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These are basically Cells of
the nervous system, which transmit nerve impulses (electrical signals) between
cells.
These cells or neurons actively
communicate amongst themselves to regulate all of our body processes. This means then that
serotonin facilitates that communication. Because of this communication role, it is also known
as a neurotransmitter (scientifically called 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT).
Let us consider these neurons a
bit. they are joined by axons and dendrites. An axon, or "nerve fiber," is a long thin
projection of a nerve cell, or "neuron," which conducts electrical impulses away from the
neuron's cell body or soma. Axons are in effect the primary transmission lines of the nervous
system, and as bundles they help make up nerves. Individual axons are microscopic in
diameter--typically about one micrometre across-- but may extend to macroscopic lengths. These
axons take messages away from brain.
The dendrites are Branched
extensions of the nerve cell body that receive signals from other nerve cells. In essence these
send messages to the brain. These axons and denrites join at a place called synapses. This is
the gap between nerve fibers or junctions through which cells of the nervous system signal to
one another and to non-neuronal cells such as muscles or glands. In Short this is where the
messages are sent across to the other side.
Now this is where the
neurotransmitter, serotonin comes in. It is its job to carry the message across in order to keep
our bodies in check i.e. having our body processes regulated. So it is now clear why a lack of
serotonin might cause some disorders in our bodies. If its levels are low, the body does not
function as expected and it can be the underlying cause of depression and
violence.
This chemical or hormone
(Serotoin) affects emotions, behavior, and thought. So when there is a lack of serotonin you are
most likely to fall in to serious depression. This lack may be caused by stress, poor diet
uptake, exposure to toxic substances, Changes in your hormone levels can cause a change in
serotonin levels. This is especially true for woman during their premenstrual
cycles.
It is possible to have low
levels of serotonin due to genetic disorders. This can mean that genetically serotonin is
processed ineffeciantly in the brain. This can happen when 5HTT serotonin receptors are too
short this causing serotonin to be absorbed to quickly. This will in turn cause a short supply
of serotonin, which may lead to mood and energy problems. To men, the lack of Serotonin can
cause premature ejaculation.
To get back to our topic of
food cravings, the low availability of serotonin in the system may stimulate food cravings. The
sight, smell or expectation of food stimulates serotonin release in the hypothalamus, a part of
the brain known to regulate feeding and sleep. When eating serotonin continues to rise, until it
registers in the hyptothalamus as the experience of satisfaction. So id you didn't know now you
know that the full feeling in your stomach actually comes from your brain. So If you increase
serotonin availability or activity you will tend to reduce food consumption. If you decrease
serotonin system activity you will tend to increase food consumption.
The lack of serotonin can even
stimulate cravings for things such as alcohol and cigarettes. Drinking alcohol raises serotonin
levels but only temporary and then lowers it. This is why people feel so joyful when first drunk
and then crash into anger or depression almost immediately. For cigarettes, the nicotine element
will increase serotonin activity in some parts of the brain temporarily, and then when the
serotonin activity falls, the craving for another cigarette occurs.
Furthermore, this short supply
can also lead to insentitivity to impending danger or consequences. If you continue to think or
expose yourself to these conditions will reinforce the brain's reduced serotonin production.
Suicide is possible at this point since you may not care or you may be insensitive to possible
consequences.
Here is a list of effects of
lack of seretonin in your body; Depression, Some types of sexual problems,Personality disorders,
Anxiety, Sleep disturbances , Suicide , Impulsive acts of violence and aggression,
Obsessive-compulsive behavior, Alcoholism, Eating disorders and Perhaps schizophrenia and
Alzheimer's disease.
We recommend that you have your
blood tested to evaluate your serotonin levels. If this is the cause of your depression hence
your excessive food cravings you may need to get some treatment. It is also important that you
take good care of yourself by eating three healthy meals a day, drink plenty of water and
exercise daily. This way you are most likely to build or preserve your
serotonin levels. In another article we will futher look at serotonin
syndrome.
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