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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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Gift Guide for Mom

In this gift guide you’ll find you some of the best suited choices for Mom this year from the Emily Alice collection. Say you love her with something unique, that will remind her of you all year round.

 Choose 2 or more pieces from anywhere in the shop and I’ll upgrade your shipping to Fedex International Express (2-3 days* shipping) at no extra charge.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is the bond in all our relationships, it’s especially strong between a mother and her children. Oxytocin is the hormone that creates that first bond between new born babies and mothers, too! So it’s perfect for a mom of any age.

[etheme_product_category category=”oxytocin-2″ per_page=”5″ columns=”3″ orderby=”date” order=”desc”]

See the rest of the oxytocin collection here….

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Serotonin

Serotonin is that real feel good hormone. It makes us happy and keeps us calm. Want your mom to have a relaxing day? Choose a piece from the Serotonin collection, it will bring smiles all year.

[etheme_product_category category=”serotonin-2″ per_page=”6″ columns=”3″ orderby=”date” order=”desc”]

See the entire serotonin collection….

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*Shipping times depend on your location. 2 – 3 business days.

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Christmas Pre-orders

Emily Alice jewellery makes great gifts for your friends and family, why not order a piece of happiness delivered with free shipping (worldwide) in time for the holidays? Read on to find out more and then browse the shop to find the perfect piece for you or someone else!

 

molecule jewelry

Christmas Orders 2013

I’m processing orders within one day – unless the item is clearly listed as made to order. You can get a free shipping code here and all orders come with free gift wrapping.

Delivery aim is 5 days to many locations including the US and Canada and Europe, 2 days within the UK.

As we reach the end of November and into December please consider upgrading your shipping to a faster option if you are outside the UK .

 

Thank you! Please contact me if you need any advice.

 

 

 

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Serotonin Earrings

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

These Serotonin Earrings are each a representation of the molecule serotonin. Made from sterling silver and given a highly polished finish – these are sure to make a special and meaningful addition to any earring collection.

They represent happiness and a feeling of calm in a beautifully wearable way. Each earring is made up of different sizes circles which represent the base elements of the hormone serotonin. Wear them to make you smile or give them to a loved one as a wonderful sentiment!

Features:
? Sterling silver
? Handcrafted by Emily in her studio.
? 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:Serotonin Earrings: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.

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Serotonin Cufflinks

Serotonin Cufflinks £100 [convert number=100 from=”gbp” to=”usd” template=” (approx. $%result%)”]

Serotonin Cufflinks are a great way to give or get a little happiness. These sterling silver cufflinks are perfect for a special occasion or just to make someone smile.

In the human body serotonin is the chemical best known for creating happiness and excitement. The design on the face of the serotonin cufflinks depicts the serotonin molecule and each different sized circle or dome represents the base elements of the hormone serotonin.

They would make a great gift with a beautiful meaning and are sure to be noticed when worn.

Features:
? Sterling silver
? Round bar with hinge links for secure fit
? Handcrafted by Emily in her studio.
? 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. See my shop policies for more details.

Part of the Emily Alice, Chain Reactions collection. All jewellery comes in a Emily Alice box with a tag describing the molecule.

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:Serotonin Cufflinks:price:[Shipping|Free Shipping,100.00|North America/Australasia Express,114.00|Europe/South America Express,118.00|FedEx North America/Ausralasia,120.00|FedEx Europe,122.00]:end]

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