| Functions |
- Brain Synchrony: Mood and anger regulation
- Temperature regulation: affects Thyroid and metabolism
- Sleep regulation: converted to melatonin
- Appetite: carbohydrate stimulates production, present in Gastro Intestinal (GI) tract and affects GI motility
- Pain modulation
- Vasoconstriction
|
| Food habits and Weight Management |
- Controls rhythm and tiredness – via conversion to melatonin and leads to proper rest and recuperation
- Controls hunger – low serotonin leads to increased Ghrelin which controls feelings of hunger
- Low serotonin leads to carbohydrate and salty foods cravings
|
| Hormonal interactions |
- Interacts with Progesterone, Growth Hormone, Pregnenolone, Leptin, Aldosterone
- Serotonin controls T3 production and TSH release
- Thyroid hormones determine serotonin levels (low TSH, T4 or T3 leads to low serotonin)
- Serotonin primes estrogen receptors
|
| Deficiencies |
- Loss of coordinated development affects mind-body connection, causing headaches, backaches, insomnia and depression
- Anger and aggression
- Depression and guilt, OCD, Bipolar, Anxiety
- Migraines, food issues and IBS
- Tinnitus, Fibromyalgia
- Intense religious experiences
|
| Excess |
- Self-esteem: shyness, inferiority complex, nervousness, vulnerable to criticism and fear of being disliked, fear of social contact
- Excess may be caused by estrogen dominance
|
| Symptoms of deficiency |
- Loss of pleasure in hobbies, interests and favourite activities and loss of enjoyment of life, friendships and relationships
- Overwhelm and feelings of too many ideas to manage
- Inner rage, inner paranoia, depression
- Unable to fall into deep sleep (due to melatonin deficiency); SAD
|
| Causes of deficiency |
- Inflammation and chronic health issues
- Gluten sensitivity affects serotonin receptors
- Insulin surges
- Low nutrients: Vitamins B6 & B12, Zinc, Magnesium
- Low protein and sources of tryptophan in diet
- Excess caffeine and stress
|
| Food modulators |
|
| Herb and supplement modulators |
5HTP, St John’s, Wort, SAMe, Inositol |
Adapted from:
Braverman, E. (2009). Younger (Thinner) You Diet. New York, N.Y.:Rodale.
Kharrazian, D. (2013). Why Isn’t My Brain Working? Carlsbad, C.A.: Elephant Press
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