How to Increase Serotonin Naturally
Serotonin is one of the most important elements in your brain chemistry for happiness. Many people search for ways to increase their serotonin both naturally & chemically (anti-depressants).
You can increase your serotonin levels naturally by: taking 5-HTP supplements which work to strengthen the process between the amino acid tryptophan and the cell receptors which absorb serotonin into the central nervous system.
Exercise also increases serotonin levels. Regular exercise has been proven to be as effective for treatment of depression as psychotherapy or anti-depressants.
Vitamin B6 is essential to converting the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, so B6 supplements have been found to help increase serotonin naturally in the brain.
Natural sources of L-Tryptophan, which will convert to serotonin, include: bananas, brown rice, cheese, and milk.
Proteins including chicken & meat contain high levels of tryptophans. Tryptophan is also found in fowl, nuts & dairy. Although protein contains large amounts of tryptophans, only a small amount gets through into the brain because it competes for absorption with the other amino acids. Insulin, triggered by carbohydrate rich meals, helps Trytophan get absorbed into the brain.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, also known as 5-HT, derived from the amino acid Tryptophan. As a neurotransmitter, Serotonin transmits signals from one area to the brain to another. Serotonin is produced in the brain, where it performs its main functions, ninety percent (90%) of our serotonin supply is found in the gastrointestinal tract & central nervous system.
Serotonin is made in a conversion process, where our bodies take Tryptophan (a building block of proteins) combined with Tryptophan hydroxylase and through a chemical reaction forms Serotonin.
Serotonin influences our moods, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, sexual desire & temperature regulation. Serotonin also plays in role in the production of breast milk and is an important variable in infant health.
It’s nickname “the happiness hormone” is derived from it’s well known connection to levels of happiness & feelings of well-being in humans.