How to Increase Natural Serotonin
By Kiran Gaunle
How to Increase Natural Serotoninthumbnail Serotonin makes you feel content.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for that “satisfied” feeling one gets — such as after a hearty meal. Like endorphins and dopamine, it is a feel-good neurotransmitter and a major determiner of mood and emotion. It helps you relax and fall asleep. Low levels of serotonin is known to cause depression and suicidal tendencies, in addition to other disorders like insomnia, eating disorders and anxiety attacks. Most anti-depressants prescribed by doctors, such as Prozac, contain chemicals to prevent depletion of serotonin in the body. There are, however, natural ways to increase serotonin, although their effectiveness is still being tested.
Topic To Increase Natural Serotonin:
- Dopamine Brain
- Dopamin Serotonin
To Increase Natural Serotonin:
- Easy
To Increase Natural Serotonin You’ll Need:
- None
To Increase Natural Serotonin Instructions:
- Stay outdoors as much as possible, since lack of sufficient exposure to sunlight reduces the level of natural serotonin in the body. Our ancestors worked outside in daylight most of the time in hunter-gatherer and agricultural societies, until the industrial revolution.
- Visit a light cafe and soak-in some bright light. They’re common in places that receive little sunshine in the winter, such as the Scandinavian countries.
- Exercise for at least 15 to 20 a minutes a day. Vigorous physical activity releases natural endorphins and serotonin, two important feel-good neurotransmitters.
- Drink a glass of milk before going to sleep. Natural serotonin is formed from tryptophan, a compound found in milk and other dairy products.
- Eat candy, sweets and carbohydrates to temporarily boost serotonin level. Remember that a carbohydrate-induced spike in serotonin level lasts no more than two hours, and that excess carbohydrate may lead to side effects such as weight gain. Note also, that according one of the leading serotonin researchers in the U.S., Dr. John Mann of Columbia University, it is not proven scientifically that dietary changes lead to a sustained increase in natural serotonin levels.
- Consult a doctor for medical advice, if you think low serotonin levels are making you feel depressed. Depression is a medical condition and neurotransmitters are complex chemicals, trying to manipulate them on your own can lead to more harm than good.
- Do not rely on a diet to boost serotonin level, it is not a substitute for exercise.