryptophan. It’s really important for digestion to begin and for the brain to operate normally since it communicates between neurons. More than that, it helps our general disposition and facilitates restful sleep. Since serotonin affects so many different biological processes, it’s important to know what is serotonin, differentiate between serotonin in the intestines and what some may refer to as “brain serotonin.”
How is Serotonin made?
The brain converts the amino acid l-tryptophan, which is necessary for life, into serotonin. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, is produced when cells mix the amino acid tryptophan with the chemical reactor tryptophan hydroxylase.
Although most of this neurotransmitter’s work takes place in the brain, where it is created, the digestive tract really stores roughly 90% of your body’s serotonin. The majority of serotonin is located in the digestive tract, where it is essential for the proper digestion of food.
Types of Serotonin
Brain Serotonin
The neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain regulates mood, behavior, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked to feelings of depression as well as difficulties with memory and sleep. This is because serotonin is converted into the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in the brain’s pineal gland and neurons. On the other hand, elevated serotonin levels can cause anxiety, muscular twitching, and a pounding heart. It’s estimated that just around 5% of the body’s serotonin comes from the brain, while 90-95% is produced in the digestive tract.
Peripheral Serotonin
Serotonin produced in the digestive tract and transported to the blood platelets is called peripheral serotonin and has a distinct yet vital role, particularly in digestion.
Peripheral serotonin can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or constipation. Serotonin in the periphery has its own effects apart from those of serotonin in the brain since the former cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier. However, neurological connections aid in communicating between the brain and the stomach, allowing serotonin in the intestines to convey information to the brain. Emotions like pain or nausea, as well as experiences like fear or enjoyment, may be conveyed in these signals.
One of the nerves connecting the brainstem to the abdominal cavity is called the vagus nerve. It plays a key role as a go-between on the “highway” of information transfer between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The vagus nerve is stimulated by serotonin that is produced in the digestive tract. Because the vagus nerve is involved in reducing food intake and controls parts of the brain that are important for managing appetite, it is hypothesized that this stimulation may change sensations of hunger. Even Nevertheless, the role of peripheral serotonin in controlling food consumption, nutritional absorption, storage, and utilization is still being investigated.
What does Serotonin do in my body?
- Your mood is controlled by serotonin in your brain. It’s been dubbed the “feel good” chemical produced by your body. Serotonin levels that are within the normal range lead to a state of mind that is more conducive to concentration, stability, happiness, and serenity. Depression has been linked to low serotonin levels. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain is a common goal of many drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
- Digestion: Serotonin is mostly found in the gastrointestinal system, where it protects the intestines and helps regulate bowel movement. The release of serotonin in the digestive tract can be stimulated to aid in the elimination of noxious substances and meals. The neurotransmitter serotonin also helps curb hunger between meals.
- A feeling of nausea occurs when serotonin is produced into the digestive system at a higher rate than it can be absorbed. Nausea is the brain’s reaction to the chemical signal. Numerous anti-nausea medications work by binding to and blocking certain serotonin receptors in the brain.
- When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, serotonin and the neurotransmitter dopamine both play a role (how well and how long you sleep). The production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle, also requires serotonin in the brain.
- In order to speed up the mending process, platelets in your blood produce serotonin. It also causes arterioles, the smallest blood arteries, to constrict, so reducing blood flow and facilitating the formation of clots. This is a crucial step in the recovery from injury.
- Your bone density may be affected by your serotonin levels. Fractures and osteoporosis can result from already-weak bones, and elevated levels of serotonin in the stomach may contribute to this problem.
- Both serotonin and the neurotransmitter dopamine are involved in sexual arousal, which is important for your sexual health.
What is the difference between serotonin vs. dopamine?
Both serotonin and dopamine play crucial roles as neurotransmitters, allowing nerve cells in the brain to talk to one another. Because of their role in controlling mood and emotion, they are sometimes referred to as “happy hormones.” Some mental health issues, such as depression, might have their roots in an insufficient supply of dopamine or serotonin.
Given the similarities between these two molecules, what sets serotonin apart? While dopamine is responsible for the positive emotions we experience after partaking in an enjoyable activity, serotonin works to maintain a positive frame of mind by reducing emotional swings. While serotonin is mostly involved in regulating sleep and digestion, dopamine is primarily concerned with managing movement.
Summary
One kind of neurotransmitter is serotonin. When balanced, it aids in maintaining healthy mood, sleep, and gastrointestinal function.
Problems with serotonin levels, both high and low, have been linked to a variety of illnesses. Serotonin syndrome, brought on by excessive serotonin levels, is potentially fatal. Depression can set up on low levels. Medications exist for both excessive and deficient levels of serotonin. Low serotonin levels can also be increased by non-medical means.
