Health Topics > Brain Health > serotonindeficiencysyndrome

Share         Tweet

SEROTONIN DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Twenty amino acids are necessary for protein synthesis. Eleven can be synthesized by the human body and nine must be obtained from the diet.  Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids that is not produced by the body but rather must come strictly from the diet.

L-tryptophan, in large amounts, can be a natural sedative. It is found in large quantities in turkey meat, causing people to think this is the reason they are sleepy after a Christmas feast.

Serotonin - what is it?

Tryptophan converts to the chemical serotonin in the brain. So serotonin is made in the brain from the amino acid tryptophan.  This conversion requires various nutrients including magnesium and B vitamins.  When it comes to our moods and the way that we generally enjoy the pleasures of life, the most important chemical in our brain is serotonin.

What do we need Serotonin for?

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for our feelings of well-being.  It is a remarkable brain messenger and adequate amounts of serotonin are required for:

• Stable moods
• Appetite control
• Feelings of happiness, contentment, relaxation
• Concentration, fatigue 
• Proper sleep and healthy libido
• Regulation of appetite, usually reducing it
• Prevention of premenstrual syndrome
• Prevention of headaches
• Control of anxiety and depression
• Promoting positive thinking and self esteem

Depleted serotonin levels is what has become known as the Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome. The production of serotonin in the brain may be reduced by advancing age, unhappy life events and stress, lack of exercise, lack of exposure to sunshine, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes of menopause, genetic factors, etc.

The Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome is an increasingly common disorder and is observable in a collection of emotional as well as behavioural problems, such as compulsive gambling.

How can serotonin levels be increased?

Modern day antidepressant drugs exert their effect because they increase the levels of various chemicals in the brain.

Medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are available and for many sufferers they are remarkably effective, but they can have side effects such as headaches, nausea, digestive disturbances and others.

Raw Juicing

Dr Cabot's book "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"  has juicing recipes on page 78 which include various fruits and vegetables with healing properties to help improve moods.

For more information on depression, see our A-Z medical conditions guide

Dietary sources of tryptophan include; fish, poultry, chickpeas, bananas, turkey and other meats, soy products, cottage cheese, milk, brown rice and peanuts. 

Nutritional supplements

Nutritional supplements can have a powerful therapeutic effect.  This is particularly so if the correct combination of specific nutrients and herbs are used synergistically together.

Recommended books

• "Magnesium - The Miracle Mineral - You won't believe the difference it makes to your health!
• "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"

Recommended supplements

Magnesium powder or tablets

• Take 2 tablets twice daily or 1 teaspoon daily in water or raw juice.  Magnesium (along with vitamin B6) is required for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin.  Depression associated with irritability and agitation may be part of a magnesium deficiency syndrome. 

• Take 1 tablet three times daily.  Hypericum (St John's Wort) has often been used for nervous complaints, and is usually free of side effects.  Hypericum increases the concentration of serotonin in the central nervous system.  Hypericum is thought to exert its antidepressant and mood elevating effect in a similar way to the MAOI's anti depressant drugs.  That is; it is able to inhibit the enzymes that break down the brain chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin.  (St John's Wort is not advised if taking anti-depressants or several other medications including oral contraceptives; consult your doctor if you wish to use it).
  

• Take 2 tablets twice daily.  Selenium is frequently deficient in the Western diet.  Research has found that selenium is associated with improvement in moods.

• Take 3 daily. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in large quantities in the human brain. Omega 3 fats are deficient in the typical Western diet and they are known to help with depression.