Serotonin is a hormone that is found in the human brain, digestive tract and platelets of humans and animals, and there are foods that increase serotonin. It is also found in a number of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. Although is it is typically characterized as a neurotransmitter, serotonin does more than just transmit nerve impulses.
Serotonin is also recognized as a vasoconstrictor, a substance that can cause the narrowing of blood vessels. This, in turn, means that the hormone has an abnormally significant impact on blood pressure and other blood-related human bodily functions.
The amino acid “tryptophan” is recognized as the producer of serotonin in the human body.
Generally speaking, serotonin is accepted as the happiness-inducing hormone and there are foods that increase serotonin. It greatly enhances feelings of joy and well-being, can relieve temporary anxiety and depression, and serves as a means of regulating mood. It can also help people sleep better, working as an especially effective sleeping aid. It regulates various portions of appetite, aggression and sexuality, and even assists in the regulation of a person’s metabolism, vomiting and body temperature.
Antidepressants often target serotonin levels because of its happiness-inducing quality. The class of medication known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like Nardil and Marplan are utilized to prevent the breaking down of neurotransmitters – and thus, increasing serotonin to the brain to relieve depression. For a natural method, try foods that increase serotonin.
Here are some foods that increase serotonin:
- Free Range Turkey
- Flaxseed/ Flaxseed oil
- Buckwheat
- Wild Fish and Sea food
- Whey protein
- Bananas
- High quality Eggs
- Sour Cherries
- Free Range Beef
- Dark Chocolate
Anyone who is concerned about whether or not they are getting the right amounts of serotonin to the brain should contact their local physician for a consultation. Dieticians are also experts when it comes to deciding which foods that increase serotonin and can offer the brain a “happiness boost,” so it may be worth one’s time to make an appointment with them as well.
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