Serotonin: the happy hormone

You’ve probably heard of serotonin but want to understand what it actually is, what it does and how your partying affects it? Read on for the skinny.⁠
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THAT GUT FEELING⁠
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s often called the “happiness hormone”. When you think of neurological things and your mood, you think about your brain. The reality, though, is that actually more than 90% of serotonin is not only found in your gut but the majority of it is produced there.⁠
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If you’re partying, things you put into your body can trigger huge releases of serotonin, not only in your noggin, but in your stomach. Now you know why you get that sudden urge to rush to the loo when you’re getting on it.⁠
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WHY YOU FEEL HIGH⁠
When you take MDMA, it makes you release more serotonin and slows down the reabsorption of it in your brain. As a result your brain is left depleted of this neurotransmitter that’s so important for regulating your mood. This is why you feel euphoric at the time but can then experience a low for several days after.⁠
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TAKE A BREAK⁠
From a neurochemical point of view, if you’re going to go big, the smart move is to leave two or three months between sessions. This will give your brain a chance to renormalise its serotonin levels. It’s not sexy or that revelatory but regular exercise can help get your neurotransmitters back on track too. That feel-good afterglow from a run or gym session is due to the release of endorphins, norepinephrine and, you guessed it, serotonin.⁠
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Serotonin: the happy hormone

Rebalance

Reboot

Release

Restore