Tap into Natural Mood Boosters to Raise Your Joy Level

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Rodney and Karen will discuss how to increase your serotonin levels naturally. Serotonin determines your mood, your appetite & digestion, how well you sleep and your emotions.Your internal levels of happiness hormones make a huge difference in your mood and energy level. While dopamine releases a sense of happiness it is short-lived. Serotonin on the other hand stabilizes your mood for the long-term. The body sends messages between nerve cells via serotonin. Where is most serotonin produced?Although serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it performs its primary functions, some 90% of our serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract and in blood platelets.Where does the body make serotonin?The intestines and the brain produce serotonin. It is also present in blood platelets and plays a role in the central nervous system (CNS). Occurring throughout the body, it appears to influence a range of physical and psychological functions.Is serotonin produced in the gut?Gut bacteria also produce hundreds of neurochemicals that the brain uses to regulate basic physiological processes as well as mental processes such as learning, memory and mood. For example, gut bacteria manufacture about 95 percent of the body’s supply of serotonin, which influences both mood and GI activity.Where does serotonin come from in the brain?In the central nervous system (CNS), serotonin is almost exclusively produced in neurons originating in the raphe nuclei located in the midline of the brainstem. These neurons that produce serotonin form the largest and most complex efferent system in the human brain.What causes a lack of serotonin?Several things can deplete your serotonin levels. You may get depressed due to life events. Trauma will always leave it’s mark in reducing serotonin. However, it can also be diminished with chronic stress. You can see then that serotonin deficiency can be both a cause and a result of depression.What produces more serotonin?Your diet plays an important part in producing serotonin. Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Foods, including salmon, eggs, spinach, and seeds are among those that help boost serotonin naturally.How do you increase levels of serotonin?To increase serotonin levels, you should exercise regularly, improve your diet, get more light, get chiropractic adjustments, and use certain supplements. Low serotonin levels may be associated with depression, so it’s important to boost serotonin if you want to improve your mood and feel happier.What supplements raise serotonin levels?Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has special importance as a precursor of tryptophan and serotonin and can also play a role in behavior and mood. Magnesium is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body and brain.Research has shown that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may modulate the creation, release, and function of serotonin. This is because tryptophan needs vitamin D to do its job. Omega-3s have also been shown to help brain dysfunction. This is because of their effect on serotonin production.  Which foods are rich in serotonin?Salmon. Salmon is a rich source of tryptophan, which is important for producing serotonin.Nuts and Seeds.Turkey and Poultry. Eggs. Milk and Cheese. Pineapple.Learn more on our latest podcast of Stance for Health:Apple