Tips to boost 'happy hormone' serotonin naturally

Serotonin, also known as a happy hormone, is known for its role in promoting overall health and well-being. It is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that’s involved in many processes of the body. It regulates mood, emotions, appetite and digestion. It's also known for promoting good sleep by helping regulate circadian rhythms, promoting learning and memory, and positive feelings and prosocial behaviour in general. Here are tips by nutritionist Anupama Menon to boost this happy hormone naturally.

Updated on: Nov 20, 2021 6:19 PM IST

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Serotonin is a neurotrasmitter known for its role in regulating our moods, emotions and digestion. The imbalance of neurotransmitter can lead to depression. Here are ways to boost seotonin levels naturally by nutritionist Anupama Menon. (Pixabay)

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High protein food: You can’t directly get serotonin from food, but you can get tryptophan, an amino acid that’s converted to serotonin in your brain. Tryptophan is found primarily in high-protein foods, like eggs, salmon, nuts and seeds. (Pixabay)

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Exercise: Exercising triggers the release of tryptophan into your blood. It can also decrease the amount of other amino acids. This creates an ideal environment for more tryptophan to reach your brain. (Pixabay)

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Soak up the Sun: Whenever you are out in the sunlight, you kick start your brain’s serotonin production. To get better sleep or to boost your mood, try to work in a daily lunchtime walk outside, according to Menon. (Pexels)

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Healthy gut bacteria: Eat a high-fibre diet to fuel healthy gut bacteria, which play a role in serotonin levels through the gut brain axis. Increase your daily intake of probiotics as well. (Pexels)

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Meditate: Serotonin levels increase in response to any form of meditation that raises 5HIAA, an acid that the brain needs when making serotonin. (Pixabay)

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Reduce sugar intake: Increased sugar consumption usually backfires, as it typically leads to a mood crash. (Pexels)