Serotonin and the Joy of the LORD!
An Article by Lauri McNair, MS
Through scientific research and technology, we are astounded with the human brain. It is remarkably fascinating how the human brain works. As part of the Central Nervous System (CNS), the brain is responsible for how information is received, organized and processed, and distributed in the body. It contains 100 billion nerve cells. It regulates all major activities in the body like perception, thinking, cognition, emotions, memory, attention, and behavior.
Within the brain is an intricate system of chemicals or neurotransmitters that send signals and messages between neurons and other cells. One of these neurotransmitters is Serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for happiness. Serotonin assists in balancing moods, calming anxiety, and relieving depression. Additionally, Serotonin also functions in regulating sleep and appetite, memory and learning, temperature, sexual behavior, muscle contractions as well as the function of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, and endocrine system. Essentially, Serotonin has been linked to everything from autism to constipation!
A point of interest is that although Serotonin is primarily associated with the brain, 95% of it is produced by and found in the small intestines complex network of nerves. Serotonin in the intestines transmits information to the CNS. The small intestines function much like a “second brain”. It houses the inner most part of man; the soul. It is the heart or the seat of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors according to John 7:38. Jesus tells us if we believe in Him, then out of our belly (intestines) will flow living (fresh, strong, efficient, and having vital power) waters. These living waters, that only Jesus can provide, bring balance to our entire being.
“The LORD will guide you continually giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” (Isaiah 58:11)
The Bible likens the Word of God to food. “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:130). The spiritual food of the Word of God is processed through the “belly”. As we ingest this food, we are nourished with the wholesome goodness of the nutrient enriched word. The soul is satiated, healthy, and vibrant.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by your name.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
A soul that is satiated with the Word of God, is joyful. “Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). When we are experiencing joy on a soul level, in our natural bellies or intestines, there is a natural, perfectly balanced production of Serotonin. Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, poor concentration, decreased libido, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and numerous others will be eradicated when the joy of the LORD is present and at work in our lives.
Through scientific research and technology, we are astounded with the human brain. It is remarkably fascinating how the human brain works. As part of the Central Nervous System (CNS), the brain is responsible for how information is received, organized and processed, and distributed in the body. It contains 100 billion nerve cells. It regulates all major activities in the body like perception, thinking, cognition, emotions, memory, attention, and behavior.
Within the brain is an intricate system of chemicals or neurotransmitters that send signals and messages between neurons and other cells. One of these neurotransmitters is Serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for happiness. Serotonin assists in balancing moods, calming anxiety, and relieving depression. Additionally, Serotonin also functions in regulating sleep and appetite, memory and learning, temperature, sexual behavior, muscle contractions as well as the function of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, and endocrine system. Essentially, Serotonin has been linked to everything from autism to constipation!
A point of interest is that although Serotonin is primarily associated with the brain, 95% of it is produced by and found in the small intestines complex network of nerves. Serotonin in the intestines transmits information to the CNS. The small intestines function much like a “second brain”. It houses the inner most part of man; the soul. It is the heart or the seat of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors according to John 7:38. Jesus tells us if we believe in Him, then out of our belly (intestines) will flow living (fresh, strong, efficient, and having vital power) waters. These living waters, that only Jesus can provide, bring balance to our entire being.
“The LORD will guide you continually giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” (Isaiah 58:11)
The Bible likens the Word of God to food. “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:130). The spiritual food of the Word of God is processed through the “belly”. As we ingest this food, we are nourished with the wholesome goodness of the nutrient enriched word. The soul is satiated, healthy, and vibrant.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by your name.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
A soul that is satiated with the Word of God, is joyful. “Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). When we are experiencing joy on a soul level, in our natural bellies or intestines, there is a natural, perfectly balanced production of Serotonin. Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, poor concentration, decreased libido, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and numerous others will be eradicated when the joy of the LORD is present and at work in our lives.
