Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is the opposite of serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is one of the body’s most important neurotransmitters because it regulates mood, helps to clot blood, and regulates digestion. Serotonin syndrome affects mood and the central nervous system more than other parts of the body. It is potentially life threatening and is marked by excessive serotonin levels. 

Serotonin Syndrome background:

Serotonin syndrome is caused by adverse drug interactions or adverse reactions a drug alone. Serotonin syndrome affect the central nervous system by changing patterns of cognition. The increased serotonin levels can result in feelings over-confidence, foolish boldness, and aggression. Boastful ranting is another aspect of the mania that excessive serotonin causes. Drugs that are implicated in the incidence of serotonin syndrome are anti-depressants, Ritalin, MAOIs as well as herbs like excessive St. John’s Wort, ginseng, nutmeg, and styrian rue.

Serotonin Foods:

Food like walnuts, kiwifruit, bananas, plantains, and pineapples can never induce serotonin syndrome. However, these foods are not only nutritious but can prevent depression as these sources of serotonin either stimulate serotonin production or contain serotonin in them. Foods like chocolate induce an immediate rush of serotonin as well as serotonin inhibitors like caffeine. Foods rich in vitamins and omega-3 are also proven to maintain healthy levels of serotonin in the body. Proper nutrition is essential to mental health as well as overall physical health.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms:

Serotonin syndrome manifests in symptoms that affect both physical as well as mental state. The excessive level of serotonin in the brain’s serotonin receptors can cause symptoms that are consistent with manic phases of bi-polar disorder including delusions of grandeur, agitation, and rapid and incoherenttalking. Serotonin syndrome also manifests in symptoms that show physically like dilated pupils, increased heart and breathing rate, sweating, shivering, loss of muscle coordination in the form of twitches and in some cases seizures. High fevers pose the greatest threat to life.