Serotonin is a neurotransmitter made in two separate places within the human body. The majority of serotonin is synthesized within the gastrointestinal tract, while the remainder is made by the central nervous system. Serotonin is associated with several functions in the body, including appetite, mood, sleep and body temperature.
Help Regulate Moods
Macalester College lists several effects of serotonin that are associated with mood. Serotonin generally has a calming effect and helps decrease anxiety. Decreased levels of serotonin are associated with increased aggression and irritability.
The neurotransmitter is also associated with a general "happy feeling," which makes it beneficial for individuals that suffer from depression and other mood disorders. Serotonin can help in individuals with anxiety disorders as well, according to Macalester College.
Transmits Information
According to the Vitamin Supplements Guide, serotonin helps regulate the delivery of messages between neurons within the body. This allows the brain to receive and send messages that control both involuntary and voluntary movements and functions. Bryn Mawr College estimates that serotonin exhibits neurotransmitter control over more than 500,000 target neurons.
Aids in Treating Depression
Low levels of serotonin are directly associated with cases of depression. Depression can lead to a variety of other symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Increasing serotonin levels in individuals suffering from depression can help treat the condition in a natural way and avoid additional side effects associated with using other medicinal methods. According to Bryn Mawr College, several medications used to treat depression are targeted at the neurons that release serotonin. These drugs increase the activity of serotonin in any part of the nervous system that utilizes it as a neurotransmitter.
