3 Serotonin Has a Few Negative Qualities

Serotonin is generally considered a “good” neurochemical. Some have even gone so far as to mistakenly refer to it as the “Happiness Hormone.”

Let’s examine some of serotonin’s disadvantages. This is a partial list of some of the ways serotonin can be bothersome or even harmful; it is not intended to be comprehensive.

1. Lethargy

The production of serotonin and the transportation of tryptophan to the brain happen in a largely linear manner in response to the release of insulin. More tryptophan enters the brain and is converted into serotonin when someone secretes more insulin.

Some people are sensitive to carbohydrates, and when they eat specific carbohydrates, they produce a lot of insulin. Genetics frequently plays a role in this. That elevated insulin level may increase tryptophan transport and serotonin synthesis.

Serotonin helps us relax, but excessive amounts can also make us drowsy and lazy.

2. Hypertension

Because serotonin is a vasoconstrictor, it may be a factor in high blood pressure. The same linear function encompasses it once more. When someone secretes a lot of insulin, their serotonin levels are likely to increase as a result.

Young adults who don’t eat a high-sodium diet, aren’t overweight, and don’t smoke may still have high blood pressure. And it may be diagnosed as “idiopathic” if the doctor is not looking at such factors as genetic carb sensitivity and the specific carb content of the diet.

3. Blocked endurance

Serotonin has many advantages, and we are used to hearing about them. For instance, exercise releases serotonin. Elevated serotonin, however, is not a good thing for any type of athletic activity requiring high levels of endurance or effort.

We become exhausted and want to stop the workout sooner as a result. Animals and sportspeople alike have demonstrated this effect.

How To Optimize Your Serotonin

• Consume protein with each meal. Tryptophan will be available when you need and want serotonin, thanks to this. But it will also block serotonin, preventing excessively high levels of serotonin.

• Avoid “big insulin” triggers. Don’t consume sugar or other unhealthy carbohydrates, such as white flour. Don’t combine “big insulin” carbs with saturated fats (like butter on potatoes or on white bread). Greater insulin release results from the combination.

• Avoid eating only starches; instead, balance your meals’ effects on insulin and serotonin by including protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.

• To avoid cravings for sugar, choose healthy starches when you eat them. Lentils, quinoa, squash, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and turnips are a few examples.

Bottom Line

Blood pressure, appetite, food preferences, sleep, and cravings can all be controlled by serotonin, which can also play a role in moods. Do not forget that controlling serotonin levels occasionally may require lowering them. You have the ability to increase serotonin levels and decrease them.