Description
What is serotonin? Serotonin is a hormone made from the essential amino acid tryptophan . Serotonin is important for several functions in the body, including the brain and gastrointestinal tract. It also affects the blood circulation by helping the platelets (platelets) coagulate in wound healing. Serotonin deficiency Serotonin levels depend in part on the amino acid tryptophan, as it is a precursor to serotonin, but also on gut health, since 90% of our serotonin is produced in our intestines. Several vitamins and minerals are also important for the production of serotonin – too much alcohol, caffeine and sweeteners can inhibit the production in the body. Chronic stress and anxiety also prevent the brain from producing enough serotonin. Serotonin deficiency can affect physical and mental health and can sometimes be difficult to identify. When there is a great lack of serotonin, it can, for example, cause moodiness, stress and depression. Pay attention to some of the warning signs listed below if you consider whether you have low levels of this hormone: Anxiety Irritation Depression Fear Difficulty sleeping Serotonin and the gut Most of our serotonin is produced in the gut; about 90%. Research is beginning to find more and more connections between imbalances in our gut flora and conditions such as depression. Due to this correlation, it is important to maintain good gastrointestinal health since it affects our mental health. Before taking the Serotonin Test If you take SSRIs (antidepressants), 5-HTP or tryptophan, it will affect your test result. 5-HTP and tryptophan can increase the body’s own serotonin production, which thus affects your levels on the test result. Because SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) cause the serotonin to stay longer in the blood instead of being absorbed into the cells, they will also affect your test results. If you want to know your level in combination with taking these supplements, you can continue to take them as usual, but if you want to know your natural production without the impact of these products, you should avoid taking them 5-7 days before collecting the test. How does the serotonin Test work? The serotonin test is measured in urine. After you have placed your order, we will send you a complete test kit with everything you need to be able to collect the sample yourself at home. The urine is collected in the morning from your morning urine and then sent to our lab for analysis. You will receive your test result digitally after the lab has analysed your test.
