Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that links nerve cells and helps different parts of the brain communicate with each other. Serotonin is also known as the "happiness hormone." Low levels of serotonin can affect your mental health and are linked to disorders such as depression. Exercise is a natural way to boost serotonin levels and cope with some mood disorders.
Serotonin in Your Body
Although serotonin has an impact on your brain and mental health, 80 percent of your body's serotonin is in your gut and blood cells. Serotonin helps to regulate various functions in the body including mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, memory and blood clotting.
Evidence of the Effect of Exercise
In an editorial published in the "Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience," editor-in-chief Simon N. Young points out that several research studies indicate that exercise can increase brain serotonin function as well as serotonin outside the cells. In a rat-model study, exercise also increased levels of tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. Motor activity during exercises increases activity in serotonin nerve cells, thereby boosting release and production of serotonin.
Type of Exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone participate in aerobic and strength-training exercises. When it comes to boosting serotonin levels, however, aerobic activity might be more beneficial. According to Young, in studies that demonstrated that exercise improves mood, participants had the best results when they engaged in regular aerobic exercise at a level that was most familiar to them.
Caution
You may develop low serotonin levels if you're facing ongoing stress. Symptoms can include low energy levels, strong food cravings, especially for refined carbohydrates, insomnia and bouts of depression. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms, it's best to consult your doctor first. Your doctor can recommend tests to confirm whether your symptoms are due to low serotonin or other medical conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.
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