Serotonin acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in our body. Low mood, depression, anxiety, and even autism are believed to be associated with altered serotonin levels. Serotonin (sometimes called 5-HT because of its chemical name, 5-hydroxytryptamine) is a substance that occurs naturally in your body. Considering all of its importance to mental wellbeing, you might expect that the brain is where we find most of the body’s serotonin, but it’s not.
In fact, the gut contains the vast majority of the serotonin in our body. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin carries signals along and between nerve cells (called neurons). It’s found mainly in your intestines but also in your central nervous system (CNS), which includes your brain and your blood platelets.
Serotonin appears to affect and/or regulate a number of both phycological and body functions.
Widely known for playing a major part in regulating moods, serotonin has been called the body's natural "feel-good" chemical, because it's involved in your sense of well-being. Serotonin controls your mood and is responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment. It helps regulate when you sleep and wake up, help you think, socialise and controls your sexual desire.
Serotonin also plays a role in your bowel function as well as in reducing your appetite as you eat. In addition, your intestines produce more serotonin if you eat something that’s irritating or toxic to your digestive system. The extra serotonin helps move the affected food along so it’s expelled from your body more quickly.
Purpose
- Helps regulate our moods
- Supports social behaviour
- Reinforces a sense of relationship and integration into the group
- Supports leadership behaviour
Symptoms associated with a lack of healthy serotonin levels include:
- Withdrawal
- AngerMood swings
- Cravings and binging
- Sleep cycle disturbances
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