Symptoms of Serotonin Deficiency

Serotonin deficiency is a leading cause of depression. But how do you know if your depression is caused by this deficiency? The following symptoms can help you determine whether a lack of serotonin is the cause of your depression. 


Negative Depression or Aggressive Behavior

If your depression has a more negative nature – such as frequent thoughts that are distrustful, gloomy, cynical and/or pessimistic – you may have a decrease of serotonin. Furthermore, people suffering from serotonin deficiency can increase the chance of negative behavior, such as aggression, impulsive actions, violent suicide, alcohol abuse and overreacting.


Female Gender

Women who suffer from depression often have a serotonin deficiency. This is not to say that men cannot also have the deficiency, but the general tendency is that women are at a higher risk. According to a 2007 study published in Biological Psychiatry, women and men react differently to serotonin deficiency. When men experience serotonin deficiency they typically become impulsive not depressed. Women, however, usually have a more emotional response and experience a drop in their mood.


Craving Starches and Sweets

Craving potato chips, sugar and breads are a sign that you may have a serotonin deficiency. Starches and sweets cause a temporarily rise in serotonin levels. This means that consuming these foods will make you feel a bit better, thus you begin to crave them. Unfortunately, consuming these foods can lead to weight gain. In fact, they can actually decrease the levels of serotonin over time. 


Insomnia Issues

Insomnia is a sign of a serotonin deficiency. If you are experiencing depression and wake up throughout the night, not capable of going back to sleep and have to sleep in various different positions to try to feel comfortable, you could have a serotonin deficiency.


Suffering from Certain Disorders

People who suffer from certain disorders are at a higher risk for serotonin deficiency. Obesity, migraines, TMJ ( pain, tension and jaw grinding), irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia and asthma are a few of the disorders that can leave to a decrease in serotonin. 


Low Self-Esteem and Panic Attacks

Feels of low self-esteem can be a sign of a serotonin deficiency. In addition, experiencing “false fear” can also be a symptom of this deficiency. 


Conclusion

If you suspect you may have a serotonin deficiency, visit your doctor. They will be able to determine whether a lack of serotonin is the cause of your depression. There are several medications that you can buy today to help improve your serotonin deficiency.

Foods That Can Help You Sleep

Photo credit: sleep.lovetoknow.com

Not all of us can get decent sleep unlike others. Work, money matters and other issues keep us up all night thinking. Well, your body and mind needs sleep and rest. Here are some foods to eat to help induce sleep.

Almonds - These nuts are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid that helps relax the system. It is also rich in magnesium which is a natural muscle relaxant.

Cherries - These fruit contain melatonin which is important in regulating sleep.

Cereal - Those cereals made of whole grains such as wheat or oats help with sleep regulation. Cereals contains the snooze-inducing amino acid tryptophan. Also, the fiber and complex carbohydrates in whole-grain cereal increase insulin in the blood, which helps the tryptophan get to the brain. So, it is a double whammy for this food when it comes to inducing sleep and relaxing your system.

Turkey - A lean meat that is high in tryptophan.

Warmed milk - Milk has tryptophan and contains calcium, which helps the brain to use tryptophan.