WHAT IS SEROTONIN? HOW DO WE INCREASE IT IN THE BODY NATURALLY?

SEROTONIN:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, therefore it is responsible from carrying electrical signals between nerve cells. You may see it demonstrated on the image below.

                                  

These neurotransmitters have a key role in the function of our brains.  Serotonin is produced in many spots of our body, mainly in the brain. It is also usually found in the central nervous system and digestive tract.

The serotonin level in our body affects hunger, memory, social behavior and sleep; therefore it has a very crucial place in our quality of life.  

Many scientists believe that the absence of serotonin may lead to depression, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, extra sensitivity and panic attacks.

We may lack serotonin due to three main reasons:

• Lack of production of serotonin in brain cells
• Lack of receptor regions
• Lack of tryptophan (it is an alpha amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins, as well as the production of serotonin)

How To Increase Levels of Serotonin in the Body in a Natural Way:

      Do Exercise: Daily exercises such as walking, cycling and running would help increasing serotonin levels. Massaging could also help.

      Spend Some Time Under Sunlight: Vitamin D also has a role in serotonin production.

      Nutrition: Consume meals that contain vitamin B6 (sunflower seed, walnut), vitamin B9 (green beans, cabbage, broccoli, cabbage), and vitamin B12 (red meat, eggs, cheese). Also, eating foods that are rich in tryptophan such as soy beans, almonds, milk, yoghurt would help increasing the serotonin.

     Avoid Stress: Well, not only to ease the process of serotonin release, but also to maintain a healthy life; it is inevitable that stress must be prohibited at all costs. 

Sources: Biological Psychiatry: A Journal of Psychiatric neuroscience and Therapeutics, Multiyasam.com

Gulsen XX