Articles

Serotonin deficiency

Serotonin deficiency signs/symptoms:

Depressed Nervous/anxious Worrier Fears/phobias Negative/pessimistic Irritable/impatient/edgy Obsessive compulsive tendency Think about the same things over & over again Self destructive, masochistic or suicidal thoughts/plans Low self esteem/confidence Anger/rage/explosive behavior/assaultive Sleep problems/light sleeper Crave sugar/carbohydrates/alcohol/marijuana Use these substances to improve mood & relax Feel worse in and dislike dark weather Chronic pain (e.g. headaches, backaches, fibromyalgia) PMS Antidepressants or 5-HTP improve mood Family history of depression/anxiety/OCD/eating disorders

Depressed
Nervous/anxious
Worrier
Fears/phobias
Negative/pessimistic
Irritable/impatient/edgy
Obsessive compulsive tendency
Think about the same things over & over again
Self destructive, masochistic or suicidal thoughts/plans
Low self esteem/confidence
Anger/rage/explosive behavior/assaultive
Sleep problems/light sleeper
Crave sugar/carbohydrates/alcohol/marijuana

Use these substances to improve mood & relax

Feel worse in and dislike dark weather
Chronic pain (e.g. headaches, backaches, fibromyalgia)
PMS
Antidepressants or 5-HTP improve mood
Family history of depression/anxiety/OCD/eating disorders

Serotonin levels may be low due to a combination of genetic and acquired reasons. Serotonin can be raised effectively using either nutrient based therapies or medications. Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan.

Factors which reduce serotonin levels:

Stress
PCB’s, pesticides and plastic chemicals exposure
Under-methylation
Inadequate sunlight exposure
Tryptophan (precursor) deficiency
Iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B3, B6, folate & vitamin C deficiency
Inadequate sleep
Glutathione deficiency
Chronic infections
Food allergies
Genetic serotonin receptor abnormalities
Chronic opioid, alcohol, amphetamine & marijuana use
Human growth hormone deficiency
Progesterone deficiency
Impaired blood flow to brain
Insulin resistance or deficiency

References:

The Edge Effect: Achieve Total Health and Longevity with the Balanced Brain Advantage by Eric R. Braverman, M.D., 2004

The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Rebalance Your Emotional Chemistry and Rediscover Your Natural Sense of Well-Being by Julia Ross, M.A., 2002

Blake Graham, BSc (Honours), AACNEM
Clinical Nutritionist
Perth, Western Australia
Phone/Email: See Contact page
*Non-Perth residents may enquire about phone consultations.