Serotonin Supplements: Finding A Way to Fight Neurotransmitter Imbalance Author: Valerie Balandra Article: The brain and body’s communication system bears some significant resemblance to the physical world’s communication system. As in the case of other communication systems, there are some designated entities in the communication system of the human body as well that includes the sender (brain), receiver (any other body part) and most importantly, the medium of communication (like the various neurotransmitters). All systems are vulnerable to breakdowns in terms of performance, and the communication system in the body is no exception. A neurotransmitter imbalance, specifically a serotonin deficiency, can disrupt the workings of this system and can ultimately lead to a number of disorders like depression, headaches, fatigue, anxiety and eating disorders. Serotonin is the medium for delivering the messages from the specific body parts to the brain by following the neural pathway. This neurotransmitter imbalance may also lead to some serious problems like obesity, insomnia, narcolepsy and fibromyalgia. Choosing a Serotonin Supplement An imbalance in serotonin is caused by a decrease in the level of this neurotransmitter in the brain that ultimately leads to various types of disorders. This type of imbalance can be corrected by the intake of serotonin building supplements that are helpful in enhancing the level of serotonin in the body. One needs to be careful before choosing the right kind of serotonin supplements and consult an experienced healthcare practitioner especially if you are taking medications. The following discussion will help you to consider some facts about these supplements: • Serotonin levels are temporarily enhanced in the body by the consumption of substances like tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and certain narcotics. As a person tries to stop these addictive substances, the level of serotonin declines. Intense cravings sabotage attempts to stop their use. In such a situation the right kind of serotonin supplement is required to stabilize the level. • These supplements works by countering the decrease in serotonin levels that occurs naturally during menstruation, PMS symptoms then improve. • It has been proven that insufficient serotonin levels is responsible for poor eating habits, as this may increase the carvings of a person to consume more of carbohydrate rich food. The intake of serotonin supplements helps in putting a stop to these cravings. • These supplements increase serotonin levels naturally without side effects, as can be encountered by other types of drugs, and are helpful as a solution for insomnia. It is essential to take into consideration a number of factors before opting to take serotonin supplements. These supplements should be used under the supervision of an experience healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, taking medications like antidepressants, weight loss drugs or other serotonin-modifying chemicals. Recent reports have shown that there is a high percentage of poor quality supplements available on the market. Numerous supplements tested did not have the amount of the active ingredient listed on the label. While pharmaceutical grade supplements purchased through healthcare practitioners may cost more they make up for it in safety and quality About the author: Valerie Balandra is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and holistic health practitioner. Her integrative psychiatry practice focuses on identifying the cause of the chemical imbalance and provides natural treatments for depression and anxiety.