Because low serotonin can result from the stress and strain of our modern way of living, and because its symptoms severely reduce the joy of life to such a tremendous degree for so many people, Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome is one of the most widespread and debilitating problems of our time.
The fact that serotonin's function in the brain may be reduced or impaired in major depression is supported by clinical studies on the spinal fluid that bathes the brain and on brain tissue of individuals who died with depression, particularly after suicide.
When we have enough serotonin, we feel emotionally stable, we can sleep, we can sort out the feelings and determine in a logical manner if there is a threat present.
When we are low in serotonin, we feel immediately irritable and we are overly sensitive to sights and sounds. We have difficulty sleeping and may suffer unexplained outbursts of tears.
When we have enough Serotonin, we are . . .
| Hopeful | Optimistic | Calm | Patient |
| Creative | Focused | Responsive | Good Natured |
In addition, we are . . .
| Loving and Caring | Reflective & Thoughtful |
Able To
Concentrate | Able To Think
Things Through |
And we . . .
Don't Crave
Carbohydrates | Sleep Well
Good Dream Recall |
But when we have a shortage of serotonin, lookout! We are . . .
| Depressed | Anxious | Irritable | Impatient |
| Impulsive | Abusive | Reactive | A Real Pain |
Plus we . . .- Fly off the handle easily . . .
- Have a short attention span . . .
- Seem to be "blocked" and "scattered" . . .
- Crave those sweets and high carbohydrate foods . . .
- Suffer from Insomnia and have poor dream recall
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter normally manufactured by your body . . .
5HTP (Tryptophan): Tryptophan is one of your essential amino acids, and can not be manufactured by your body. You must get this amino acid from either your food or a supplement. It combats stress, depression, insomnia, and aids in weight control. Research shows that it helps relieve migraine headaches and may reduce some of the harmful effects of nicotine. It aids your body in the production of serotonin.