4. The Science of Calm: Serotonin | The Quiet Rhythm Beneath the Noise

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of MOHIVATE, Dr. Mohi Sarawgee explores serotonin — the neurotransmitter and hormone of calm.Not the molecule of fireworks and euphoria, but the quiet rhythm that keeps your mood steady beneath the noise.She unpacks what serotonin really is, where it’s made, and how it shapes everything from mood and sleep to gut health and resilience. From the vagus nerve and the raphe nuclei to the role of light, tryptophan, and the microbiome, this episode dives deep into the real science behind what we often call the “happy hormone” — and what neuroscientists know as one of the brain’s most vital messengers.Discover what shapes your inner chemistry and how to support serotonin naturally, featuring insights from neuroscience, psychology, and everyday life — plus a few smiles along the way.Because understanding calm isn’t about clichés.It’s about chemistry.References for Reading:Yano JM, Yu K, Donaldson GP, et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell, 161(2): 264–276.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.047Young SN. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 32(6): 394–399.The Lancet Psychiatry. (2015). Depression and the human gut microbiome. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(4): 284.Park BJ, Tsunetsugu Y, Kasetani T, et al. (2010). The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1): 18–26.Just a gentle reminder: this episode is for information, education, and inspiration only. It’s not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For any personal health concerns, always seek guidance from your doctor.