Serotonin, a chemical in the nervous system, carries messages between cells. In the brain, serotonin has been shown to play a role in learning, appetite, mood, memory, sexual function and sleep, though this list is by no means exhaustive. Low levels of serotonin are thought to be associated with many mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Many antidepressant drugs are thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. However, serotonin can also be raised naturally.
Exercise
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, exercise may be the most natural and healthy method of raising serotonin, almost immediately increasing levels of the chemical in the brain. In addition to this initial effect, exercise also causes the brain to produce and more serotonin after exercise, by increasing levels of serotonin's biological precursor tryptophan. Regular and vigorous exercise thus works both immediately and over the long-term, making it an excellent and natural way to raise serotonin levels.
Fish Oil and DHA
Fish oil is a popular and natural nutritional supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids. Some evidence might link one of the components of fish oil, docosahexainoic acid or DHA, to serotonin metabolism. DHA is considered an essential nutrient and can be obtained through certain foods or, more conveniently, through supplementing your diet with fish oil.
5-HTP
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan, is a nutritional supplement that is a precursor to serotonin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplementation with 5-HTP directly increases the amount of serotonin that the body manufactures.
