Drugs that prevent the reuptake of serotonin include SNRIs, SSRIs, tramadol, certain tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), certain opioids, dextromethorphan, the antihistamines chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine, and herbals such as St John's wort.
Causes of low serotonin
age-related health and brain changes. chronic stress. a lack of exposure to natural light. lack of physical activity.
Technically, serotonin levels are low because: Your body isn't producing enough serotonin. Your body isn't effectively using serotonin. This can happen if you don't have enough serotonin receptors or the receptors aren't working as they should.
Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes each day improves one's overall mood. Research has revealed that long-term cardiovascular exercise boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin can lower hostility and symptoms of depression. It also encourages agreeableness.
It was previously reported that caffeine has the capability to reduce brain serotonin synthesis by inhibiting tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for central serotonin biosynthesis (Lim et al., 2001), and/or to reduce brain serotonin/dopamine ratio by blocking adenosine α1 and α2 receptors within the CNS.
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
Vitamin D activates an enzyme that converts tryptophan into serotonin. If vitamin D levels are low, our brains make less serotonin. Thus, increasing vitamin D intake may increase serotonin levels, thereby potentially supporting mental health [15, 16].
Prolonged periods of stress can deplete serotonin levels. Our fast-paced, fast food society greatly contributes to these imbalances. Genetic factors, faulty metabolism, and digestive issues can impair the absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces our ability to build serotonin.
Caffeine has also been shown to increase serotonin levels in the limbic system, a relatively primitive part of our brain involved in regulating basic functions such as hormonal secretions, emotional responses, mood regulation and pain/pleasure sensations.
Drinks like green tea and probiotics help to boost serotonin. Other foods containing Vitamin D are also good because Vitamin D activates tryptophan, which leads to increases in serotonin levels. Good sources of Vitamin D foods include cod liver oil, fortified orange juice, and many types of yogurt.
Abstract. Serotonin-releasing brain neurons are unique in that the amount of neurotransmitter they release is normally controlled by food intake: Carbohydrate consumption--acting via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect.
An estimated 90% of the serotonin in the human body is stored in enterochromaffin cells located in the gastrointestinal tract. Upon luminal and basolateral secretion, the compound is absorbed by circulating platelets.
Anxiety, including obsessive-compulsive forms of anxiety, may indicate a person has low serotonin. Anxiety that comes on suddenly and appears unrelated to something else, such as a recent trauma or stressor, is often due to a serotonin issue. Chronic stress and anxiety may also deplete serotonin.
B12 acts as a cofactor in synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thus B12 deficiency affects mood, emotions and sleeping and can lead to psychiatric disorders.
Magnesium works as an important co-factor required for conversion of tryptophan (from proteins we get from food) to serotonin and melatonin, both of which help in falling asleep."
The study also links zinc and specific hormones or neurotransmitters — namely our “happiness” hormones, serotonin, and dopamine. According to a 2021 study, zinc does this by helping elevate levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the areas of our brain that control our emotions.
Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, which is converted into serotonin in your body. Serotonin is the feel-good, brain neurotransmitter, which makes you feel happy! So if exams make you stressed or sad, eat a banana and smile!”
It creates feelings of happiness and well-being and allows other cells in the nervous system to communicate with each other. Without enough clean water, your brain cannot produce enough serotonin, leaving people feeling depressed, anxious, irritable, and inadequate.
Accordingly, cortical serotonin levels are high during wakefulness, reduced during slow wave sleep (SWS), and virtually quiescent during rapid eye movement sleep.
Serotonin has been linked to fatigue because of its well known effects on sleep, lethargy and drowsiness and loss of motivation.