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What is Serotonin and What Does it Do?

What is serotonin?

Let’s start with the basics:

Serotonin is a natural chemical created in the body that acts a neurotransmitter.

That’s a chemical messenger that travels across brain cells and plays an essential role in our everyday life.

The chemical messenger in this instance is Serotonin (some other well known neurotransmitters are dopamine and oxytocin).

So, what is serotonin and what does it do?

Serotonin is mostly associated with controlling our mood and keeping anxiety away. But serotonin can also be found in various parts of the body so it is commonly believed that it is involved in a range of functions.

serotonin pendant
Serotonin Molecule Pendant in Sterling Silver

”Of the approximately 40 million brain cells, most are influenced either directly or indirectly by serotonin. This includes brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behavior.” 1

Serotonin is produced in the brain and also in the intestines. In fact, 80-90% of the serotonin found in our bodies is found outside of the brain and it cannot pass the blood-brain barrier. That means that serotonin used in brain functions must also be made in the brain.

Along with regulating our mood it’s been suggested that serotonin could affect our social lives positively.

”Higher levels of serotonin may help to promote more constructive social interactions” 2

And a very recent study has potentially found a link between serotonin levels and how patient we are!

It seems that serotonin is involved in so many functions and scientists are always exploring more connections, I guess that’s why it’s one of the most commonly known molecules and jewelry (like the pendant above) have become such popular symbols for many of us.

So has that got you itching to increase your serotonin levels? I’ll be posting a new blog shortly about how you might be able to do just that!

Want to read more like this? Explore more Science and Emotions on the blog.

Become a VIP and get bite-sized goodies like this one and first dibs on new molecule jewelry designs twice a month!

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References:

1 Colette Bouchez, ‘’Serotonin: 9 Questions and Answers’’, accessed 15 Jan 2015, http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/serotonin

2 Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, ‘’ The role of serotonin in human mood and social interaction. Insight from altered tryptophan levels.‘’ April 2002, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11888576

Other Sources:

H.Y Meltzer and J. F Nash Jr. ‘’Serotonin and Mood: Neuroendocrine Aspects’’accessed 15 Jan 2015, http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-72738-2_7#page-1

Dr Ananya Mandal, MD, ‘’Serotonin Function’’, http://www.news-medical.net/health/Serotonin-Function.aspx

McIntosh, James. “What is serotonin? What does serotonin do? accessed 15 Jan 2015,” Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 1 Sep. 2014. Web. 16 Jan. 2015. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php

Maria João Soares Press Release: ”Good Things Come to Those Who Wait?” 15th Jan 2015 http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-01/js-gtc011215.php

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Adrenaline Earrings

Adrenaline Earrings £58 [convert number=58 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]

 

Each of these adrenaline earrings is a representation of the molecule adrenaline. Made from sterling silver and given a black finish – these are sure to make an interesting and beautiful addition to your earring collection. They represent power and strength and make a great conversation starter.

Features:
? Sterling silver with an oxidised finish (not a coating)
? Sterling silver ear wires with no oxidised finish.
? Handmade by Emily Alice
? Quality, branded packaging with a description of the molecule.
? I stand behind my product, if you are not satisfied contact me within 7 days for a refund or exchange. See my shop policies for more details.

Professionally handmade by Emily Alice from sterling silver, these make a wonderful and meaningful gift for yourself or someone else. All jewellery comes in quality boxes with a description of the inspiration.

Shipping costs:

  • FREE – Registered mail worldwide (10-14 days*)
  • Express mail to North America or Australasia (4-7 days*): £14.00 [convert number=14 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]
  • Express Mail to Europe and South America(4-7 days*): £18.00 [convert number=18 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]
  • FedEx to North America or Australasia (2-3 days*): £20.00 [convert number=20 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]
  • Fed Ex to Europe (2-3 days*) £22.00 [convert number=22 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]

[wp_cart:AdrenalineEarrings:price:[Shipping|Free Shipping,58.00|North America/Australasia Express,72.00|Europe/South America Express,76.00|FedEx North America/Ausralasia,78.00|FedEx Europe,80.00]:end]

*Delivery times vary depending on your location and do not include unexpected customs/seasonal delays.