HAPPINESS; AN OUTCOME OF CHEMISTRY
HAPPINESS;
AN OUTCOME OF CHEMISTRY
PROF
WAQAR HUSSAIN
1st,
Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter derived from tryptophan
(an amino acid) primarily found in gastrointestinal tract, platelets and
central nervous system of man. About 90% of human’s total serotonin originates
from intestinal wall, and then it goes to blood and is engulfed by platelets
for storage.
Serotonin is unanimously believed to be
contributor of feeling of well being and happiness. Serotonin
also regulates gut movement, ageing, learning and memory. The good sources of
serotonin are banana, dates and papayas. Serotonin level slides downward but in
later stage of ageing.
2nd, Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter released in
brain by nerve cells. It is a pacemaker; too much of it make one restless and
too little makes one slow. Moderate level works well and brings body comfort
and ultimately bliss of mind. It plays a vital role in reward-moderated
behaviour. Every type of reward enhances its level in the brain. Some addictive
drugs like cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine amplify the effect of
dopamine. Several diseases of nervous system are correlated with malfunction of
dopamine system. Parkinson’s disease (a
disease that causes trembling of the arms and legs and muscular rigidity) is the outcome of loss of
dopamine-secreting neuron in mid brain area. It is also believed that schizophrenia
(a mental disease marked by disconnection
between thoughts and actions, frequently
with delusion and retreat from social life)
involves altered level of dopamine activity and there is increased sensitivity
of dopamine receptors in the frontal cortex.
3rd, Endorphin, a neurotransmitter,
is a polypeptide that binds to pain receptors and thus block pain sensation and painless
condition is always a comfort of body and mind. It in acronym: endo stands for endogenous and orphin came from morphine. Morpheus Greek
god of sleep as morphine like substance, originating from within the body,
brings soothing feeling. It is secreted by pituitary gland, capable of
relieving pain in manner similar to that of morphine.
Endorphin, along with pain reducing property,
is also connected with euphoric condition of feeling, appetite
modulation and the release of sex hormones. So the end result is fain
and fabulous feeling. Prolonged and continuous exercise contributes to
increased production of endorphin.
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5th,
Testosterones are a steroidal hormone
secreted by testicles of male and the ovaries of female. It is the principle male
hormone, responsible for development of male reproductive system and secondary
sex characteristics.
It has been found that when testosterone
and endorphins in ejaculated semen meet the cervical wall after sexual
intercourse, females receive a spike in testosterone, endorphin and oxytocin(a
hormone secreted by pituitary gland involved in contraction of alveoli of
mammary glands during expression of milk and in promoting smooth muscle contraction
of uterus during coitus and during parturition) levels and males after orgasm
during copulation experience an increase in endorphin and a marked increase in oxytocin
levels. This adds to the hospitable physiological environment
in the female internal reproductive tract for conceiving, and latter for
nurturing the conception in the pre-embryonic stages and stimulate feeling
of love, desire and paternal care in the male.
Hypogonadism(low testosterone
level or defect of reproductive system due to lack of function of gonads(testes
or ovaries) causes depression, fatigue , irritability, mood swing , loss of concentration,
decrease in libido, weight gain, breast tissue development in male, hair loss ,
poor work performance, osteoporosis, increase risk of heart attack and decrease
male life expectancy.
Factors which lower testosterones
level include obesity, stress, hypertension, high cholesterol, less sleep, intoxication,
ageing (after the age of 40, testosterones level drop roughly one percent per
year. one cannot do much about it).
On the other hand, factors which
can enhance testosterones level are:
(1) Men who take more magnesium are likely to have a higher amount of free testosterone
in their bodies. Magnesium is found in fiber rich cereals, spinach, nuts,
beans, etc.
(2) A
high protein (especially albumin) intake increases the amount of bio-available
testosterone.
(3) Zinc
inhibit aromatase enzyme that
converts testosterone into estrogen. The recommended dose for inhibiting aromatize
is 80 mg daily.
(4) Vitamin-C
suppresses the release of the stress hormone cortisol which decreases testosterone
level. So, less cortisol, more testosterone.
6th
and 7th are vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are accessory organic food
factors present in many food stuffs and essential for normal growth and
nutrition of a man. There are about 32 different vitamins, however, famous one
are A, B, C, E, D, K. Dietary minerals are chemicals required by living
organism, other than the four elements Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Oxygen,
present in common organic molecules. Over 20 dietary minerals are necessary for
human.
Both these micronutrients are essential for
brain Chemistry because they are integral part of all the biochemical pathways
which take to the manufacturing of the neurotransmitters which help to
determine mood, delight and happiness.
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Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in
digestion of food, the transport and absorption of nutrients into the cells and
the formation of the neuron transmitters. They play a vital regulatory role in
the body metabolism leading to healthy brain and body and thus pave the way for
a cheerful live.
In sum, these seven colours of spectrum,
if blended properly, can be transformed into white glittering spark of
happiness. On one hand, these are the gift of God but on the other hand man can
manage them by taking proper diet, precautionary measure and proper exercise.
It means some part of happiness lie in our hands with proper modus operandi
blended with meditation to seek the Benediction, Blessing and BSSeatitude of
God; it can fill our lives with plentiful happiness. All that required is our
willingness, commitment, control and completion of planned strategy.
Thoreau
has rightly said: “Man is artificer of
his own happiness”
References:
WIKEPEDIA
CHEMISTRY OF HAPPINESS (MODE STEPS)
PENGUINE DICTIONARY OF BIOLOGY
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND
BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
EVERY DAY SCIENCE BY IQBAL A BHATTI
EVERY DAY SCIENCE BY DR M IKRAM
KASHMIRI
BOOK OF QUOTATIONS BY J D CHAUDHRI
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