Serotonin, the happiness hormone: how it affects your mood

Have you ever felt radiant after a day at the beach, when you do something nice for someone, or after exercising?

Well, that feeling of well-being and calm is thanks to serotonin, the happiness hormone.

But what exactly is it and how does it work in your body? Read on and I'll explain.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin is more than just a chemical; it is a key player in your emotional and physical well-being. Think of it as a messenger traveling through your body carrying good news.

Most serotonin is not produced in the brain, but in the gut.

And from there, it travels throughout your body via your blood platelets, making sure serotonin reaches its destination: your brain.

Benefits of serotonin for mood

Serotonin is immersed in your mood…

• It makes you feel motivated, happy and positive.
• Promotes calm and a feeling of inner peace.
• Control cravings for sweets and processed carbohydrates.
• It gives you a clearer and more focused mind.
• Reduces anxiety and depression.
• It relieves pain, which puts you in a bad mood or sad.

Low Serotonin: Symptoms in Your Daily Life

When your serotonin levels are low, it feels like you're missing the spark that drives you. You feel more depressed, irritable, and anxiety can take over.

You may notice that you have a harder time concentrating, remembering things, falling asleep, or having a bigger appetite.

And, in acute cases, it can cause panic attacks, aggression, chronic pain, among others.

Now, what can contribute to a serotonin deficiency? Stress affects the brain , an unhealthy diet, lack of sunlight or certain medications for a long time.

What stimulates the release of serotonin?

There are natural ways to increase serotonin. They are even a better option than using antidepressants with their unpleasant side effects.

Foods with tryptophan

Tryptophan is like a substance that does the magic of making serotonin in your body, and these foods are rich in this amino acid:

• Chicken, fish and eggs are excellent options.
• Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are little tryptophan bombs.
• A banana or a pineapple a day will also give you a dose of happiness.

Magnesium for more serotonin

This mineral is like an indispensable helper for serotonin to do its job.

Without enough magnesium, serotonin can't function properly and you may feel more depressed or anxious.

300 mg of magnesium a day will help you keep serotonin high.

Do exercises daily 

Physical exercise is not only good for your body, it is also a natural antidepressant.

Walking, dancing, swimming or any activity you enjoy will cause your body to release serotonin, improving your mood almost instantly.

The sun is life and happiness

The vitamin D that your body produces when exposed to the sun is key to transforming tryptophan into serotonin.

With just 15 minutes of sun a day, you will notice the difference in your energy and well-being.

Take care of your gut with probiotics

Pampering your intestinal flora ensures more serotonin production.

Eat more unpasteurized yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and consider taking a good quality probiotic supplement with over 100 million CFU.

Prioritize your mental and emotional health, listen to your body and give it the tools it needs to produce the serotonin that will make you feel full and happy.

Important: This content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. If you have any health conditions, please consult your doctor.

Sources:

• Serotonin: Why you need it and how to increase your levels naturally
• Increase your serotonin: the happiness hormone