Serotonin: The Natural Happy Hour

Nature is full of its own happy hour-makers, and a common buzzword is “serotonin”.

Serotonin is not a newly concocted idea. A commonly-occurring neurotransmitter, serotonin’s main function in our bodies is to help synapses communicate between our cells – think of it as an old-style telephone operator who plugs a caller in to the right extension number.

Studies have reported that when serotonin levels are low, our nerve signal strength alters, causing us to feel low and listless. The reverse is also true – high serotonin levels put us on a high, which is why many anti-depression drugs work by artificially boosting serotonin levels.

The key to ensuring that your serotonin levels remain acceptably high need not reside in pharmaceuticals though. A quick browse through the supermarket aisle brings with it plenty of supplies – fresh, healthy and all-natural ones.

  • Carbohydrates are a much-maligned source of serotonin inducers. Avoid over-eating refined carbohydrates to prevent that post-sugar high crash.
  • Natural starches like buckwheat, or vitamin-laden carbohydrate sources like banana or dark chocolate are suitable for moderate consumption.
  • Protein-rich eggs contain amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to produce serotonin.
  • Flaxseed, almonds, spirulina and proteins like seafood and turkey or beef are also good sources of trytophan – an essential amino acid that is a building block for serotonin itself.

Ultimately, we think that feeling good should not rely on just a single-track method. Apart from eating wisely, ample exercise, rest and relaxation also go a long way to regenerating your neurons – giving your body a better advantage to utilise the good serotonin servant.

Live well, naturally!

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