Serotonin: The “Happy” Hormone

Happy Day, my friends!!!

Today is indeed a “happy" day as I dedicate this blog to a very special neurotransmitter, which also acts as a hormone: Serotonin. Serotonin, along with dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, are considered the "feel-good" hormones due to the happy and, sometimes, euphoric feelings they produce.

You might be wondering why I chose this topic. The interest arose last month with the release of a scientific study paper linking memory-related illnesses, including Long COVID brain fog, to low levels of serotonin. (You can find the study in our latest newsletter publication, link here.) I found this study fascinating, especially considering Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia affecting memory, thinking, and behavior, is prevalent among women on my mom's side of the family. We can say it is the family 'curse,' if you believe in such things. So, anything that sheds light on this disease, how to treat it, and even reverse it is of great interest to me.

The study states that “viral infection and type I interferon-driven inflammation reduce serotonin through three mechanisms: diminished intestinal absorption of the serotonin precursor tryptophan; platelet hyperactivation and thrombocytopenia, which impacts serotonin storage; and enhanced MAO-mediated serotonin turnover. Peripheral serotonin reduction, in turn, impedes the activity of the vagus nerve and thereby impairs hippocampal responses and memory. These findings provide a possible explanation for neurocognitive symptoms associated with viral persistence in Long COVID, which may extend to other post-viral syndromes.”

If the above explanation is too wordy, here is my simplified version: Viral infections reduce serotonin levels, impacting serotonin storage. This reduction of serotonin impedes the activity of the vagus nerve, which, in turn, impacts hippocampal response and memory. This raises personal questions, like: Could viral infections be a cause of Alzheimer's disease? Could it be a mere coincidence that my grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, had recurrent chronic urinary tract infections?

The study's “findings indicate possible targets for clinical interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). [The] animal models demonstrate that serotonin levels can be restored and memory impairment reversed by precursor supplementation or SSRI treatment.” “[This] study, together with recent findings linking depression with cognitive impairment in Long COVID and the effect of SSRIs on vagus nerve activity, call for the assessment of targeting serotonin signaling for the prevention or treatment of neurocognitive manifestations.”

The last paragraph states that more studies are needed to confirm the findings of this specific study, but knowing there is a possible mechanism for the prevention, treatment, and possible reversal of cognitive impairment is a ray of hope.

Now that serotonin has come to the front page of magazines and will be a topic of discussion, let’s get to know this neurotransmitter, which acts as a hormone. Medical News Today states that “The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT).” Also, they explain that “The intestines and the brain produce serotonin. It is also present in blood platelets and plays a role in the central nervous system (CNS). However, serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that the brain must produce any serotonin it needs. Treatments for depression and other mental health issues do not supply serotonin directly but trigger reactions that can boost serotonin levels in the brain.”

Serotonin occurs throughout the body and appears to influence a range of physical and psychological functions. Cleveland Clinic specifies the following body functions:

• Mood: Serotonin in your brain regulates your mood. It’s often called your body’s natural 'feel-good' chemical. When serotonin is at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier, and calmer. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.

• Digestion: Most of your body’s serotonin is in your GI tract where it helps control your bowel function and plays a role in protecting your gut. Your gut can increase serotonin release to speed digestion to rid your body of irritating foods or toxic products. Serotonin also plays a part in reducing your appetite while eating.

• Nausea: Nausea is triggered when serotonin is released into your gut faster than it can be digested. The chemical message is received by your brain, which you perceive as nausea. Many drugs used to reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting target specific serotonin receptors in your brain.

• Sleep: Serotonin, together with another neurotransmitter dopamine, plays a role in the quality of your sleep (how well and how long you sleep). Your brain also needs serotonin to make melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.

• Wound healing: Serotonin is released by platelets in your blood to help heal wounds. It also causes the tiniest blood vessels, arterioles, to narrow, which slows blood flow and helps clots to form. This is an important process in wound healing.

• Bone health: Serotonin levels may play a role in the density of your bones. High levels of serotonin in your gut may play a role in making bones weak, which can lead to bone breaks (fractures) and osteoporosis.

• Sexual health: Serotonin also plays a role — together with the neurotransmitter dopamine — in your desire for sex.

All of the above shows the importance of this neurotransmitter/hormone, including the link between memory loss and reduced levels of serotonin shown in the study. So, how do we keep optimal levels of serotonin in our system? The article in this link explains exactly that. If you are curious to know more, I invite you to read, but here are the key points:

• Exercise and physical activity - Regular exercise and body movement are the most commonly known way to release tryptophan and stimulate serotonin. At least 30 minutes a day of regular exercise is recommended to help stimulate the release of tryptophan and boost serotonin, resulting in better mood and overall well-being.

• Diet and nutrition - Research suggests that eating tryptophan-rich foods may help boost serotonin levels. Reducing or eliminating foods high in trans fat, which do not provide the brain and body with the nutrients it needs and leads to both physical and mental health concerns.

• Exposure to sunlight - Studies show that there is a positive correlation between sunlight and serotonin levels, and that they can help with symptoms of depression.

• Sleep and circadian rhythm - Studies have also shown that serotonin helps regulate circadian rhythm phases. With this information, there is a possibility that changes in sleep habits can impact serotonin levels.

I hope this article and all the rich information in it provides a little bit of excitement about all the possibilities of aging in optimal health and well-being and how much we can do to create that future.

Let’s do exercise, let’s eat healthy, let’s go out and have a good night's sleep, and let’s keep collaborating and sharing for many, many years to come.

Let’s walk the path of well-being together!

With Unconditional Love,

Coach Edna

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Did something spark your curiosity on this post? Do you want to know more about a this or other health & lifestyle topic? Leave a comment below or contact me. I'll be happy to answer and/or provide additional information.