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Learn more:1. http://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asp2. http://psychology.about.com/od/nindex/g/neurotransmitter.htm3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haNoq8UbSyc4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXqXBnxP_sE5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey9_TY-B5ZI6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxvyG2eyrYs

SerotoninWhat is a Neurotransmitter?

     A  neurotransmitter  is  a  chemical  messenger  that  carries,  boosts  and  modulates  signals  between  neurons  and  other  cells  in  the  body.  In  most  cases,  a  neurotransmitter  is  released  from  the  axon  terminal  after  an  action  potential  has  reached  the  synapse.  The  neurotransmitter  then  crosses  the  synaptic  gap  to  reach  the  receptor  site  of  the  other  cell  or  neuron.  The  neurotransmitter  is  located  at  the  tip  of  the  synaptic  end  bulbs  in-­‐order-­‐to  continue  the  nerve  impulse  to  the  next  neuron  for  a  continued  signal.

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SEROTONIN-WHAT IS IT?

What  exactly  is  serotonin?  You  may  know  something  about  it,  that  with  out  it  you  can  be  sad  or  some  of  the  basics.  Here  you  can  learn  more.  

Serotonin,  also  known  as  5-­‐hydroxytryptamine  is  a  hormone  in  the  pineal  gland,  the  digestive  tract,  the  central  nervous  system,  and  blood  platelets.  

A  hormone  is  a  substance  our  body  produces  that  regulates  and  controls  the  activity  of  certain  cells  or  organs.  

Serotonin  is  a  Inhibitory,  meaning  it  helps  create  balance  in  the  brain.

Serotonin  plays  a  big  part  in  mood  and  digestion.  Serotonin  levels  are  responsible  for  controlling  and  regulating  your  appetite,  memory,  learning,  muscle  movement,  sexual  behavior,  reproductive  system,  sleep,  endocrine,  renal,  immune  and  gastrointestinal  functions,  and  body  temperature  regulation.  

So  in  short,  serotonin  plays  a  major  role  in  your  every  day  life.  If  you  have  been  diagnosed  with  a  serotonin  imbalance,  these  are  some  natural  suggestions  to  help  restore  them.  

1. Exercise,  2. Eating  enough  protein  and  carbohydrates3. Getting  enough  sleep,  going  outside  and  getting  enough  light4. Working  on  having  positive  moods  and  emotions.  

WHAT DOES IT AFFECT?

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SEROTONIN AND DEPRESSION! Too  low  of  levels  of  Serotonin  can  lead  to  depression.  There  are  two  types  of  drugs  used  to  help  patients  with  depression.

SSRIS  (Selective  Serotonin  Re-­‐uptake  inhibitors)-­‐  Target  the  Serotonin  system  by  blocking  the  pumps  which  bring  the  serotonin  back  into  the  Axon  after  a  signal.  This  causes  signals  to  seem  stronger  and  last  longer.Examples  of  this  type  of  medication  are:  Fluoxetine,  Paroxetine,  Zoloft,  Lexapro,  Celexa,  Luvox,  Venlafaxine,  Cymbalta,  and  Bupropion.

MAOIs  (Monoamine  Oxidase  Inhibitors)-­‐  Oldest  type  of  antidepressants  and  have  more  risks  and  side  effects.  They  target  the  serotonin  system  by  preventing  the  breakdown  of  serotonin  in  the  body.  This  artiYicially  raises  serotonin  levels.Some  examples  would  be:  Isocarboxazid.  Phenelzine,  Selegiline,  and  Tranylcypromine.

What  happens  if  you  have  too  much  Serotonin?-­‐  this  can  lead  to  sedation,  nausea,  vomiting,  and  diarrhea.  What  happen  if  you  have  too  little  Serotonin?-­‐  it  can  cause  depression,  problems  with  anger  control,  obsessive  compulsive  disorders,  suicide,  and  increased  appetite.  Also  associated  with  migraines,  irritable  bowel  syndrome,  and  Yibromyalgia.

Facts on Serotonin1. Serotonin  levels  are  

affected  by  diet.2. Approximately  80  

percent  of  the  human  body's  total  serotonin  is  located  in  the  enterchromafYin  cells  in  the  gut,  where  it  is  used  to  regulate  intestinal  movement.

3. The  most  prescribed  drugs  in  many  parts  of  the  world  are  drugs  which  alter  serotonin  levels.

4. In  humans,  defective  signaling  of  serotonin  in  the  brain  may  be  the  root  cause  of  sudden  infant  death  syndrome  (SIDS).  

SEROTONIN LEVELS