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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KarenRB53 on November 26, 2011, at 12:39:28
My doctor did a metabolic urine test on me and the results showed next to no serotonin. He suggested I start eating a diet high in foods that are high in serotonin. I do take Celexa 20mg daily but he did say I have to increase my body levels of serotonin. Can anyone help me with this? Any input greatly appreciated.
Karen
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2011, at 15:21:47
In reply to Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by KarenRB53 on November 26, 2011, at 12:39:28
Wouldn't the GI serotonin be different than that in ones brain? Hoping someone can answer this. Didn't know they tested serotonin in urine either? Phillipa
Posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on November 27, 2011, at 17:07:30
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing » KarenRB53, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2011, at 15:21:47
Get a script for some l-tryptophan and take 500mg twice a day
Posted by KarenRB53 on November 28, 2011, at 8:42:06
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing » KarenRB53, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2011, at 15:21:47
> Wouldn't the GI serotonin be different than that in ones brain? Hoping someone can answer this. Didn't know they tested serotonin in urine either? Phillipa
I did some reading and apparently 60-90% of our serotonin is in our digestive tract. But I couldn't find out anything about if the amount in our body has anything to do with the amount in our brain.
Karen
Posted by KarenRB53 on November 28, 2011, at 8:44:17
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on November 27, 2011, at 17:07:30
> Get a script for some l-tryptophan and take 500mg twice a day
Is it safe to take it with Celexa?
Thanks
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2011, at 18:22:53
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by KarenRB53 on November 28, 2011, at 8:42:06
Karen knew about the digestive tract but never looked for the brain part intersting subject for sure. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2011, at 18:34:49
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by KarenRB53 on November 28, 2011, at 8:42:06
If this link works interesting read doesn't mention urine but GI motility and connection to tryptophan. Phillipa
Posted by KarenRB53 on November 30, 2011, at 15:44:08
In reply to Re: Very low serotonin levels in urine testing » KarenRB53, posted by Phillipa on November 28, 2011, at 18:34:49
> If this link works interesting read doesn't mention urine but GI motility and connection to tryptophan. Phillipa
>
> http://www.vrp.com/stress/the-many-faces-of-serotonin-deficiency-linked-to-gi-disorders-depression-asthma-and-fibromyalgiaInteresting...thanks for the link.
Karen
Posted by bleauberry on December 1, 2011, at 15:35:56
In reply to Very low serotonin levels in urine testing, posted by KarenRB53 on November 26, 2011, at 12:39:28
From what I have seen, this test is not helpful. For example, low serotonin metabolites in the urine does not mean low serotonin in the brain. The test gives us no clue as to where the serotonin is or what is happening with it. keep in mind it has never been proved or duplicated that low serotonin equals depression. In some people that is in fact their problem, and that is demonstrated when they respond robustly and rapidly to either tryptophan or 5htp. I think that would be a good test actually before prescribing someone a ssri.
Maybe there isn't much serotonin in the urine because it's all in the brain at the synapses, trapped their by celexa? It's also trapped all throughout the body, because celexa and serotonin receptors are everywhere not just the brain, but of course it is tied up and of course won't be in the urine.
I had that same test. My serotonin was almost absent. I however responded horribly to any serotonin strategies. Through trial and error I found out that my chemistries that were actually deficient were my norepinephrine and dopamine, despite they looked fine on the test.
I'm not saying the test is right or wrong or good or bad. I'm just saying I think the way it is interpreted is wrong and that the results of the test are not comprehensive enough to draw any conclusions, which all would be purely hypothesis and experiment anyway.
> My doctor did a metabolic urine test on me and the results showed next to no serotonin. He suggested I start eating a diet high in foods that are high in serotonin. I do take Celexa 20mg daily but he did say I have to increase my body levels of serotonin. Can anyone help me with this? Any input greatly appreciated.
>
> Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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