Neurotransmitter - Types
Serotonin (Happy/Feels-Good Hormone)
- essential for: mood stabilizer, wellbeing, happiness, essential for mood, digestion, sleep, brain function, and circadian rhythm
- 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, where trillions of microbial cells in your colon actually have the ability to stimulate the cells that make serotonin
- tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your gut can turn into serotonin
- elusive chemical for researchers who note that it seems to be “involved in everything but responsible for nothing”
- low serotonin has been noted in depression, but increasing serotonin levels in depressed people doesn’t reliably work, and there are some serious side effects
Oxytocin (Cuddle Hormone)
- promotes bonding and trust, and it is particularly active during childbirth where it stimulates contractions
- regulates stress responses and calm the nervous system
- regulates the immune system, healing, and even pain perception
- higher blood oxytocin levels have been linked to greater perceived love, responsiveness, and gratitude in couples
- oxytocin secretion in response to touch and even the right kind of eye contact, but also in times of stress to counterbalance the effects of cortisol
- oxytocin is released when you engage in caring relationships and have a loving community around you:
- romance
- caring relationships
- soft, friendly touch
- friendship
- pets
Dopamine (Feels-Good/Motivational Hormone)
- involved in:
- motor control and cognitive function
- the brain’s motivation and reward system - it’s what gives you pleasurable sensations and keeps you coming back for more
- it’s naturally released when you perceive food or sex, but before you consume it
- decision-making and impulse control
- memory and attention
- maternal and reproductive behaviors
- approximately 50% of all your dopamine is produced in the gut
- a possible precursor non-essential amino acid, tyrosine
Endorphins (Runner's Hormone)
- pain relief, runner’s high, relaxation
- inhibit the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system by binding to opioid receptors (the body’s natural morphine)