Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the nerve cells. It is additionally referred to as the happy chemical – it regulates mood and may help alleviate depression.
Serotonin is used to transmit messages between nerve cells, and it is also active in the construction of smooth muscles.
Since it is the precursor for melatonin, it is beneficial in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle and internal clock.

Health Benefits of Serotonin
Reference

• Treats anxiety.
  The brain’s neurons are the only source of serotonin. They are essential for maintaining levels of sleep, anxiety, appetite, energy, libido and mood.
  
• Mood Booster.
  Because serotonin helps us get proper sleep, it is a natural mood booster and helps our bodies maintain a lot of essential functions.
  
• Treats headaches.
  Serotonin helps give instant relief from continuous headaches, and can also help treat migraines.
  
• Treats insomnia.
  Having less serotonin in the body may cause various sleeping disorders in patients. During the day, you may experience chronic fatigue and at night, you might experience insomnia and uncontrollable thoughts.
  
• Aids in relaxation.
  Since it is the ‘Feel Good’ hormone, serotonin makes you feel more relaxed. A deficiency in this particular hormone may promote feelings of illness, tiredness, sluggishness and fatigue.
  
• Skin benefits.
  Because serotonin may act as an antidepressant, it can even help give your skin a more natural glow.
  
• Brain maturation.
  The most significant function of serotonin is the development of the brain. Having too little serotonin in the body may lead to Down’s syndrome or autism.
  
• Good for the heart.
  Serotonin is essential in reducing heart conditions. This is one of the hormone’s best health benefits.

Deficiency Symptoms and Causes
Reference (Dr. Axe)

Research shows that impaired serotonin function has been associated with psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, compulsive behavior, aggression, substance abuse, seasonal affective disorder, bulimia, childhood hyperactivity, hypersexuality, mania, schizophrenia and behavioral disorders.

Low serotonin symptoms include the following:

Depressed mood
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Aggression
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Appetite changes
Chronic pain
Poor memory
Digestion issues
Headaches

What causes low serotonin levels?
Serotonin is part of a complex system of chemicals and receptors. If you have low serotonin levels, you may have deficiencies in other neurotransmitters, which is what causes such noticeable symptoms.
Researchers don’t know for sure what causes serotonin deficiency, but it may be due to genetics, poor diet and lifestyle.

If you deal with chronic stress or are exposed to toxic substances, like heavy metals or pesticides, you may be at a greater risk of low serotonin.
Other causes may include a lack of sunlight and taking certain medications for a long period of time.