CBD and Serotonin
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin, also known as 5-Hydroxytryptamine, is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Basically, Serotonin acts as a hormone that carries messages throughout the nerve cells in our brains and bodies. Serotonin can affect the regulation of our moods, digestion, sleep cycles, and even our motor skills. These are all major factors that impact our day to day lives. Evidence shows that “tryptophan, which increases brain serotonin in humans as in experimental animals, is an effective antidepressant in mild-to-moderate depression. Further, in healthy people with high trait irritability, it increases agreeableness, decreases quarrelsomeness and improves mood”. 
How does CBD interact with Serotonin?
Many people that suffer from anxiety and depression find that using CBD can lessen the symptoms that may be caused by these mental illnesses. CBD can have a positive effect on all of the previously named receptors that are part of the serotonin system, therefore it has been shown to help with anxiety, stress, mood changes, nausea, and pain. CBD helps to stimulate higher levels of another endocannabinoid called anandamide, which also has a positive effect on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT3A receptors in the serotonin system, thereby increasing its impact on the production of serotonin. Additionally, CBD suppresses the degradation of tryptophan; the compound from which Serotonin is derived, as explained previously. When the bioavailability- the presence within the bloodstream- of tryptophan is increased, you will get higher Serotonin levels.
What is Tryptophan?
Tryptophan is basically made to make proteins through essential amino acids found in our diets, since our bodies do not make tryptophan naturally. Many foods that contain tryptophan are proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, soy, or nuts. Tryptophan has been noted as possibly effective for helping to relieve premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) We also have a blog on our website that can help explain CBD and PMDD” Studies have shown that CBD allows an “increase [in] tryptophan levels in unstimulated brain areas, creating a passive baseline increase. As tryptophan is a key compound in the serotonin synthesis pathway, increasing the bioavailability of tryptophan can lead to increased levels of serotonin.”
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Sometimes you can “overdo” serotonin, and it can cause an adverse reaction. This can range from sweats, chills, and diarrhea to muscle rigidity, “brain zaps”, and seizures. I personally have experienced this syndrome, and it can be very disturbing. So it is always important to talk to your doctor before starting CBD if you are already taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) or any anxiety medications.
In Conclusion:
Adding CBD to your daily regimen may help increase serotonin levels, leading to mood enhancement, lessening of anxiety, and can provide the drive to start new things, like artwork! Do you think CBD could help boost your mood? Try some of our products! We have a wide range of methods of consumption; anywhere from gummies, chocolates, coffee, oils/tinctures, and teas. CBD does an incredible job of helping the body reach homeostasis; it keeps our body balanced when it comes to everyday ailments and more severe issues.
If you have any questions or inquiries about our products, do not hesitate to reach out! We are here for you.
Depression can be very hard to live with. If you need support you can call the Suicide Hotline at 988.
Resources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/tryptophan#foods-with-tryptophan
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin#takeaway
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/serotonin-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354758
