Serotonin deficiency symptoms
Serotonin is a critical brain chemical. It helps to regulate mood, sleep patterns and stress levels. Many things you do in your daily activity can bring about a deficiency in serotonin levels, such as not getting enough sun light to living in a high stress environment or eating a poor diet and a lack of exercise. Prescription medications, abusing alcohol and excessive caffeine intake can also lead to serotonin deficiencies.
When normal levels of this brain chemical occur, serotonin deficiency symptoms appear. Serotonin deficiency symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common symptom for most people who have a serotonin deficiency is depression. The person begins to feel melancholy and after awhile can enter into a deep depression. Medications that boost serotonin levels help relive the symptoms of depression if a deficiency is the cause.
Anxiety is another one of the common serotonin deficiency symptoms. Anxiety levels can vary from slight anxious feelings all the way to full blown anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Prescription medications can be given for anxiety that can help bring serotonin levels back up to normal.
Insomnia is another well known symptom of a deficiency in serotonin. A disruption in sleep patterns is common. People who suffer from a deficiency can have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep or going back to sleep once they waken. As a result they can be fatigued throughout the day and lose the ability to think clearly. They can lose impulse control and feel like they are not up to par mentally. Loss of impulse control often leads to obsessive compulsive behaviors or gambling or drug addictions. Memory loss is also a common symptom of someone who has a serotonin deficiency. A serotonin deficiency directly impacts how a person thinks and behaves. Some people who are deficient can have feelings of worthlessness and low self esteem.
Serotonin deficiency symptoms should be evaluated by a medical doctor. The doctor can recommend lifestyle changes that can help boost levels of serotonin. Prescription medications are also given to treat the symptoms of low levels of serotonin in the brain. Lifestyle changes can include finding a less stressful job or environment to live in and making sure you get outside everyday for exposure to sunlight. Sunlight plays a very critical role in the production of serotonin. When you drastic limit exposure to natural sunlight serotonin levels drop. This is why serotonin symptoms can be more noticeable during winter months when people tend to stay inside more.
Lowering alcohol consumption and drinking less coffee can also help raise levels of serotonin. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 or two drinks a day. Coffee should be limited to one or two cups a day as well. There are also various vitamins and mineral supplements that can help boost levels of serotonin naturally. 5-hydroxytryptophan is a popular supplement that people are taking to treat serotonin deficiency symptoms. You can find this supplement online or at your favorite health food stores. There are various brands on the market for this supplement. A healthy and balanced diet is important for maintaining adequate serotonin levels. Fad diets can end up reducing serotonin levels. It is much better to eat a healthy diet in order to lose weight, rather than risking serotonin deficiency. People who take diet pills can end up with a serotonin deficiency and can experience depression as a result. Recreational drugs can also lower serotonin levels. Certain over the counter medications can also interfere with serotonin production. Be sure you discuss all of these factors with your medical doctor if you suspect you are having serotonin deficiency symptoms.
Comments are closed
Related Information
