Low Serotonin
Levels May Play Role in Heat Disease – Raise Your Serotonin Levels
Possibly with SAM-e and 5-HTP and Other Digestive Enzymes
March 7th 2006
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Researcher may have found a link between serotonin levels and heart
disease. According to a study presented by University of Pittsburgh
researchers at the 64th Annual Scientific Conference of the American
Psychosomatic Society in Denver, a less active brain serotonin system is
associated with early hardening of the arteries.
This breakthrough could be helpful in developing a treatment for
preventing heart disease and stroke. Matthew F. Muldoon, M.D., said
"Many of the known risk factors for heart disease and stroke – high
blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking and lack of
exercise – can, to some extent, be controlled by our lifestyle
choices." He said that there were no previous studies that examined
brain abnormalities and atherosclerosis.
The researchers believe that the lack of serotonin could lead people to
make bad lifestyle choices, that ultimately will lead to
atherosclerosis. Muldoon says this “could explain why some people make
these poor lifestyle choices and have multiple risk factors for heart
disease."
The study included 244 adult volunteers between the ages of 30 and 55
years. The researchers measured the serotonergic activity using a
pharmacological approach and carotid artery thickness using
ultrasonography. They found that at the time of testing, the
participants were free of clinically evident vascular disease. The
participants with low levels of serotonergic function were more likely
to have thickening of the carotid artery than those with higher levels.
Serotonin is a mood, appetite and blood pressure regulator. Previous
research by Dr. Muldoon and his colleagues found that people who get
little exercise are overweight, have high blood pressure, blood sugar
and cholesterol levels. These people also had low levels of
serotonergic function.
There are some things you can do to increase serotonin levels.
According to the book, Your Miracle Brain by Jean Carper, when depressed
people take SAM-e, there’s evidence of increased serotonin and dopamine
in their nervous systems. Another supplement that may promote
production serotonin is 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan). This is derived from
the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. According to
the Vitacost website, serotonin is important for emotional well being,
decreased carbohydrate and fat intake. It may play a role in appetite
suppression as well.
Some have claimed that depression, insomnia, anxiety, suicide,
migraines, PMS, obsessive/compulsive behavior, stress, obesity, and
addiction can be related to low levels of serotonin.
Supplements may aid in the digestion of food allowing for the creation
of serotonin. In the book Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological
Conditions, by Karen DeFelice, but as we age, or in some disease states,
this enzyme secretion may not be adequate to completely digest the food
we eat. This can result in pain, cramping, excessive gas, certain food
intolerances and inflammation.
By Dan Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer
Books on Heart Disease
Keywords and misspellings: serotonin saratonin
seratonin ceratonin sarotonin seretonin
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hydroxytriptophan hidroxytryptophan hydrosytriptofan |
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