Your nerve cells make a chemical called serotonin. On top of playing a role in your digestion, blood clotting, and other bodily functions, serotonin is a powerful natural mood stabilizer. And since more serotonin can help us all feel happier and calmer — feelings most of us need right now — we thought this would be a good time to explore natural ways to boost serotonin.
But first, let’s get a good handle on what this naturally produced chemical is and how it works.
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a powerhouse chemical in your body. It plays a role in a variety of functions, from prepping your body for sleep to controlling your bowel movements to healing wounds. You can find it throughout your central nervous system, sending signals between your nerve cells.
Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter that plays a big role in your mental health. In fact, drugs like Prozac specifically address your serotonin levels, aiming to keep more serotonin in your brain. That’s because serotonin plays a huge role in mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
4 natural ways to boost serotonin
Clearly, serotonin plays an important role in your body. And fortunately, you can take some steps to increase the amount of serotonin in your system. Here are four evidence-based, natural ways to boost serotonin.
Get sun
Studies show that people are generally happier and experience fewer symptoms of mental health conditions on sunny days than cloudy ones. Scientists believe that’s because sunlight has a positive effect on your serotonin levels. Some researchers even go so far as to say that “sunshine may directly stimulate the production of serotonin through the skin.”
It’s a good reason to get some sun this summer. Just remember to wear your sunscreen!
Get help regulating your mood
One study says, “The interaction between serotonin synthesis and mood may be 2-way, with serotonin influencing mood and mood influencing serotonin.”
Take steps to balance your mood. Meditation and therapy (which we’re offering via telehealth right now) are both powerful tools in this area. Find what works for you, helping you feel more in control of your mood. Then, your body may create more serotonin in response, helping you gain greater mood regulation.
Get moving
When you exercise, your body uses branched-chain amino acids. With those BCAAs in use, there’s less competition for tryptophan, the amino acid your brain converts into serotonin. With less competition, your brain has a better ability to absorb tryptophan from your blood, creating serotonin.
In other words, physical activity is a great way to boost your serotonin levels.
Get tryptophan from your diet
Let’s talk tryptophan. Studies show that if you’re not getting enough of it in your diet, you’re more likely to have low levels of serotonin. Fortunately, eating tryptophan-rich foods can help.
For foods with plenty of tryptophan that your brain can then convert into serotonin, eat things like turkey, eggs, cheese, and nuts.
We’re here to help! If you want to learn more about how therapy can help you balance your mood so you can enjoy more serotonin, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center. We’re offering telehealth appointments right now so you can talk to one of our trained team members while staying safely at home.
