Can Increasing Serotonin Cure Depression?
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Posted On :
Jul-21-2010
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Article Word Count :
705
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Depression, anxiety, eating disorders and many other disabling conditions are heavily influenced by the concentration of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin present in the brain.
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Depression, anxiety, eating disorders and many other disabling conditions are heavily influenced by the concentration of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin present in the brain. Serotonin is the transmitter responsible for regulating a wide variety of brain functions and increasing amounts can lead to immense improvements in disorders. Improved sleep, memory and will power are easily achieved through a variety of simple methods outlined below as well as a significant decrease in depression that is commonly reported to have been replaced by a generally more positive outlook on life.
Most cells in the brain, over 40 million, are either directly or indirectly affected by serotonin levels as well as muscles, and parts of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Because of this widespread influence, low serotonin levels are often attributed to anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, obesity and fibromyalgia. Researchers are continuing to study the connection between either an imbalance or the suppression of new brain cell growth and the production of serotonin. A shortage of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin production, is believed to be a major culprit leading to depression. High levels of tryptophan in the brain directly influence increased serotonin production and new brain cell production begins to rise. Those who have successfully increased tryptophan consumption and therefore their serotonin levels, show marked improvements in eating disorders, chronic pain, migraines, alcohol abuse and depression.
Prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression, antidepressant medications known as SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors aim to increase serotonin production though the scientific explanation for their effectiveness is still not completely understood. For many, the potential side effects of these manufactured drugs make antidepressants an undesirable option. There are virtually no negative side effects of 30 minutes of exercise three times a week however, which is believed to significantly raise serotonin levels and has been shown to extensively decrease depression levels within minutes. Exercise does not have to be strenuous as stretching, walking and yoga combined with drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day can also increase these levels. Exposure to adequate sunlight, vitamin B-6 and daily prayer or meditation is also known to promote improved overall health.
Serotonin cannot be obtained directly through food. It must be manufactured by the body using tryptophan which is found in high levels in certain common foods. High protein meals containing beef, chicken, fish, nuts and dairy products are high in tryptophan. However, there are many other amino acids in these foods that compete with the tryptophan to gain access to the brain. This results in limited absorption of tryptophan and therefore a limited rise in serotonin levels. Eating high-protein foods in a high-carbohydrate meal causes most of the competing amino acids to be absorbed by the body with the exception of tryptophan which remains at high levels in the bloodstream and is then easily absorbed by the brain. Also effective are Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, fish oils and flaxseed oils that aid nerve pulse transmission of neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Testing for a neurotransmitter deficiency such as serotonin is available and helpful in determining an appropriate treatment. Natural brain supplements are likely to be the most effective means of increasing serotonin levels in the brain while allowing users to avoid the high caloric intake of carbohydrate-rich meals required for tryptophan absorption and the side effect prone ant depression medications. Derived from seeds of Griffonia simpicifolia, a native African plant, 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxy tryptophan, is a safe dietary supplement that introduces higher levels of tryptophan into the blood stream which then enter the central nervous system and facilitate the needed synthesis of serotonin.
Easily one of the more affordable solutions to depression caused by low serotonin levels, 5-HTP supplements are best purchased by a safe, trusted outlet. Online distributors such as integrativepsychiatry.net/serotonin.html make finding a safe, effective supplement easy and affordable. Comprehensive treatment information along with the ability to consult with a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner or holistic health practitioner instead of a salesperson is provided. Depression does not have to be a life sentence. Many affordable, natural remedies are available to increase serotonin and have been safely used to cure the painful effects of debilitating depression.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Can Increasing Serotonin Cure Depression?_26393.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author of this article has expertise in natural remedies. The articles on Natural Serotonin reveals the author’s knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on Serotonin levels as well.
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Keywords :
Serotonin levels, increase serotonin, serotonin test, raise serotonin levels, 5 htp, Serotonin neurotransmitter, Natural Sero,
Category :
Health and Fitness
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Health and Fitness
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