It is known that most diseases in humans develop on the background of stress. Stress and prolonged depression provoke the launch of pathological reactions that upset the balance in all systems. It has been noticed that some people become depressed over any trifle, while it is almost impossible to bring others out of harmonious balance. What's the matter? What makes these people different?
Of course, the character of a person and genetics have their influence. But why are there so many more people with depression in autumn and winter? What do you need to do to cope with a stressful situation?
Where does serotonin come from? Synthesis of serotonin in the body
The human body produces the substance serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter.
Serotonin is a biogenic amine that regulates thermoregulation, sleep processes, digestion, behavioral responses, and controls blood pressure.
Most of the serotonin is synthesized in the intestines, and this process is activated with joyful emotions, a feeling of happiness. The rest of serotonin (5%) is produced in the brain and takes part in the transmission of nerve impulses.
Therefore, during depression, people experience absent-mindedness, decreased concentration and memory loss.
Serotonin is also synthesized in the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan, but when the body is exposed to direct sunlight. This explains the increased frequency of depression in autumn and winter.
When serotonin is produced in the intestines, it enters the bloodstream and has since become a hormone that is called the "hormone of joy." Up to 10 mg of serotonin, which is found in platelets, constantly circulates in the blood.
The role of serotonin in the body. Serotonin Functions
Everything that is produced in a normally functioning organism is necessary and important for life. So is serotonin, which affects most processes in the body.
Serotonin functions:
- Carries out the transmission of impulses in the brain, thereby controlling emotional reactions, behavior, sleep, memory, attention, learning ability. Sexual desire and appetite are also regulated.
- A sufficient amount of serotonin increases the threshold for pain sensitivity, which makes a person more resistant to pain.
- Since blood serotonin is found in platelets, low levels of serotonin increase bleeding. With increased bleeding, serotonin is injected, which helps to reduce bleeding.
- Serotonin has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines, respiratory tract and blood vessels. Insufficient serotonin can cause intestinal obstruction.
- Normal levels of serotonin have a positive effect on the composition of normal intestinal microflora.
Serotonin level is not always sufficient. With the current pace of life and constant stressful situations, people become irritable, angry, unable to concentrate on the task at hand…All this is due to a lack of serotonin.
How to increase the level of serotonin in the body?
When a person notices the above symptoms, his body requires an immediate increase in the level of serotonin, the “hormone of joy.” For this, it is important for a person to do those things that bring pleasure – swimming, cycling, horseback riding, trip to the dolphinarium.
It is important to include food rich in the amino acid tryptophan, from which serotonin is synthesized in the intestines. This protein food. You also need to eat what a person really wants, because endorphins are produced at the same time. Usually these are sweets and fruits - chocolate, strawberries, bananas, grapes, oranges.
Recommended yoga, meditation, massage and lots of laughter and walks in the fresh air.
All this must be taken into account by psychologists and psychiatrists who treat many depressive conditions. After all, most of them can be successfully cured if the level of serotonin in the body is increased.
Symptoms of elevated levels of serotonin in the body
But here, too, there are some points to consider. There is a serotonin syndrome that appears when the level of the hormone is very high. This may be due to the uncontrolled use of antidepressants along with headache pills.
Serotonin syndrome is manifested by hallucinations, restlessness, loss of coordination, jumps in blood pressure and body temperature, heart palpitations, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. If such symptoms are detected, it is urgent to stop taking all medications for depression.
In order not to give depression a chance, you need to listen to your desires and please yourself. Also in autumn and summer, it is more often to be outdoors under open sunlight. If a person is doing well in the family and at work – he is not afraid of any problems and stressful situations.
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