What is serotonin and what is it good for?

Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, is produced by your own body. This substance ensures that your brain receives a signal of happiness. If you pay attention to the right ingredients, you can produce them yourself. If your body does not produce enough of this hormone, you may suffer from various ailments such as anxiety, insomnia and depression. The good news is that you can influence the production of serotonin in your body. But how does one do it? In this article we will explain it to you.

What is serotonin and how exactly does it work?

There are different types of hormones in your body, these are also called neurotransmitters. Some hormones make you feel angry, anxious, or scared, and others make you feel happy, joyful, or euphoric (these are the happiness hormones). For example, when we have a lot of the happiness hormone in our body, we are less sensitive to rejection. So the production of this hormone gives us a boost to our self-confidence.

In this way, the happiness hormone can act like a positive spiral. If you do something you are proud of, e.g. For example, if you do something that you are actually afraid of or find scary, you produce this happiness hormone. In addition, this feel-good hormone is an important neurotransmitter when it comes to various functions in your body, such as your appetite, mood, sleep, exercise and sexual activity. Your memory also works better when your serotonin levels are high.

Neurotransmitters ensure that the cells in your brain can communicate with each other. The happiness hormone is very important, but it is not the only neurotransmitter responsible for it. Others include oxytocin, dopamine and adrenaline. You can influence all of these hormones yourself.

How does your body produce the happiness hormone?

The happiness hormone not only influences your emotions and feelings of happiness by increasing your self-confidence and mood, but also other functions in your body. It regulates the kidneys, heart, immune system, digestion and blood vessels. So how can you ensure your body produces more of this happy hormone?

The happiness hormone can only be formed from an amino acid called tryptophan. You can get it from foods like bananas, chickpeas, brown rice, chocolate, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. The enzymes in your body convert it into the happiness hormone with the help of tryptophan.

It works like this. Proteins are extracted from these foods, which your body then converts into amino acids. These are used to form 5 HTP (HTP stands for hydroxytryptophan). If your serotonin levels are below average, you can also take this in pill form. The 5 HTP is then converted by your body into the happiness hormone.

What if you have a serotonin deficiency?

If you have a serotonin deficiency, it can have serious consequences for your body. Your day and night rhythm is regulated, among other things, by the happiness hormone. You can e.g. B. suffer from lack of sleep. Anxiety and depression are also a result of serotonin deficiency. Since the happiness hormone has a major influence on mood, a chronic deficiency can ultimately lead to depression. A lack of serotonin often shows up in emotions that make us feel restless, such as loneliness, stress or aggression. Often there is too much dopamine, which makes you feel restless.

The happiness hormone also regulates your appetite. Among other things, it shows that you have eaten enough. If you have a serotonin deficit, you won't get this signal and you'll overeat more easily. When your serotonin levels are within the normal range, you have fewer calorie needs.

Migraines can also be a result of a serotonin deficiency. So if you suffer from frequent migraines, it might be an idea to include more protein in your diet. Your body can then convert this back into the happiness hormone.

Increase in one's own serotonin levels

Your serotonin levels increase with external validation like compliments or “likes” on social media posts. If you often look for this reassurance, it could indicate that your serotonin levels are low. But in the long term, relying solely on this is not sustainable. Fortunately, there are natural ways to increase your serotonin levels and promote long-term wellness.

In addition to external validation, self-care practices like a balanced diet and regular exercise can improve your serotonin levels. Eat nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support serotonin production. Physical activity like walking or yoga can also help improve your mood.

Also prioritize quality sleep for optimal serotonin levels and emotional well-being. A relaxing bedtime routine and a conducive sleep environment can contribute to restful sleep.

Mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation and spending time in nature can also help calm your mind and promote a sense of peace. By incorporating these practices, you can support healthy serotonin levels and promote long-term happiness and fulfillment.

Serotonin Booster

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