Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

PMartin, are you a member of medscape by any chance? Its free and they don't spam you and its an excellent resource.

"excessive levels of serotonin could cause symptoms of diarrhea?"

Not excessive in the entire body so much as bad transportation from the actual EC cells that release it to start gut contractions and the way serotonin signaling in the whole body.

To much released from the ec cells causes d and to little cause c and alternators to little sometimes and to much at others, hence alternating.

"Serotonin signaling has been implicated in the pathophysiology of IBS."

This has been figured out partly now for years in regards to altered motility and pain, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, there are different receptors, 5ht4 receptors are connected to c and 5ht3 receptors connected to D. Hence lotronex worked on 5ht3 recpetors and zelmac on 5ht4 receptors. There are still other receptors under investigation.

In Medscape is an article by DR Gersho, the Dr that found the second brain in the gut.

The article is called

IBS With Diarrhea: An Expert Interview With Michael Gershon, MD

actually this might work

http://74.6.146.127/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=gershon+and+serotonin+and+ibs&fr=fp-yie8&u=www.medscape.com/viewarticle/477681&w=gershon+serotonin+ibs&d=Xak2gd29UEoY&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=422iJx_0hP_ZDA60qrkV6w--

If you can sign up for it then I can point out articles to you about it all.

Another reason that serotonin is implicated, is it can cause altered motility but its also what the gut uses to signal to the brain pain or discomfort.

Taking a 5ht supplement, might not help IBS or for some it may, but I can't tell you what it would do in your body. For years they have known about this but they don't rusally commend taking them that I am aware of. One reason if I remember corectly is this just works on the brain NOT the gut receptors. I am sure its more complex, but can't remember the exact reasons. It may help people at the brain level also and that could in trun help the gut for other reasons.

It may help some people with lower levels in the brain to help with relaxation. But others it would cause restlessness, and anxiety which would not be helpful.

"How can one determine their level of serotonin and whether it's normal, too low or too high"

I believe there is a test for this, but not for IBS, for serotonin conditions. Its not the total amount in the body, but the regulation of it from the gut from specific cells. This causes a domino effect really to the rest of the body.

serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter that does a lot in the body. It is involved in digestion, sleep, sex, mucle contractions, moods and other important functions, including homeostasis. One reason perhaps why some of the non gi symptoms associated with IBS. Nausea for example is also part a serotonin issue as well as gerd, but others as well.

"What's the current status of alosetron (also known as Lotronex"

As far as I know you have to get special permission for it used and be monitored taking it.

Its mechanism of action is different then Lomotil. Lomotil is chemically related to an opioid drug.

" Is there a diet (or any other method/drug) for managing your desired level of serotonin?"

Foods have an effect on creating serotonin, certain foods break down to create amino acid Tryptophan which is then metabolised to create serotonin.

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/food-and-serotonin.html

This though may increase D. Which is why the low carb diet for some, to Possibly reduce Tryptophan production. This is somewhat being studied at the moment.

I would read this also, this is complex and not well understood yet.

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0515.html

There are also foods that trigger IBS for completely different reasons. That is really important also and as far as foods, ask Heather.

Out of curiosity have you tried Mike's tapes?

Also remeber when your relaxed in the brain, its serotonin causing that effect. There is the central nervous system which is connected to the autonomic nervous system and the the enteric nervous system-the gut brain. There is also something really important here, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Relax the brain and it can relax the gut, relax the gut and it can reelax the brain. This is very important for the serotonin issue, but also for another issues called mast cells and the fight or flight responce. The fight or flight responce IS VERY important in IBS. I will post more on that if you like.

"I've had issues with insomnia and restlessness and know there is a connection between whether I get a good night's sleep (which is not often) and how bad my symptom's are; is this an indication of anything?"

When you don't get a good nights sleep it stresses the body more and that physical stress can trigger the IBS.

I had bad insomnia until I did Mike's tapes and have not had it except for a couple nights here and there for over 6 years. It also really helped all my symptoms.

But yes lack of sleep can make IBS worse and that is common.

There are other psychological treatments that work naturally on serotonin regulation in the body. There are antidepressants also, like Amitriptyline that work for some on Pain and also at the gut level to help stop D. Usally they do this by giving you very low doses.

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My website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com

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