A crucial neurotransmitter in the brain, Serotonin affects everything from body temperature to behavior, to sleep and mood. When there are low levels of serotonin in the body, depression and mental disorders are usually present. Therefore, it is believed that Serotonin is directly related to our well being and should be kept at a balanced, relatively high level.
There are several natural ways to increase serotonin levels, which can be done easily and on a daily basis.
The first is to eat a Mediterranean diet that is full of fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Consisting of monounsaturated fats like olive oil, a Mediterranean diet is high in folates and B6, which are helpful nutrients that stimulate serotonin conversion in the body. This diet also advises a low amount of diary products, meats, and alcohol.
The next is to get a healthy dose of sun, or light exposure. Studies have proven that being exposed to light helps with depression and stimulates serotonin production by counteracting the production of melatonin—a hormone created by darkness that induces sleep. You don’t just have to be in the sun to get light exposure. You can purchase lights specifically designed to increase serotonin.
Finally, exercise has been found to elevate serotonin levels significantly. Research suggests that as little as a half hour a day increases amino acids in the brain that are help to build and maintain serotonin. What’s more is that as people engage in regular exercise they also naturally increase the growth of the hippocampus in the brain, which positively affects peoples emotions and makes them feel good.
There are medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) that act as anti-depressants and help to boost serotonin levels. However, they do come with side effects and can cause potentially dangerously high serotonin levels in the brain.
In sum, by naturally increasing serotonin levels you can help improve your mental health, easily and risk-free.