Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or chemical found in the brain that impacts mood and feelings of well being. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that serotonin helps people feel less stress, anxiety and pain, relaxing and improving mood in people. The author of the book, "Secrets of Serotonin," writes that serotonin is important for other functions, such as the regulation of the expansion and contraction of blood vessels, helps blood platelet function, helps smooth muscles to contract, and aids digestion by sending signals to the GI tract. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are drugs like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft that interrupt the process of serotonin use in the body, increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Instead of depending on drugs to increase serotonin, there are natural methods.
Eat Carbohydrates
Eating more carbohydrates increases serotonin concentrations in the brain, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The consumption of a very low-carbohydrate diet may have a negative effect on mood and behavior. Increasing your consumption of healthy carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help increase serotonin levels in the brain naturally.
Get Some Sun
The Human Management Services (HMS) states that serotonin levels rise when you are out in the sun, helping elevate mood. People do not produce as much serotonin during the winter due to lack of being outside in the sun, causing a negative mood and even depression in some people. Take a 15-minute walk outside each day to get in some sun to increase your serotonin levels.
Exercise
Exercising not only gets your heart rate up and keeps you fit and healthy, it is a natural and effective way to increase serotonin levels in the brain. According to HMS, your brain releases natural brain chemicals like endorphins, adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin that all work in conjunction to boost energy and mood, and relieve tension. Exercises that increase cardiovascular health like aerobic activity, running, cycling and brisk walking are all good exercises that help increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Boost L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an amino acid used in the production of serotonin in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Eggs, soybeans, cod fish, parmesan cheese and spirulina are some foods high in l-tryptophan. Dietary supplements containing l-tryptophan can also be taken to increase l-tryptophan, therefore helping to increase the production of serotonin naturally.
