Serotonin
If you are having a bad day, you need some Serotonin in you
life (not to be confused with my friend Sara Tobin, though she can make you
laugh sometimes). You may have
heard of this neurotransmitter in a biology class. My friend Serotonin has been
given the nickname “the feel good” neurotransmitter, because it helps you feel
calm, happy and satisfied. Here are some tips to help boost your serotonin
intake.
6 helpful ways to
increase your Serotonin:
1.) Carbs
In today’s society, the word “carbohydrates” is a bad word
because of its association with weight gain. Actually, when people consume
carbohydrates they achieve a full and satisfying feeling. When full, the
serotonin found in carbohydrates helps refresh the brain and makes a person
feel happier. As long as you’re not overdoing it, a good-portioned intake of
carbohydrates is good for happiness and health.
2.) Fruit
You know the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away?" Well, there's actually something to that. Besides fruit being refreshing and delicious; it is also a
great food group for supporting serotonin production. Besides serotonin production, fruit also contains
melatonin, which can help improve your sleep.
3.) Protein
A high-quality Whey protein shake with at least 1000mg of
glutamine can boost your brainpower and help you feel good. When looking for
protein shakes, look for 24 grams of protein. Also meats like fish, chicken and
turkey are good sources of protein. Turkey is filled with several vitamins and
minerals that are beneficial to your health. It contains tryptophan, which is
converted into serotonin when it reaches the brain.
4.) Exercise
Exercise can boost your endorphins and
support serotonin production. I’ve found that working out helps me stay
grounded because it can relieve a lot of stress that builds up from the day. For
serotonin production, try metabolic-boosting workouts like running.
5.) Meditation/Prayer
Regardless of what religion you practice, prayer has been
seen to have the same effect on the mind as mediation. They both help quiet
your mind and reduce stress. Even 5 minutes a day can make a big
difference. We sometimes neglect
our spiritual side because we are busy or too tired, but it’s an important step
to help relieve stress and increase happiness.
Lastly the secret weapon......
6.) Chocolate
For you chocolate addicts out there, you are going to love
this! Dark chocolate boosts serotonin. Also, you are less likely to overeat
dark chocolate because it’s not full of sugar (like milk chocolate). Dark
chocolate is also rich in antioxidants. Try to find chocolate that is at least
70% cacao. As some say, "Eat a chocolate kiss to experience happiness!"
- The News Reel from yo boy D.Hill
Sources:
Eat Chocolate, Cut Cravings and Feel Better
By Lisa
Lynn
http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/lisa-lynn/eat-chocolate-cut-cravings-and-feel-better
The Serotonin Power Diet
By Judith J. Wurtman
http://www.serotoninpowerdiet.com/about_book.php
Serotonin Secrets: Foods That Make You Happy
By Candace Bagwell
http://www.biggsd.wportals.com/?p=3117
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