serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced from tryptophan and has different roles in the body, such as regulating sleep, mood, appetite, body temperature and cognitive functions. Changes in the levels of this neurotransmitter are related to different problems, for example, changes in mood, depression and anxiety.
Serotonin is found in the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and platelets. To ensure the synthesis of this neurotransmitter, it is essential to ingest its precursor. This can be achieved by eating foods such as bananas, cheese, milk, eggs and dark chocolate.
Read too: Dopamine — neurotransmitter involved in motor control, cognition, pleasure, and mood
Serotonin summary
Serotonin is the product of hydroxylation and carboxylation of the amino acid tryptophan.
It is found in the gastrointestinal tract, in platelets and in the central nervous system.
Sleep regulation, body temperature, appetite, mood and cognitive functions are some functions performed by serotonin.
Behavioral changes and even an increased desire to eat sweets are problems that may be related to changes in serotonin levels.
To increase serotonin levels in the body, it is important to add foods rich in tryptophan to the diet.
Tryptophan must be acquired by eating foods such as bananas, cheese and dark chocolate.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, is found in the nervous system, in the gastrointestinal tract and in platelets. It is about a neurotransmitter formed from the hydroxylation and decarboxylation of the amino acid tryptophan, which cannot be produced naturally in our body.
Serotonin formation
For synthesis inside neurons, initially tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. The decarboxylation of the compound then occurs by the enzyme 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase and the formation of serotonin. Serotonin is then stored in secretory granules and released into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis. It will be responsible for the transmission of nervous impulses through the connection with specific receptors, called serotonergic.
See too: Norepinephrine—What Is the Link Between This Hormone and Depression?
Where is serotonin produced?
Although, when we refer to serotonin, we generally focus on its role in the central nervous system, the brain is not the main producer of this neurotransmitter. Most of the serotonin produced in our body happens in enteroendocrine cells and enteric neurons, cells present in the gastrointestinal tract. It is estimated that 95% of all serotonin in humans is produced there.
What is serotonin for?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter related to numerous functions in our organism. It participates, for example, in the following processes:
modulation of gastrointestinal motility;
platelet function;
regulation of sexual activity;
circadian rhythm;
neuroendocrine functions;
pain sensitivity;
body temperature;
cognitive functions;
motor activities.
Furthermore, serotonin acts in the regulation of emotions, behavioral control, eating behavior and energy balance.
What problems are related to serotonin levels in the body?
Serotonin participates in important functions in our body, and changes in its normal concentration can have serious consequences. Among the problems related to the change in serotonin concentrations are:
behavior changes;
mood swings;
depression;
aggressiveness;
fatigue.
A anxiety it is also a problem which stems from low levels of serotonin. A irritable bowel syndrome it is also related to changes in the level of this neurotransmitter. This problem, which causes changes in the characteristics of bowel movements, in addition to pain or gastrointestinal discomfort, can be treated with drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.
Know more: After all, what is a healthy diet?
serotonin and satiety
the serotonin is directly related to our satiety, and low levels of the neurotransmitter or problems in signaling with it are related to an increased desire to eat sweets and carbohydrates.
When serotonin levels are adequate in the body, an individual can have greater control over sugar intake and feel full more easily. That is why some drugs that aim to treat obesity are based on serotonin reuptake inhibition. This is the case, for example, with sibutramine.
What to eat to increase serotonin levels?
To maintain adequate levels of serotonin, the first step is to invest in proper nutrition. This is due to the fact that adequate levels of this neurotransmitter depend on the tryptophan intake and carbohydrates.
Tryptophan, as noted, is the precursor of serotonin and it is an essential amino acid, that is, one that must be ingested in our diet. Several foods are rich in tryptophan, and it is possible to find it, for example, in foods such as banana, cheese, honey, dark chocolate, milk, grains, seeds, almonds, nuts and brown rice.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
