Dopamine and serotonin are considered our ‘happy hormones/neurotransmitters’ as they play a role in increasing our positive moods and emotions. Both dopamine and serotonin also play a role in regulating digestion through suppressing, or increasing appetite depending on the body’s need.
Low dopamine levels are said to boost appetite and overeating thanks to the release of the appetite stimulant ghrelin.
Low serotonin, on the other hand, tends to reduce appetite due to the release of the appetite suppressant leptin – which might explain uncharacteristically extreme eating patterns in those with depression.
Numerous studies have found that people with low serotonin may have appetite issues or eating disorders including – overeating, not eating enough, or alternating between the two.
But while there is a bit of crossover between the two and both have similar effects on the brain and body, they actually work in different ways.
➡️Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter – associated with feelings of happiness, focus and calm.
➡️Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter, associated with feeling productive, as well as feeling a sense of motivation and reward.
How might you feel with deficiencies in either?
With a deficiency in serotonin, you might have sensitivity to pain, feel aggressive, experience anxiety, and depression.
With a deficiency in dopamine, you might experience a low sex drive, poor digestion, difficult task completion, and poor cognition.
Truth be told, I see a LOT of clients that have both lack sufficient serotonin AND dopamine production.
Download my simple neurotransmitter assessment and see how you score in not only serotonin and dopamine – but GABA and endorphins as well!
Neurotransmitter evaluation is a part of my clinical evaluation in helping my clients achieve optimal living through improving brain health.
To book a complimentary consultation with use the link: www.catdillon.com/30