‘Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another…it is believed to influence a variety of psychological and other body functions. This includes cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation and some behavior.’-WebMD
While serotonin is a chemical often related to depression, most of the people aren’t attentive to into the various functions of this brain chemical (hence, the quote). Most people also not aware of the fact that serotonin also can be reproduced without pharmaceuticals. Medicine only made available through doctor prescription and can have worst side effects.
The fact that we are able to naturally increase this very important brain chemical should be considered exciting! Several ailments, acute and chronic, are believed to flow from – at least in part – to low levels of within the brain. We encourage our readers to use this valuable information enclosed in this article to boost their physical and mental health.
Here Are 5 Ways To Increase Serotonin In The Brain:
- Get Some 5-HTP
This little “hack” could be a terrific way facilitate ward off the blues. Formally called 5-Hydroxytryptophan, this element has been found effective in treating anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and hypertension. By stimulating the production of the chemical serotonin 5-HTP can accomplishes these things.
And also, 5-HTP has been shown to have positive effects on weight levels which have derived from the substance’s suppression of appetite. In a research at an Italian University, female participants who ingested 5-HTP lost an additional 10 pounds over two weeks, against the placebo group who only lost two pounds over the two weeks.
Taking multiple doses (ex. breakfast, lunch and dinner), is recommended to realize the serotonin-boosting benefits of 5-HTP, a dosage of 100 to 400 milligrams per day. Desiderate a time period of 4 to 6 weeks before any type of 5-HTP supplementation begins to demonstrate tangible advantages.
- Take Some B Vitamins
Vitamin B6 helps in both the development and function of serotonin in the brain. Due to supplementing the diet with a B-complex product, its myriad effects on brain chemicals those who prone to stress.
Both vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are important in lessening depressive symptoms while inhibiting erratic neural activity within the brain. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that older adults that have been suffering from depression or who go through depressive-like symptoms improved after supplementing their meals with B-vitamins.
The recommended intake of a B-complex product, like a supplement, is 50 to 100 mg daily. People with additional symptoms such as tiredness, exhaustion or chronic stress, should add a pantothenic acid, a twice-daily 250 mg dose of B5 vitamins, which is enough for the alleviation of such symptoms.
- Embrace The Light
Have you ever thought why opening the shades on a sunny day has a distinctive way of improving our mood? That is because that our brain self-injects itself with serotonin chemicals. Even on a frigid or cold day, sunlight has an identifiable, positive effect on our mind.
Having a briskly walk for 15 to 20 minutes at least once a day is a productive and a healthy practice. As we know, it is best to walk in the morning for two reasons: (1) we can burn more calories, and (2) we mentally prepare ourselves for the day ahead. This can reward us with a kick of serotonin, it also burns some calories in the process.
- Get a message
We all know that massages feel really good. We may not know this, but messages have a direct effect on our serotonin levels. When we consider in physiologically state, messages are effective in reducing the stress hormone cortisol which is a chemical that actively blocks the production of serotonin.
Researchers have found that professional massages decrease levels of cortisol by about 31%. When cortisol process is inhibited, our brains are in an optimal state to produce serotonin chemicals. Massage therapy also can increase the production of the “reward and pleasure” brain chemical dopamine.
Experts found that guided massage therapy is the first method of boosting serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, in addition to other sought-after health benefits. Anyway, a simple message by a close friend will be fit for many. But, those experiencing turmoil will be best by consulting a licensed massage therapist, whose expertise will be invaluable in counteracting psychological stressors.
- Meditate
“Serotonin-boosting” article would not be complete the inclusion of meditation. We all know that physical and psychological benefits of meditation are mind-boggling. There are numerous forms of meditative practices, and all the ways are important in increasing the production of serotonin.
The most meaningful form of meditation on serotonin levels is Transcendental Meditation or TM. Researchers believe that TM is a strong stimulant on serotonin levels as to elevation of one of serotonin’s building blocks: 5-HIAA. Science has found a direct coaction between increasing concentrations of 5-HIAA and elevated serotonin levels in the brain.
Same as to massage therapy, meditation helps to reduce the levels of cortisol in the brain. And also, meditation is particularly expert at beseeching a relaxed response in the brain while suppressing the brain’s natural “fight or flight” reaction.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is another meditation type combined to elevating levels of serotonin, partly as MBSR further sensitizes serotonergic receiver, an important variable in the production of serotonin. Additionally, MBSR is the meditative technique promoted to military personnel that has been exposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).