The brain is responsible for the production of chemicals that relay signals between millions of nerve cells. One of the chemicals produced is serotonin, which is a derivative of tryptophan, an amino acid. The chemical is responsible for your digestion, sleep, appetite, sex drive, and mood.
Serotonin, also known as “the happiness hormone,” is a critical component in social engagement and self-confidence as well. In addition, it helps decrease an individual’s worries and concerns. Low serotonin levels trigger your brain to over-fire and you become anxious, irritable and view the world as an unfriendly place to be.
When you find yourself having low energy, mood, rigid or worried, then you may be having a serotonin issue. Try one of these strategies to increase the chemical’s levels in your brain.
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Exercising
Getting physical is one way of increasing your body’s production of serotonin. Exercise also increases tryptophan in your brain and amino acid, the building block of serotonin. When more tryptophan is available to the brain, more serotonin is produced as well as other chemicals that aid in improving the mood, such as dopamine.
High Tryptophan Foods
Unfortunately, consuming foods high in serotonin does not increase the chemical’s levels in your brain; the serotonin you consume cannot travel through the bloodstream to the brain. However, tryptophan can get into your brain. Choose foods such as lentils, dark chocolate (yes), eggs, tofu, seeds, nuts, bananas and meats with high tryptophan levels that have a direct effect on increasing serotonin’s levels in your brain.
Another alternative is taking supplements. For example, you can buy nootropics from Corpina, which can help augment your mood.
The supplements target the serotonin producing neurotransmitters that promote the “happy” one, while suppressing the “sad” neurotransmitter signals.
Massage
Massage therapy is also another way to increase levels of serotonin. Regular massages for women undergoing prenatal depression or after undergoing a major surgery, such as the placement of breast implants, have helped improve their moods, and increase dopamine and serotonin levels. Regular massage therapy also helps in reducing cortisol levels; cortisol is a stress hormone.
Play in the Sun
A person’s outlook is generally positive during a bright, sunny day than during overcast, rainy days. One of the explanations has been that exposure to light helps increase the production of serotonin. Actually, any bright light – artificial or natural – is an effective treatment method for individuals who experience seasonal affective disorder.
The disorder is a depression type that occurs mostly during the winter months when the days are shorter and most people spend their days indoors. In a healthy individual, a little exposure has a huge positive effect on mood due to increased brain serotonin levels. According to a family physician in Jersey City, spending time in the sun is also a great way to bond with your family while reducing stress levels.
Eliminate or Drastically Reduce Your Sugar Intake
One of the symptoms of low serotonin levels is an increased craving for sugar. This is the body’s natural way of trying to produce higher serotonin levels since eating sugars helps produce insulin that triggers tryptophan that goes into the brain. However, consuming too much sugar may lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, addiction to sugar, and hypoglycemia.
Instead, satisfy that sweet tooth with a healthy alternative like Lakanto or Stevia. These are zero-calorie sweeteners that will not raise your blood sugar – insulin – and are actually beneficial to your general health.
As you can see, raising your serotonin levels is not only for your mood, but for your physical well-being, leading to a healthier, more beautiful you.
Author Bio:
Taby G. is a super-connector with Towering SEO and OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. With over 6 years of writing experience, Taby brings a vast amount of knowledge, style and skill to every project. Her expertise lies in article/blog writing, eBooks, and SEO/informational writing. She prides herself on her excellent research skills and flawless grammar throughout her copywriting and fiction.