Skip to main content

Serotonin and Motility

 











The Role of Gut Serotonin in GI Motility and Intestinal Crosstalk with Microbiota

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is mainly synthesized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has been studied for decades as it plays a crucial role in regulating the different neurogenic motor patterns in the GI tract. Recently, two separate studies by Keating, Damien J., and Ge, Xiaolong, have shed some light on the connection between gut serotonin and microbiota, and their impact on GI motility. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into these studies, and explore the scientific evidence behind the claims.


One of the primary studies we will discuss is Keating, Damien J.'s article, "Gut Serotonin in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility." The study highlights the essential role that serotonin plays in the control of gastrointestinal motility. It found that serotonin is synthesized in the enterochromaffin cells of the intestinal mucosa, via the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1). Additionally, about 1% of nerve cell bodies found in the enteric nervous system, synthesize serotonin via a different enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2). The study concluded that the high quantity of serotonin that is synthesized within the gut wall explains why it plays a vital role in the different neurogenic motor patterns in the gastrointestinal tract.


The second study we will discuss is Xiaolong Ge's "Intestinal Crosstalk between Microbiota and Serotonin and its Impact on Gut Motility." The study found that there is a connection between the gut microbiota and serotonin. The microbiota in the gut produces a vast array of compounds that interact with the different cells in the gastrointestinal tract, including those involved in serotonin synthesis. It is speculated that this microbiota-serotonin interaction may play a role in the control of GI motility. Therefore, the study concluded that intestinal crosstalk between microbiota and serotonin could affect gut motility.


Another study by Gershon, Michael D. et al., "Serotonin and Its Receptors in the GI Tract: Regulation, Function, and Therapeutic Targets," explored the scientific evidence on the various serotonin receptors and their role in modulating GI motility. The study highlights the role of 5-HT receptors on the various types of cells located in the GI tract that are involved in the regulation of motility. The authors found that pharmacological manipulation of these receptors could affect GI motility, a discovery that still drives the development of new potential therapies.
In contrast, studies by Mayer, Emeran A., and Tillisch, Kirsten, et al., "The Brain-Gut Axis in Abdominal Pain Syndromes," examined the connection between gut serotonin and brain-function in people experiencing abdominal pain syndromes. Mayer found that the brain-gut axis played a significant role in the development and maintenance of different abdominal pain syndromes by modulating the neurogenic motor patterns in the GI tract. These studies highlight the importance of serotonin in the brain-gut axis in modulating GI motility in stress-associated diseases of the GI tract.


In conclusion, serotonin plays a crucial role in the GI motility and the connection between the gut microbiota and serotonin is becoming apparent in contemporary scientific research. The studies by Keating, Damien J., Ge, Xiaolong, Gershon, Michael D., as well as Mayer, Emeran A., and Tillisch, Kirsten, provide evidence of the importance of gut serotonin in GI motility and its modulation by microbiota, stress and brain-gut axis. Moving forward, understanding the complex nature of the gut serotonin and its interaction with the microbiota and other factors will pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic targets and treatment of GI-related gut disorders.

 5 ways to increase serotonin naturally


 5.  Decrease stress/ sleep
4. exercise 
3. get more sunlight
2. take a 5 HTP supplement
1.  eat food high in tryptophan foods and high fiber diet


 If you are interested in learning more about how to improve your Gut Health Book a Nutrition consult with Wendy


Ge, X., Pan, J., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Zhou, W., & Wang, X. (2018). Intestinal crosstalk between microbiota and serotonin and its impact on Gut Motility. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 19(3), 190–195. https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201019666180528094202 

Keating, D. J., & Spencer, N. J. (2019). What is the role of endogenous gut serotonin in the control of gastrointestinal motility? Pharmacological Research, 140, 50–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.017

Martin CR, Osadchiy V, Kalani A, Mayer EA. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Apr 12;6(2):133-148. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.04.003. PMID: 30023410; PMCID: PMC6047317.

Mayer, E. A., & Tillisch, K. (2011). The brain-gut axis in abdominal pain syndromes. Annual Review of Medicine, 62(1), 381–396. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-012309-103958


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where Do Gut Issues Come From

  Where Do Gut Issues Come From Introduction: A Question Without a Simple Answer As a colon hydrotherapist, nutritionist, and educator, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How did I end up with these gut issues?” Constipation, bloating, IBS, inflammation—it often feels like they appeared out of nowhere. But the truth is: gut dysfunction is rarely sudden. It is layered, complex, and influenced by a constellation of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. What I know today as a practitioner may evolve tomorrow. That’s the beauty—and challenge—of science. But what remains constant is this: the gut is the center of our health , and understanding its roots can unlock powerful healing. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the key contributing factors to gut dysfunction—many of which I explore in my book RYSE From Within: A Guide to Heal Your Gut —and the science behind how they shape our digestive health. 1. Genetics: The Blueprint—but Not the Destiny Som...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Navigating Travel Constipation: Tips for Maintaining Digestive Health on the Go Traveling—whether for leisure or business—can be exhilarating, but for many, it also disrupts a crucial part of daily wellness: regular bowel movements.  Travel constipation is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects both frequent flyers and occasional vacationers.  Understanding its causes and implementing preventive strategies can help support gut health, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable. What Causes Travel Constipation? Constipation during travel is typically multifactorial. The primary contributing factors include: Changes in routine : Our digestive system thrives on regularity. Travel often alters meal times, sleep schedules, and bathroom habits, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm (Staller, 2017). Dehydration : Long flights, hot climates, and increased caffeine or alcohol intake can lead to fluid loss, reducing the wa...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Beat the Bloat: Travel-Friendly Foods and Digestive Tips for Life on the Go Whether you're catching flights or navigating packed schedules, keeping digestion smooth and bloat-free can be challenging. Bloating is a common gastrointestinal complaint that can arise from dietary triggers, stress, irregular meals, or poor hydration—especially when traveling.  Choosing the right foods and maintaining simple habits can help keep your gut calm and digestion efficient, no matter where life takes you. Understanding Bloating and Its Common Triggers Bloating can occur when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract or when the body retains water. Common culprits include: High-FODMAP foods (fermentable carbohydrates) Carbonated beverages Artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol or xylitol) Dairy (for those with lactose intolerance) Poor hydration and irregular eating Eating on the go or while stressed (Ford et al., 2020) Bloat-Free Foods for On-the...
Post a Comment
Read more