Serotonin is a neurotransmitter,
or a chemical messenger that is passed between nerve cells. It is mainly found
in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system of the brain.
Serotonin creates a sense of wellbeing, but if you use more serotonin then you
can produce, you could become depressed. This happens to almost everyone at
some time in their lives, usually in a time of stress. For most people, this
period of depression is brief. As your stress decreases, so will your use of
serotonin and you will hopefully be back to normal soon. For some people, their
serotonin levels do not go back to normal and they can become seriously
depressed. In this case you need to see a doctor. Anti-depressants supply a
surplus of serotonin into your blood stream and brain to ease your depression. “The
bottom line in depression and stress: the brain burns up more serotonin than it
can replace.”
(Depression: Causes, Symptoms and
Treatment) Some types of toxins or irritations can release serotonin. “Serotonin
stimulates afferent neurons that project to the vomiting center in the
brainstem.” (Regulation of Emesis) Serotonin is necessary to our health and
happiness, and a lack of it can cause a serious problem.