Serotonin is a “feel good” hormone, or neurotransmitter, that plays an important role in your mental and emotional health, including facilitating positive feelings, stabilizing moods, and promoting happiness. But this naturally occurring hormone not only affects your feelings and your mind, it helps Also in regulating sleep, digestion, bone density, appetite, and even memory. Since serotonin has such a significant impact on the body and overall health, it is not surprising that many people are looking for strategies to increase serotonin easily and without a prescription, Focus, according to a realsimple post.
And there are a number of easy steps and lifestyle changes you can take to help boost serotonin naturally (and generally good for you!). If you suspect your serotonin levels are off, be sure to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease, before making any adjustments.
1- Do regular exercise
Exercise is one of the best and most effective ways to improve serotonin levels, says Dr. Seitz, as physical activity is thought to trigger the release of serotonin, which can lift your mood. Studies show that serotonin from physical activity can actually control fatigue, too, so the combination of exercise with your next serotonin release can actually banish fatigue, helping you feel better and more energetic in general.
2 – Eat foods rich in tryptophan
There’s a reason people say eating turkey makes you sleepy (especially around Thanksgiving). It is one of many foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid found naturally in some foods that can help raise serotonin levels by synthesizing the neurotransmitter. Other foods high in tryptophan include oats, bananas, nuts, eggs, salmon and tofu, Dr. Seitz explains, which are usually part of an overall healthy diet.
3 – Enjoy a healthy and balanced diet
Since eating more tryptophan isn’t enough on its own, Dr. Seitz says eating a well-balanced diet (including foods high in tryptophan!) is important for regulating serotonin levels, too. Your body gets the essential nutrients it needs.
4 – Get the sleep your body needs
It’s no secret that not getting enough sleep can severely affect your overall health, affecting everything including heart health, mental health, memory, and even metabolism. Over time, sleep deprivation can deplete your serotonin levels, and when your serotonin levels come back up, you’re sleeping soundly.
5- Maintain an active social life
Sharing quality time with loved ones increases serotonin production. “Spending time with friends and family can help increase serotonin levels naturally,” says Dr. Seitz. Engaging in meaningful conversations, activities or hobbies with those close to us can provide a sense of purpose and happiness which boosts our mood.