As I was re-recording some audio articles the other day, I realized how often I mention serotonin. Yet, I’ve never written about it, and I can only assume that many readers don’t really know what it is.



I’ll briefly explain what it is, how it affects your health, and give you three things you can do today to naturally improve your serotonin levels. 





What is serotonin?



5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), more commonly known as serotonin, is a neurotransmitter that not only affects cognitive function, it also plays key roles in metabolism.



Only about 2% of your total serotonin is found in the nervous system, yet that small amount plays a significant role in your mental health. The rest is found throughout your body, including your gut.



Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid that gives turkey its sleep-inducing reputation. In reality, it’s probably not the turkey alone that causes people to nap after Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates also increase 5-HT production, and most people eat plenty of them with their holiday meal.



That said, supplements like 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) do seem to induce sleep and relax the mind as 5-HTP gets easily converted to 5-HT.



Effects of 5-HT



Serotonin affects almost every area of the body, from brain function to bone formation. The following is a brief overview of how 5-HT affects you and your health.



Appetite



Serotonin depletion induces appetite and causes weight gain, whereas increasing levels inhibits appetite. In some people, increasing serotonin through supplementation or drug treatments reduces appetite and body weight.



It doesn’t work for everyone, though. Multiple physiological steps and other chemicals and compounds are involved in the appetite-reducing process. If one of the other steps is broken, 5-HT won’t be as effective at reducing appetite.



Some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which inhibit serotonin transporter (SERT), interfere with its secretion and may increase appetite. That’s part of the reason some antidepressants are known to cause weight gain.



Serotonin inhibits appetite, which means compounds and drugs that increase serotonin may decrease appetite. Since sleep debt reduces 5-HT production, it’s little surprise that insufficient sleep leads to an increased appetite and food intake as well.



Bone health



Serotonin plays an essential role in bone formation and bone remodeling. However, at extremely high levels, it can contribute to osteoporosis.



Bowel regularity



Serotonin stimulates gut motility, helping to move food through the digestive tract and enhancing nutrient absorption along the way.



Beyond discomfort and the growth of a BIF (butt in front), reduced motility or constipation can lead to numerous digestive problems.



Serotonin also impacts the bladder, which further serves to remove unwanted compounds.



Cardiovascular health



Serotonin levels impact heart rhythm, vascular tone, and blood platelet aggregation. A dysfunction in any of these areas could lead to serious health complications.



Energy expenditure



Though it isn’t to the same extent as thyroid hormone, serotonin does affect energy expenditure.



Research shows 5-HT activates brown adipose tissue, a highly thermogenic type of fat tissue.



At the same time, serotonin may enhance energy intake by stimulating gut motility and increasing nutrient intake from the gut.



Mental health



Serotonin clearly plays a role in mental health. Not only does serotonin reduce depression and anxiety, but its levels may also affect other conditions such as:




Schizophrenia



Obsessive-compulsive disorders



Addictions



Parkinson’s disease



Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)



Autism




Treating these conditions is usually far more complicated than shifting serotonin levels alone, but some people do experience relief when they naturally raise their levels.



Nausea, vomiting,