Cyproheptadine has a near curative effect on GI problems in the literature.
Ondansetron is a highly efficacious anti-nausea drug, which also blocks serotonin.
Meanwhile, to induce IBS in an animal, give them the genetic equivalent of an SSRI.
Serotonin's role in the gut is to trigger the necessary response to irritation or pathogens.
This involves stimulating motility to rid the pathogen, pain/sensitization of the area and a lack of appetite to discourage further eating.
Excess bacteria, whether labeled good or bad, can stimulate serotonin production in the gut.
Antigens on bacteria trigger inflammatory cascades, resulting in increased serotonin.
Constipation, leading to bacterial buildup, is a huge issue here.
One way that has been extremely useful for me in diagnosing this is looking at the tongue.
The tongue should be a vibrant pink, almost red, in good health. Saliva production should be strong.
When bacterial issues arise, the tongue gets a white coating, especially in the back
The mouth to the anus is really one long track, and thus bacterial issues in the intestines can cause not just white tongue, but other dental problems like bad breath and even cavities.
I still use my tongue to guide what I should do on a day to day basis.
Serotonin can bind to mast (immune) cells, which release histamine.
It’s been hypothesized that histamine intolerance actually starts in the gut.
This goes both ways, antihistamines also tend to lower serotonin, and diamine oxidase supplementation shows some promise.
Any type of fiber can promote serotonin production.
Soluble fiber feeds bacteria, and insoluble fiber acts as an irritating agent.
Food additives can increase gut serotonin.
The short chain fatty acids produced by the microbial fermentation also drive serotonin production.
Low or no fiber can CURE many of these problems.
IBS patients consistently improve massively from no fiber diets.
Again, I think this is because these problems often result from excess bacteria/serotonin, which fiber directly contributes to.
Many benefit from insoluble fiber (raw carrot).
I think this is due to the pro-motility effect, and that they lower the bacterial load over time.
This gum has antibacterial effects (always cleans up my tongue), it is also pro-motility and thus increases bowel movements, and increases saliva output, our endogenous antimicrobial.
Motility and fecal load (built up poop) is slowed in all types of gut problems, even diarrhea.
Poor stool quality/infrequent movements lead to incomplete bacterial elimination and thus excess serotonin. This can become a vicious cycle, as bacteria use serotonin to enhance their virulence through biofilm formation. Focusing on this has been CRUCIAL
One thing that has helped me tremendously in inducing more frequent and healthier bowel movements has been focusing on relaxation, breathing and movement. I cover that here:
This hit home for me big time because my issues STARTED after a lot of fasting and carnivore dieting.
I get that it may help in certain situations, but I wouldn’t personally advocate for such an approach.
Some foods contain serotonin, but I wouldn’t worry too much about this, at least to start. Same goes for tryptophan, the serotonin precursor amino acid. It may help in really bad circumstances, but to me, there’s much bigger fish to fry.
If you want some individualized help, I can guide you and provide more information on your symptoms and what to consider next via consultation.
I've lived through it myself and have been fortunate enough to have pulled myself up and reclaimed my health.