by Dr. Ted Cibik
When you hear the word serotonin, you might think of sleep or mood—but this powerful chemical does so much more! Naturally produced in the body, serotonin acts as a messenger between nerve cells, helping to regulate a wide range of vital functions. From digestion to wound healing, serotonin is involved in more than you might imagine.
Serotonin is primarily produced in the gut (around 90%) by enterochromaffin cells, which are part of the digestive tract. A smaller amount (around 10%) is also produced in the brain, particularly in the brainstem.
🌿 Why Serotonin Matters
Here are some of the many ways serotonin supports your health and well-being:
✨ Mood & Emotion
Serotonin helps regulate your mood and contributes to feelings of well-being. Low levels have been linked to depression and other mood disorders.
😴 Sleep Support
Serotonin plays a key role in making melatonin—the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. When serotonin is off balance, your sleep may be too.
🍽️ Digestion
Most of the body’s serotonin lives in your gut, where it helps manage digestion, bowel function, and nutrient absorption.
🩹 Wound Healing & Clotting
It helps blood clot properly and supports tissue repair, making it essential for healing after an injury.
⚖️ Appetite & Weight
Serotonin influences hunger cues and energy balance, which can affect your appetite and weight over time.
🔥 Pain Perception
This multitasker even plays a role in how you perceive pain, and imbalances may contribute to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
💓 Other Roles
Serotonin helps regulate heart function, breathing, body temperature, and hormonal balance.
⚠️ When Serotonin Is Out of Balance
- Too Low?
You may experience depression, anxiety, irritability, or sleep disturbances. - Too High?
Excess serotonin can cause symptoms like nausea, anxiety, diarrhea—or in rare cases, serotonin syndrome, a serious condition involving confusion, fever, and muscle rigidity.
In Summary
Serotonin is far more than a “feel-good” chemical. It’s a central player in your body’s physical and emotional balance. Supporting healthy serotonin levels—through good nutrition, stress management, exercise, and restorative sleep—can be an essential part of your overall well-being.
If your gut is just a wee bit off, it can affect how much serotonin you can produce and cause multiple health issues. Call for a consultation today so we can optimize your gut / serotonin health!
Call my office at 724-845-1041 or email us at info@inner-strength.com. I offer consultation in person and also distance via ZOOM.
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