Finally research is revealing that low serotonin levels are likely a common denominator in all the risk factors that can contribute to heart disease.  New research from a University of Pittsburgh study showed that low serotonin levels were associated with the thickening of the inside lining of arteries, a condition that precedes heart disease.¹ Other research has shown that the production of pro-inflammatory substances that can contribute to heart disease increased in people with low serotonin.² Surprised?  I’m not.

There is a significant correlation between chronic stress and heart disease.  It should be no surprise then that low serotonin, a side effect of chronic stress,  is seen in pre-heart disease conditions.  Furthermore, people with heart disease are also often depressed. (Reduced serotonin levels are a hallmark of depression.)

What does the medical community offer as a potential solution for intervention in low serotonin as a contributor to heart disease? A category of anti-depressant drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s.)

The problem with SSRI’s is two-fold:

1. They do not increase brain levels of serotonin, but only attempt to get more activity from existing serotonin which is already low.
2. The side effects of SSRI’s could themselves contribute to heart disease.  Insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction are some of the side effects of SSRI’s.³ Insomnia and weight gain both can contribute to progression of heart disease.

Under chronic stress, the adrenal glands increase production of the stress hormone cortisol and other stress compounds like norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline).  Over time, while under chronic stress, serotonin levels can drop.  A comprehensive approach to stress should not only help increase serotonin, but would also look at correcting the other imbalances like excessive production of cortisol and adrenaline. Why not get proactive and help manage stress with natural compounds.

We all want to believe that if we have the right attitude or work ethic, that somehow the impact of stress gets minimized on our health. Let’s face it for many people daily stress continues to play a major role in their future health outcome.  This is not a new concept.  If you look at traditional cultures and the botanical medicines that were valued, invariably the treasured herbs were called adaptogens.  Adaptogens are herbs that help your body cope with the physiologic changes due to physical or psychogenic stress.

Some of the newer natural compounds with evidence of benefits in stress related imbalances are:

• Relora® – an extract from magnolia and phellodendron that balances cortisol and stress hormone output leading to more relaxed, less anxious responses to stressors.  It also reduces stress-related food cravings.⁴
• Theanine – an amino acid from tea that reduces nervousness, helps calm the mind, improves immunity and has been reported to lower blood pressure.⁵
• Rhodiola – a well- studied plant extract that dampens the effects of norepinephrine on cardiovascular tissue, and helps support adrenal function.⁶
• 5 HTP – an activated form of tryptophan, the amino acid that converts to serotonin, shows effectiveness in mild depression, may improve sleep and reduce food cravings.

Survey results have determined that 1 in 2 people are concerned about the level of stress in their lives.7 Some have stress but just aren't recognizing that it's a problem for them.  Some of the commonly felt effects of chronic stress and/or low serotonin are food cravings that are pretty hard to ignore, irritability or agitation that is greatly relieved by eating high carbohydrate snacks, feeling mentally foggy, inability to concentrate, insomnia, headaches, tooth grinding and weight gain.  Lifestyle choices such as  getting some exercise, stress reductions techniques such as deep breathing or a yoga class and, of course, counseling can be helpful. But very often the same things causing stress in your life, like overcommitted schedules and tight finances, can make those difficult to do or to do often enough.  Reducing life stress can be difficult, and that's where the nutritional supplements listed above can be a great option for safe symptomatic relief.   In our clinic, we often see these supplements making a huge difference for our patients, who report reduced cravings, feeling calmer and getting through their days much better.

1. Muldoon, Stroke 2007;38:2228-2233,2213-221.

2. Suarez, presentation to the American Psychosomatic Association annual meeting, 2000.

3. Clinical Psychiatry News, 26(5): 1, 1998.

4. Psychopharmacology (2001)153:219-234.

5. L-theanine: Monograph, Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 10, no. 2, 2005

6. Darbinyan V, et al. Phytomedicine 2000; 7(5): 365-371.

7. American Psychological Association, 2004 survey