9 signs that warn you that you have low serotonin levels

Adequate levels of serotonin in the brain help us feel positive, happy, calm and secure. However, Low levels of this neurotransmitter can lead to negative, worried or irritable feelings. Thus, a serotonin deficiency can make you feel pessimistic, sad, distrustful or have a panic attack. It can also cause depression, anxiety and other health disorders.

Thus, serotonin It is a powerful neurotransmitter that is significantly related to our mood, and it is present in various regions of our central nervous system.

This neurotransmitter has a large number of functions in the brain and body. In the brain it regulates mood, social behavior, libido, sleep, memory and learning.

What does serotonin do?

As a neurotransmitter it helps relay messages from one area of ​​the brain to another. Due to the widespread distribution of cells that have serotonin receptors, it is believed that Its levels influence different psychological functions, as well as the regulation of various physiological processes.

In this sense, of the approximately 40 million brain cells, the majority are influenced directly or indirectly by serotonin. This includes brain cells related to the mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviors.

For its part, in terms of bodily function, this neurotransmitter It can also affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system, muscles and various elements of the endocrine system.among others.

Relationship between serotonin and depression

On the other hand, there are many researchers who believe that An imbalance in serotonin levels can influence mood, so much so that it could lead to depression.. Possible problems include:

Low serotonin production from brain cellsLack of receptor sites capable of receiving the serotonin that is producedInability of serotonin to reach receptor sitesShortage of tryptophan, an essential amino acid necessary to synthesize this neurotransmitter.

The researchers believe that If any of these biochemical failures occur, depression can occur; or other conditions such as: obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic, and even excess anger. However, there is still much to investigate about the relationship between serotonin and depression.

Are my neurons not releasing enough serotonin?

Being able to identify a deficit in this neurotransmitter can help us take measures and act to raise its levels. In this sense, Although depression and subsequent loss of pleasure are the most well-known signs of low serotonin, they are certainly not the only ones.. In fact, knowing these signs can help us prevent depression, anxiety and other major ailments.

Symptoms that accompany a lack of this neurotransmitter include frequent anger, unusual sensitivity to pain, carbohydrate cravings and binge eating, constipation, and digestive disorders.

Other symptoms include feeling unwell due to lack of sunlight, feeling too dependent on others, feeling overwhelmed, insomnia, migraines, low self-esteem and poor cognitive function, among others.

Next We look at some of the most important signs that indicate low serotonin levels, because they are easy to detect early.

1. Desire to eat sweet and carbohydrate-rich foods

It is known that carbohydrates, especially sweet and starchy foods – mainly pastries, chocolates, jelly beans, chips and other snacks, hamburgers, etc. – indirectly impact serotonin levels. That’s why It is common for people with low serotonin levels to crave foods that are rich in carbohydrates. This manifests itself in cravings and the need to eat compulsively.

These foods temporarily increase levels of this neurotransmitter and make you feel better. However, Shortly after ingestion, serotonin levels are drastically depleted. This dramatic decrease in serotonin leads to feelings of drowsiness, hostility, anxiety, and depression.

2. Insomnia

The amount of serotonin available also directly affects the production of melatonin. Thus, when serotonin levels are low, the ability to produce melatonin is affected and, as part of a domino effect, the circadian rhythm is altered.

When this happens, it is extremely difficult for someone to follow a natural sleep/wake pattern. Specifically, the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is negatively affected. However, we must not forget that insomnia problems can have other causes, not just serotonin deficiency.

3. Anxiety

Through the observation of brain images, it has been shown that people who have anxiety as a frequent companion release a smaller amount of this chemical in the areas of the brain responsible for impulses and emotional control.

It should be noted that Deficiency in the release of this neurotransmitter is generally not the only factor in the development of anxiety disorders., although some people have a genetic predisposition to low levels of serotonin. Actually, three other neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine, also play a role in anxiety disorders.

4. Cognitive impairment

Serotonin is a chemical important for normal cognitive function. Research has shown that adequate levels of this neurotransmitter improve cognitive ability and can help compensate for limited cognitive functioning.

Although this neurotransmitter is believed to play a role in global thinking skills, its most significant impact is on memory. People with low serotonin levels are more likely to have problems with memory consolidation.

5. Digestive problems

Serotonin is an important chemical for transmitting signals between the brain and the digestive system. In this sense, it is worth noting that, although this neurotransmitter is almost always associated with brain function, mood and mental well-being, a surprising 95% of serotonin is manufactured in the intestines, not in the brain – although serotonin used by the brain must be produced there, since serotonin created in the intestine does not travel to the brain.

However, while Research on serotonin functions in the gut is fairly new, until now it is known that it plays an important role in appetite and digestion. In fact, why there is so much serotonin activity in the intestines remains largely a mystery.

Besides, Professionals have discovered a link between irritable bowel syndrome and inadequate levels of this neurotransmitter. It has been shown that, in the case of irritable bowel syndrome, when these deficiencies are corrected, the digestive processes often return to normal.

6. Fatigue or exhaustion

Serotonin levels have a major effect on energy production. Some people who experience chronic fatigue show insufficient amounts of the chemical. However, when levels of this neurotransmitter are replenished, it is common for those suffering from fatigue to notice a significant improvement in energy levels.

However, feeling fatigued or exhausted can be the result of many different conditions, although a problem in the release of this neurotransmitter cannot be ruled out. Long-term, Chronic fatigue increases the possibility that the release of this neurotransmitter will decrease.

7. Changes in libido

Among the many properties of serotonin is the effect on libido (sexual desire). Low levels of this chemical are directly related to a greater desire to have sex, but also with a decrease in the ability to connect emotionally with the other, which is not a good formula for a satisfactory relationship.

Besides, fluctuations in the levels of this neurotransmitter can further affect attitudenot to mention the physical abilities related to sexual activity.

8. Chronic pain

Serotonin affects the behavior of muscles; Therefore, a low level of this neurotransmitter can cause chronic pain. In fact, an investigation in The Journal of Rheumatology explains that serum serotonin levels are lower in patients with fibromyalgia. This condition is characterized by causing severe generalized pain.

9. Low self-esteem

If self-esteem suddenly drops, there are feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction with oneself, it is possible that a low level of serotonin is occurring. Although many ignore it, this neurotransmitter is also key to feeling well-being with oneself. Lack of self-esteem also manifests itself with comparisons, hypersensitivity to criticism, lack of confidence, among others.

What to do if you have low serotonin levels

Achieving an increase in serotonin levels naturally and without resorting to medications is possible. Some ways to achieve this are the following:

Play sports recreationallyThat is, do an exercise that allows you to enjoy, not suffer. Eat foods rich in protein (they contain tryptophan). Eat foods rich in carbohydrates, such as vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains (the brain needs sugars to synthesize tryptophan). . Vegetables, nuts, some rice or legumes and you will have everything you need.Avoid products rich in saturated fats and simple sugars.Eat foods rich in Omega 3 so that your brain works properly.Limit caffeine consumption.Take care of your sleep.Eat foods rich in vitamin B group, especially vitamin B6 (vitamin B6 helps in the development and function of serotonin in the brain).Spend time outdoors and let yourself be embraced by the sunlightl.Practice meditation or mindfulness.

As we have seen throughout this article, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that participates in many important processes. Therefore, a…