Serotonin and the bathroom! Weird, I know.

I’ve been reading a book about the mind-gut connection, especially concerning psychological problems, and it has be totally geeked out!  I’m kind of a nerd anyway, but this bacteria and mind gut and digestive system relationship is so interesting to me.  (The book is The Psychobiotic Revolution by Scott C. Anderson if you want to check it out)

So, I’m loving the whole book, but the chapter I just finished made me think of several things and put some connections together that I didn’t realize.

So, if you’ve ever taken a prescription medication for anxiety and depression, the chances are that you were on a SSRI- serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor.  Common medications in this group are Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) and many many more.  These work for anxiety and depression by regulating your serotonin balance- one of your “feel good” hormones.   A common side effect of these medications is stomach upset- I know every time I would start someone on these medications I would warn people it frequently happens but should calm down/go away with time. 

BUT- I never learned WHY these medications caused this problem!  In school we are often told side effects, and sometimes the why, but not always.    Now I know why!  It’s the Serotonin!    

90% of your serotonin is made in your gut- which I knew from other research into anxiety, depression, mood and probiotics.  That’s why gut health is important for anyone suffering from these problems and why people with gut problems are more likely to have mood problems.  It’s a balanced relationship.   

What I didn’t know is that serotonin causes peristalsis- the muscle movement along the digestive tract that moves our food through the system.   This is why prescription medication can cause a little extra gas and bowel movements and the same can be true with any probiotics that can lead to serotonin production like Lactobacillus species. 

I’ll eventually do a post on bacteria die off symptoms that can happen with healing your gut which can lead to diarrhea, but another reason someone may get diarrhea for the short term after starting probiotics is because of Serotinin being released.  At that point, it doesn’t seem like the “feel good” hormone it’s supposed to be, but it’s actually working and doing it’s job! 

Whether you’re needing prescription mood medications, you’re starting a probiotic, or a combination of both (and I FULLY believe if you need a prescription you should have a probiotic also)- do NOT be surprised if you have a few extra trips to the restroom at first! 

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Until next time....

Blessings in Health and Happiness