What is Serotonin?
A neurotransmitter that is linked to better mood and overall feelings of satisfaction.
But as well as regulating mood, serotonin is also needed for motor skills and brain function. It can help with memory and learning and give you a healthy appetite.
It also helps with nerve function and regulating blood pressure and heart rate so it’s very important!
Dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin are also valuable neuro transmitters that play a valuable part in mood and work together with serotonin to make us feel good.
A balanced diet that contains adequate protein, vitamins and minerals, probiotics and a moderate amount of saturated fat can help your body produce the dopamine it needs.
Meditation, listening to music and exercising can also release dopamine
Endorphins are another brain chemical released after exercise, or a hearty laugh or eating spicy food even. They make us feel naturally high.
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain. It’s sometimes known as the “cuddle hormone” or the “love hormone,” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.
How to Boost Serotonin
Eat well – lots of probiotic foods and fermented foods will support excellent gut health which supports mood
Sleep Well
Get your Vitamin D
Meditate
Get outside in the light and sunshine when you can
Foods to boost Serotonin
Food doesn’t contain serotonin but it can contain something called Tryptophan which is an amino acid that is converted to serotonin.
To ensure optimum absorption across the brain barrier it is advised we eat tryptophan rich foods with some good complex carbohydrates to help them reach the brain.
Eg
- Salmon – with brown rice
- Nuts – with porridge
- Turkey with spelt bread
