Primary Uses for Serotonin

Serotonin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter. Secreted by the pineal gland, located in the exact center of the brain, research shows serotonin regulates the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition to being a mood regulator, serotonin is used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), general stress, and fibromyalgia. The daily requirement for this hormone is less than 1.5 mg per pound of body weight.

Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

• PTSD is caused by an individual's exposure.

  PTSD is an anxiety disorder affecting individuals who have been exposed to a disastrous event, which may have threatened their lives or included witnessing tragic harm being afflicted. This disorder is most often related to individuals who have experienced combat. Patients are treated with an SSRI-Selective Serotonin Receptacle Inhibitors that have a calming effect on the body. The result for the patient is a calming effect on the body and reduction in the feeling of anxiety and aggression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Bananas are a good source of serotonin.

  SAD is a form of depression related to the shortening of daylight in the fall. Serotonin's mood-improving qualities help lift the spirits of the PRSD sufferer as well as those who suffer from general disorder. Natural sources of serotonin include bananas, dried dates, cottage cheese, milk, fish, meat, turkey and peanuts. Light therapy in which a patient is subjected to increased amounts of natural light either through a window or from a sun lamp, is also effective in treating SAD.

Fibromyalagia

• Fibromyalgia is charaterized by the existance of chronic fatigue

  Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain of the muscles and tendons accompanied by varied tender points all over the body and general fatigue. Fibromyalgia affects more women than men and occurs in 2 percent of the population in the United States. As serotonin is a pain-fighting hormone, it is frequently used to treat fibromyalgia. Many medical professionals agree fibromyalgia is caused by low levels of serotonin. Besides taking supplements, serotonin can be taken from natural sources of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that aids in the body's production of serotonin and is found in soy, turkey, chicken, halibut, beans and cheddar cheese.

General Stress

• Lavendar may induce calm and happiness.

  Serotonin's mood regulating neurotransmitters help alleviate stress in sufferers. People suffering from chronic stress benefit from supplementing their regular diet with serotonin, or tryptophan to increase its production. In some cases, using lavender can induce feelings of calm and happiness. Known as a feel good hormone, serotonin is actually lowered by high levels of stress and therefore must be added back.