Serotonin was one of the key
neurotransmitters that seemed to malfunction in people who are stressed, anxious, depressed . . .
(Dr Judith Wurtman p19The Serotonin Solution) |
Dr Judith Wurtman is a ? Clinical Psychologist at Massachusetts Institute
Technology (MIT) and has spent many years researching the role of food in conditions like stress, anxiety, depression. There are over 50 powerful hormones manufactured by our brain and no doubt countless
more to be identified in the future. One of these powerful hormones is called
serotonin. Serotonin influences our sleep, mood, appetite, motivation, pain etc.,
but also has a role in stress. Dr Wurtman described serotonin as the brains stress
management system.
Research has revealed that when the serotonin
is low, it has an influence on the part of the autonomic nervous system that controls fight/flight response (sympathetic nervous
system making it more sensitive and easily triggered.)
Research has shown that stress can interfere
with serotonin synthesis. Fortunately as Dr Wurtmans research has shown we can
to a degree influence serotonin by what we eat, how we think, exercise, relaxation.
References
Include Lovello Stress Book details
1.
Lovallo W. (1997) Stress and Health: Biological and Psychological Interactions,
Sage Publications.