Serotonin Levels

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine, in chemical terms, is a monoamine neurotransmitter which occurs naturally in the digestive tract, blood platelets and in the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters are nothing but chemicals used by the nerves within our brain to communicate with each other. These chemicals serve as means of communication between the nerve cells and are responsible for various important functions in the body. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter that has an enormous influence over most of the brain functions including regulation of sleep, mood, appetite, body temperature, energy and muscle contraction. It also plays an important role in cognitive functions such as memory and learning. An imbalance in the levels of serotonin in the brain can have an adverse effect on the body, particularly on the mood of the person.

How to Boost Serotonin Levels

There are numerous reasons that can cause a change in the serotonin levels in the body. Poor diet, lack of exercises and stress are some of the main factors that cause a drop in the levels of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are often associated with depression, pain, fatigue, lack of concentration and sleep related disorders. On the other hand, extremely high levels can cause a condition known as serotonin syndrome, which can have potentially fatal effects. In practice, such toxic high levels of serotonin are rarely reached. People often experience a drop in the levels, which can cause several mood disorders.

Eat Right
The best way to balance the levels of serotonin is by consuming foods that increase serotonin. Our body synthesizes serotonin from an amino acid tryptophan, which is the building block of serotonin. Tryptophan is present in various protein rich foods including turkey, chicken, eggs, fish, beans, cereals and nuts. Now, that does not mean you consume only proteins and avoid carbohydrates completely! It is observed that tryptophan works best when consumed along with carbs such as brown rice, nuts and legumes. This is because these complex carbs assist the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin.

Exercise
Exercise is the best way to keep your body fit and healthy. It is believed that regular exercise can elevate serotonin as well as dopamine neurotransmitter levels which are necessary to improve the mood. It increases the concentration of tryptophan in the body which in turn results in increased production of serotonin. It also increases the oxygen intake, which is essential in the synthesis of serotonin in the body.

Meditation
Meditation has a positive effect on your body. The concentration and relaxation generates a positive energy and boosts serotonin. Meditating for just about ten to fifteen minutes regularly can keep you away from serotonin deficiency by balancing your serotonin levels.

Get Enough Sunlight
The concentration of melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, increases during the night in the absence of sunlight. The presence of high levels of this hormone in the body causes depletion of serotonin. Exposure to adequate natural light suppresses melatonin and increases the levels of serotonin in the body. A small walk in the morning can keep your serotonin high for the rest of the day.

Relaxing yourself by listening to your favorite music, watching light movies and spending time with your loved ones can increase serotonin naturally. Getting adequate sleep for seven to eight hours at night also helps in increasing your natural hormone levels. Maintaining appropriate levels of the hormone can also be accomplished by the use of serotonin supplements. However, intake of any dietary supplement without consulting your health care provider should be avoided.