Your brain uses chemicals, such as serotonin, to help regulate your mood. Robust serotonin signaling often indicates a good mood and healthy emotional state, while too little serotonin in your brain can lead to mental disorders, such as...
Serotonin functions as a chemical messenger in the brain. It regulates mood, sleep, appetite and the emotional perception of pain. Medications that increase serotonin levels are used primarily to alleviate the symptoms associated with moderate to...
Exercise is a key component to your healthy lifestyle and in addition to physical benefits, can provide mental health benefits as well. Serotonin is an important brain chemical and increased levels have been linked to an improved mood and...
Serotonin is defined as "an organic compound formed from tryptophan and found in the brain, platelets, digestive tract and pineal gland," as stated by the Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide website. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found throughout the human body. It has been closely linked with mood, emotion and sleep, according to Dr. C. George Boeree. Inadequate levels of serotonin can result in depression, obsessive compulsive disorder,...
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that transmit signals across the spaces in between neurons, much like little ferry boats. The signals they transmit cause a certain type of impulse to be sent out in the body, eventually causing a response....
You may know that caffeine increases energy and alertness. Many people grumble at the thought of starting their day without their favorite caffeinated beverage. The average American consumes more than 200 mg of caffeine daily. However, you may not...
The amino acid 5-HTP is a natural precursor to serotonin, the mood-boosting chemical in your brain. When your serotonin levels are high, you'll feel calmer, happier and naturally more energetic. If your levels are low, just the opposite may...
Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the body. Serotonin affects our mood and appetite. Low serotonin levels can cause depression, low self-esteem, anxiety and fatigue. These levels can drop due to poor sleep...
The brain is a complex system of neurons that communicate through the release and uptake of chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Two of these neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep,...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is necessary for your brain cells to communicate with one another. Serotonin is especially important because it plays a role in depression and mood balance. As serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan,...
Normal levels of serotonin, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, help prevent problems with anger, depression, suicide, carbohydrate cravings, obsessive-compulsive urges and sleep. Correcting your serotonin levels may also help control migraines,...
Serotonin -- a hormone your brain cells use to communicate -- plays a role in your day-to-day life. Nerve cells in your brain release serotonin to help regulate your mood, and too little serotonin can lead to mood disorders such as depression....
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or chemical found in the brain that impacts mood and feelings of well being. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that serotonin helps people feel less stress, anxiety and pain, relaxing and improving mood in...
Serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain that helps to balance you mood and regulates many other body functions, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, some patients who have low serotonin levels can experience...
Serotonin is a chemical, produced naturally in your brain and known as a neurotransmitter, that controls communication between brain cells. Serotonin regulates many brain functions that can make you feel good or bad, such as appetite, sleep,...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect mood. When your levels of serotonin are high, your mood improves, you feel more relaxed and you sleep better, according to Columbia University's Go Ask Alice! experts. There are a number of things...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role as a chemical in the brain. It's responsible for reducing anxiety, relieving depression, inducing sleep and is also what makes you feel happy. If your serotonin levels are low, you can...
The nerve endings in the body naturally produce serotonin, a chemical that plays an important regulatory role in the brain. The level of serotonin in the body can affect many systems and bodily organs. Many drugs available on the market increase...
Serotonin is a chemical that improves mood, enhances sleep and transmits nerve impulses to nerve cells, notes Health Services at Columbia. Intake of carbohydrates helps the body utilize serotonin to make the body feel satiated after a meal and to...
Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that affects a variety of body functions, including mood, behavior and depression, according to Progressivehealth.com. Depression affects the mind and body, notes MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of depression may...
While it’s true some cooked foods are less healthful than their raw counterparts, this generally is due to unhealthy cooking methods. Raw vegetables, for example, have fewer calories and less fat and sodium than vegetables sauteed in butter...
Nicotine is a chemical often found in cigarettes and many over-the-counter anti-smoking aids. Quitting smoking greatly helps increase your life expectancy, lung function and overall health. Nicotine also has an impact on the amount of serotonin...
Serotonin is a chemical that helps transmit signals from one part of the brain to another. It influences a variety of brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, learning, memory, sexual desire and temperature regulation. Serotonin is made in...
Serotonin is an neurotransmitter within the brain, and is a vital part of proper brain functioning. According to researchers at the University of Dublin, serotonin effects moods, emotions, appetite and sleep, and has been called a "wonder drug,"...
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, which can affect mood, appetite and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression and might be relieved by taking a class of anti-depressants known as selective serotonin...
Depression and stress may arise from a lack of nutrients or cause nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms of depression or anxiety from stress can lead to a loss of appetite. Your moods may also change when you don't get proper nutrition. Knowing what...
Some people who are depressed are wary of taking a medication to increase serotonin levels. Fortunately, many natural lifestyle choices are thought to perform a similar job. Better yet, most of these natural methods come with very few side...
Tryptophan is one of eight essential amino acids that must be obtained through dietary proteins. In the body, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a chemical messenger responsible for normal brain function. Tryptophan depletion decreases the...
Stress is a normal reaction to everyday events but chronic stress can cause a build up of hormones that aren't healthy for anyone. Learn about the improving your nutrition for stress in this health video.