Do you often find yourself drowning in a tub of ice cream or eating a bowl full of chips? It’s your mood swings that are to blame. With increasing stress in our everyday lives, many of us find our moods oscillating to the ends of the spectrum. This is what happens when emotional eating takes over the driver’s seat, controlling the way we behave. Let’s agree, we all often face this situation. And, we all find easy ways to keep ourselves calm and happy. While you will find different medicines in medical stores, experts suggest that going all natural is always better. With a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in serotonin, one can easily uplift the mood and overcome issues of irritability, depression and more.
What is serotonin?
Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the brain and other parts of the body. It is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because of its role in regulating mood, emotions, and behaviors such as sleep, appetite, etc. abnormal level of serotonin It has been linked to a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What Causes Serotonin Deficiency?
genetic factors:
Some individuals may be born with genetic variations that affect the production, release, or reuptake of serotonin in the brain.
environmental factors:
Chronic stress, exposure to toxins, and other environmental factors can interfere with the synthesis and release of serotonin.
Dietary Factors:
Serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in protein-rich foods. A diet low in tryptophan can lead to a serotonin deficiency.
Medicines:
Some drugs can interfere with the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, causing levels to rise. Certain medical conditions can also result in decreased production of serotonin.
Lifestyle Factors:
Lack of physical activity, poor sleep quality, and alcohol and drug use can all affect serotonin levels in the brain.
How to increase serotonin levels naturally?
As mentioned earlier, with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, one can improve mood and increase the secretion of serotonin in the body. Nutritionist Lavneet Batra further adds,Foods Rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps increase serotonin production, can have a positive effect on your mood and overall health.
Read also: 4 Expert-Recommended Foods and Tips for Coping with Mood swings
5 Serotonin-Rich Foods You Can Add To Your Diet – Experts Suggest:
1. Bananas:
Bananas are rich in amino acid – tryptophan. According to Lovneet Batra, “Our body uses tryptophan to produce 5-HTP, the compound that makes up serotonin and melatonin, two mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters.”
2. Almonds:
Almonds are a storehouse of various essential nutrients including folate and magnesium. Experts point out that magnesium plays a big role in the development of serotonin and is thought to be a major contributor to the feeling of happiness in your brain. “Almonds are also rich in vitamins B2 and E which help strengthen the immune system during times of stress,” she adds.
3.A2 Cow Milk:
Milk contains tryptophan which plays an important role in regulating sleep patterns and mood. It is also rich in calcium and vitamin B12, which may further help increase serotonin levels.
4. Pineapple:
Pineapple contains tryptophan which promotes serotonin in the brain. Lavneet Batra further explains, “Plus, pineapple contains the protein bromelain, which comes with potent anti-inflammatory properties.”
5. Soya Products (Tofu):
Soy products contain tryptophan and can be a good source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Include these food items in your diet and enjoy peace of mind. But always remember, pair these foods with “healthy carbohydrates to influence serotonin levels,” concluded Lavneet Batra.
featured video of the day
hot toddy recipe | how to make hot toddy