Causes

Important Influencing Factors
of Serotonin Deficiency

In addition to the natural decline of serotonin as we age and as the activity of the enzymes TPH1 and TPH2 steadily decrease, many other influencing factors can have a negative effect on serotonin levels. The most important ones are as follows:

Nutrition

As you have already learned, your body needs adequate levels of tryptophan for serotonin to be produced, which means that diet plays an important role. It’s important to make sure to eat enough tryptophan-containing foods and to consume a varied diet for the sake of your health.

Hormones

Estrogens, progesterone and DHEA are all hormones that influence the production of serotonin. Even a brief drop in estrogen, for example, is enough to make you feel listless or depressed. Women often experience this phenomenon in the second half of their menstrual cycle or during menopause

Vitamins and Nutrients

A balanced intake of vitamins − especially B3 and B6 vitamins, but also vitamins D and C, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese and zinc − is also an important prerequisite for healthy serotonin levels.

Lifestyle

Chronic stress and burnout, as well as stressful life circumstances and blows of fate, can slow down or even inhibit serotonin production. At the same time, these situations can be intensified by a serotonin deficiency, creating a vicious cycle. Caution is also advised when it comes to alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, all of which are also genuine serotonin thieves.

Light

In the winter, when the nights get longer, the days shorter and the sun may only rarely appear in the overcast sky, a serotonin deficiency may also occur. The reason: Vitamin D, which is primarily formed via exposure to sunlight, also boosts serotonin production. Incidentally, numerous studies have confirmed that a lack of (sun) light can be responsible for certain forms of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Medications

Some medications, such as those that lower blood pressure, or beta-blockers, can also reduce serotonin production, as can cholesterol-lowering drugs and appetite suppressants. Even an excessive intake of amino acids/protein can contribute to your body producing less serotonin. The reason herein lies in the fact that all amino acids require a transporter to be absorbed. If this transporter is occupied by the amino acids being ingested, tryptophan cannot be absorbed sufficiently, and thus only small amounts of serotonin can be produced.

Symptoms
and Disorders

Symptoms of a Serotonin Deficiency

The extreme importance of serotonin for the human body becomes very clear when one examines what a deficiency of this important hormone can trigger. A serotonin deficiency is very often responsible for sleep disorders, depression, listlessness, and fatigue or severe exhaustion. Even many intestinal problems are associated with a lack of serotonin.

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Therapies
and Solutions

Tryptophan Regulates Metabolism

The serotonin precursor tryptophan also influences metabolism and nutrient uptake. Studies have shown that the inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase 1(TPH1), leads to increased uptake of tryptophan in the brain and could thus represent a therapeutic approach for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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Latest News and Articles

Here, you will find valuable information and everything worth knowing about serotonin – as well as how to stay happy, mentally fit and healthy into old age, thanks to this important messenger substance.

Enjoy reading!

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