The hormone serotonin
Among the four hormones often referred to as the happiness hormone, serotonin holds a special place. He is perhaps the most famous, heard by many people and this is no coincidence. Let’s find out why we need it

What is the hormone serotonin

Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters, that is, it is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses.

It was discovered in 1935 – the Italian pharmacologist Vittorio Erspamer isolated from the gastrointestinal tract a substance that was responsible for the contraction of smooth muscles. At first, scientists thought it was adrenaline. And only after 2 years Erspamer managed to understand that this was a hitherto unknown substance, which he called “enteramine”.

In 1948, specialists from the Cleveland Clinic Maurice Rapport, Arda Green and Irving Page discovered a substance in the blood serum that was responsible for vasoconstriction. They called it “serotonin”.

And only in 1952, scientists managed to understand that Erspamer’s enteramine and Rappoport-Green-Page serotonin are one and the same substance. They left him the last name and began to actively study his work in the body. And very soon it became clear that the functions of this hormone are extremely diverse:

  • reduces pain sensitivity – if it were not for serotonin, even the smallest scratch, the slightest irritation would cause us very severe pain;
  • increases blood clotting – it is contained in blood platelets and enhances their activity in places of tissue damage;
  • affects inflammatory reactions – increases vascular permeability and helps leukocytes to go to the focus of inflammation in order to block the infection;
  • affects digestion – enhances intestinal motility, regulates the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • coordinates childbirth – regulates the contraction of the uterus and fallopian tubes;
  • affects ejaculation in men – a large amount of serotonin inhibits the onset of orgasm, and its lack leads to a too quick finale.

In addition, serotonin is responsible for our pleasure – there is always a lot of it in moments when we feel happiness or ecstasy. And as soon as the level of serotonin drops, we often become depressed.

By the way, serotonin is produced in sufficient quantities under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, which is why we are depressed most often in autumn and winter.

With a lack of serotonin, the following symptoms appear:

  • constantly bad mood;
  • apathy, loss of strength, fatigue from any work – both physical and mental;
  • insomnia;
  • low concentration of attention;
  • lack of interest in life and thoughts of suicide.

How to increase the hormone serotonin in the body of a man and a woman

When there is enough serotonin in the body, we feel good, we are happy, the soul rejoices! A healthy mind, as you know, in a healthy body. Therefore, in order not to experience a shortage of the hormone of happiness, you must lead the right lifestyle.

Exercise regularly

Any physical activity increases the level of serotonin in the body. Sign up for a pool or fitness class, start jogging or at least walk longer, start your morning with a workout.

Get more sun

Make it a rule to be outside more often. Walk in the park. Go for groceries not to the nearest store, but to a distant one. Go to nature – for mushrooms, fishing, to the beach – serotonin is produced under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Boost your mood

Any methods are fine. Call the kids, have a heart-to-heart with friends, watch comedies – do whatever it takes to be happy. A good mood will increase the level of serotonin, and it will add even more pleasant moments to you.

Meditate, practice yoga

Meditation and yoga are known to help fight stress. Less stress – more serotonin. More serotonin means more joy in life.

Give up alcohol

No, a drunken party with friends will certainly please you, but remember what happens the next day? Let’s discard the obvious symptoms of a hangover and remember the internal sensations; a feeling of anxiety, inner emptiness, apathy and a sense of the worthlessness of life. Familiar? And all because the level of serotonin has fallen. So quit drinking if you don’t want to be a miserable and joyless person.

Popular questions and answers

Answered popular questions about dopamine pathophysiologist, immunologist, nutrition specialist Alena Paretskaya.

Where is the hormone serotonin produced?

The hormone serotonin gives us a feeling of satisfaction and happiness, love. Serotonin is partly produced by brain cells, but fairly high amounts also come from the intestinal wall and are produced by platelets. The greatest accumulation of serotonin is typical in the brain, where it helps in the transmission of impulses.

What foods contain the hormone serotonin?

The hormone itself is not contained in the products, but for its uninterrupted synthesis, the presence of the amino acid tryptophan in food is necessary. This amino acid is found in all dairy products and soy proteins, nuts and seeds, and cereals. Fish and meat, mushrooms, dates and bananas are also useful.

Leave a Reply