Serotonin (5-HT) is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and social behavior. Remarkably, approximately 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut—not the brain—by enterochromaffin cells and influenced by the microbiome.
Key Functions
- •Mood regulation — low serotonin linked to anxiety and depression
- •Sleep — precursor to melatonin
- •Gut-brain axis — gut-produced serotonin influences brain via the Vagus Nerve
- •Appetite — modulates satiety and food intake
In ONDA Life
A healthy microbiome and diverse fiber intake support serotonin production. The Gut-Brain Axis article covers protocols for optimizing your "Serotonin Factory."