Serotonin question
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I know the mainstream view on serotonin is basically the reverse of the truth, which means most of the focus in this community is on lowering it and not doing things that make it worse.
However… is it possible to have too low serotonin, and what would that look like?
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@schemingfonzie
I noticed that low serotonin makes me feel cold, but if I eat turkey or chicken I feel hot, my veins in my arms and legs expand and my limbs start to burn from the heat.
I know that people on this forum will say: well, drink coffee with sugar, milk and coconut oil, drink orange juice, you have low thyroid...
but these tips not only don't help, they make things even worse...
it makes me feel even colderI'm writing through Google Translate
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@alex155 said in Serotonin question:
it makes me feel even colder
I'd try to eat some meat(with fat) at breakfast and see how I react.
=> 2 fruits (e.g. one banana and grape) + 2 eggs and one slice young gouda cheese (or 50 g ham).
Vary and chose according to desiderata and ability to digest / feel good. -
@LucH I tried to eat beef steak, but it doesn't help, and eggs give me a terrible smell of hydrogen sulfide in my mouth and stool, I need to try banana and grapes, I eat cheese every day.
also cottage cheese with sour cream and jam helps to warm up (tryptophan?)
in any case, thank you for helping LucH, I really appreciate it) -
@alex155 I would be cautious attributing something like that to low serotonin, it could be many other things.
@OP You can take a look at studies with fenclonine or other similar drugs that are known without doubt to nuke serotonin levels. It can cause aggression, irritability, hypersexuality, hyperphagia, possible anxiety/OCD even though it ACTH/cortisol are lowered. Intuitively: behaviors that are seen when our "brake mechanism" of serotonin is completely compromised and we are uninhibited.
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@schemingfonzie said in Serotonin question:
… is it possible to have too low serotonin…?
Short answer:
Theoretically yes but practically no. -
@Yenn For example?
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@schemingfonzie balance is the goal. It's obviously serving a purpose, just like fat, but too much or dysfunctional mechanisms reveal underlying problems. I know this sounds like sophistry but I think it's complex.
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@schemingfonzie Good question. I'm not qualified to answer so here's the answer from Delphi Ray Peat AI:
If serotonin levels are very low, it’s important to consider the context and the mechanisms involved. Serotonin, while often portrayed as a purely "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is actually a mediator of stress and inflammation. Its effects are highly context-dependent, and its role in the body is complex. Low serotonin levels can have both positive and negative implications, depending on the underlying metabolic and hormonal state.
On the positive side, lower serotonin levels can reduce some of the inhibitory effects it has on energy metabolism. Serotonin suppresses mitochondrial respiration, interferes with glucose metabolism, and promotes vasoconstriction, which can impair oxygen delivery to tissues. By reducing serotonin, these inhibitory effects are lessened, potentially improving energy production and metabolic efficiency. For example, in conditions like hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue, where serotonin activity is often elevated, lowering serotonin can alleviate symptoms and improve overall function [1][5][6].
However, very low serotonin levels can also have consequences, particularly if the body’s energy systems and stress responses are not well-supported. Serotonin plays a role in regulating vascular tone, gastrointestinal motility, and platelet function. If serotonin drops too low without adequate compensatory mechanisms, issues like poor gut motility, impaired blood clotting, or dysregulated vascular function could arise. Additionally, serotonin has a role in modulating the stress response, and its absence could lead to an overactive stress system if other protective factors, like progesterone or thyroid hormone, are insufficient [2][6].
The key is balance. Serotonin should not dominate the system, but it also shouldn’t be entirely absent. Supporting the body’s energy metabolism—through adequate thyroid function, sufficient dietary protein, and avoidance of inflammatory substances like polyunsaturated fats—helps regulate serotonin naturally, keeping it in a range that supports health without tipping into excess or deficiency. If you suspect serotonin is very low, it’s worth considering whether the underlying metabolic and hormonal environment is robust enough to maintain balance in its absence. Let me know if you’d like to explore this further.
