Serotonin.
Here is a quick lesson on serotonin; excerpts from an article written by Christian Nordqvist for Medical News Today.
Serotonin is a hormone found in the digestive tract, the central
nervous system, blood platelets and the pineal gland (deep at the
center of the brain). It is also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, which is
often abbreviated to 5-HT.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemical
substances that transmit nerve impulses across synapses; synapses are
the spaces in between nerve cells. Nerve cells are also known as
neurons.
According to Bristol University1 in England, serotonin is involved in:
- appetite
- sleep
- memory
- learning
- temperature
- mood - Princeton University2 says serotonin is also known as a happiness hormone because it contributes to feelings of well-being
- behavior
- muscle contraction
- depression
- cardiovascular function
- endocrine regulation
- regulating aging
- bone metabolism
- wound healing - serotonin is a growth factor for some types of cells
Why the lesson? It's so when I say what I gotta say you'll understand the gravity of it. Or at least know what I'm talking about.
Anyway.
So serotonin. Recent lab tests showed I have none. Like, NONE. Zip. Zero. Nada. Nothing. A big old goose egg none.
Can you imagine?! None!
The doc said he could write me a script for anti-depressants, but they'd be a waste of money since they work on boosting serotonin and I have none to boost.
None.
Nothing to regulate appetite.
Or mood.
Or sleep.
Or everything else listed above.
No WONDER!!
Suddenly not feeling so bad about my weight, depression, crazy sleep habits, huge appetite, brain fog, and complete exhaustion. Not to mention the myriad of poor decisions I can't seem to stop making.
So what does this mean? Medicines, supplements, change of diet, lots of understanding, and, of course, justification!! Hahaha, just kidding. Sorta...
