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The media has been shouting:
Low levels of serotonin cause dementia.
High levels of serotonin cause dementia.

So, who should you believe?

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Trust, but verify.

An article titled "Study links low brain serotonin levels to decline of brain function" references a study that is not about low serotonin levels, but about low levels of the serotonin transporter SERT, the sodium-dependent protein responsible for the uptake and deactivation of serotonin.

SERT is like a "clean-up crew" in the brain. It helps remove excess serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. When there's not enough SERT around to do its job, serotonin levels outside of brain cells can rise too high. This excess serotonin can cause trouble and contribute to problems with memory and thinking.

In other words, those who wrote and approved the article in a scientific publication do not understand the difference between the neurotransmitter serotonin and transport protein.

Bioenergetic researcher Georgi Dinkov writes:

"Once again, a level of misreporting that I am much more included to ascribe to malice than incompetence simply because most of the popular press outlets covering a specific scientific study get the study authors to proof-read the press article before publishing.

So, for patently false press articles like that to appear is most likely due to an attempt to preserve the status of serotonin as the 'happy hormone,' as well as to delay/prevent the avalanche of lawsuit for iatrogenic dementia from all people taking SSRI and other serotonergic drugs."

More details:

90% of serotonin is produced in the intestine, regulating peristalsis, and only 10% in the central nervous system (CNS).

Serotonin synthesis occurs through:

Tryptophan → 5-hydroxytryptophan → Serotonin

CONTROLS numerous processes, such as:

• Bladder function

• Hemostasis

• Vascular tone

• Immune function

• Intestinal inflammation

• Nutrient absorption

Serotonin is also the main regulator of energy balance, consumption, and expenditure.

Elevated serotonin levels can lead to intoxication, manifesting in the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea

• Aggressive behavior

• Insomnia

• Exhaustion

• Muscle restlessness with feelings of fear and anxiety

• Increased blood pressure

• Nausea

• Increased temperature

Few people know that the disruption of normal intestinal flora, where pathological flora predominates, causes serotonin deficiency. Serotonin balance affects both brain function and intestinal motility.

This creates a vicious cycle:

• Prolonged Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and evacuation disorders (frequent or rare) negatively impact microbiota and its composition.

• Some yeasts and anaerobic bacteria release neurotoxic substances.

• Microbiome disruption leads to a decrease in beneficial metabolites, including endogenous serotonin.

Serotonin is formed in the brain from tryptophan when light reaches the retina. Therefore, sun deficiency is often linked to depression.

Additionally, serotonin:

• Promotes insulin secretion, which helps transport tryptophan through the blood-brain barrier.

• Responsible for eating behavior, regulates body temperature, and improves sleep quality (converts to melatonin).

As we always say - moderation is key.

SUPPORTING serotonin levels:

• Moderate cardio loads help maintain or increase serotonin levels in the brain and reduce 5HT1A autoreceptor sensitivity, even during stress.

• Serotonin deficiency causes cravings for sweets.

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium participates in signal transmission between the brain and body. A magnesium deficiency can lead to excessive stimulation of nerve cells, which can kill them and damage the brain.

L-THEANINE
This substance enhances alpha waves in the frontal and occipital-parietal parts of the brain, stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine, and increases GABA levels. It helps combat depression.

ROYAL JELLY
It is a remedy for depression and a rich source of biopterin, a substance involved in tyrosine and dopamine synthesis. It helps tryptophan convert to serotonin.

A popular supplement is 5-HTP, an amino acid that converts to serotonin. However, it has significant drawbacks.

Tryptophan can take a different path and not convert to serotonin in the presence of inflammation or high stress, 5-HTP has no such choice.

5-HTP intake can provoke serotonin syndrome, especially for those taking antidepressants: ~ Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) ~ Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

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Warm regards,
Kos and Helen.