Serotonin, a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies, helps to keep us happy and cheerful. A decrease in serotonin can lead to bad moods, sleeping difficulties and weight gain. Sometimes, as people age, they begin to suffer from a decrease in serotonin levels and the corresponding maladies that come with it. Fortunately it is possible to boost serotonin levels when they begin to fall.
Available both as an over-the-counter supplement and as a more
powerful prescription drug, serotonin boosters can increase the level of serotonin in the bloodstream and help return it to the desired level. Of course before taking any supplements, you should always consult a doctor first and be mindful of following his/her instructions. If you or your loved one does not wish to take serotonin itself, there are other ways you
can boost your serotonin levels. By eating more foods with L-tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, you can increase the amount of the hormone naturally.
Natural Ways to Boost Serotonin – “Happy Foods”
There are a number of “happy foods” that will help to increase your serotonin levels naturally.
- Brightly colored vegetables
These are not only good for cardiac, health and weight issues: vegetables have many compounds in them, which act as natural remedies for all sorts of maladies. More relevant to the point here, brightly colored vegetables are filled with the materials that the body uses to generate serotonin. - Bananas, Fish, Wild Turkey, Legumes
In addition to vegetables, encourage a diet rich in bananas, fish, wild turkey and legumes (such as peanuts). These foods contain precursors to serotonin and thus boost its levels - Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate also contains precursors to serotonin. Evidently those people who swear by chocolate as a mood booster know what they are talking about!
*It is important to note that too much caffeine can have a negative effect on serotonin levels. So be careful not to drink too much coffee or tea or eat too much dark chocolate. This can exacerbate problems leading to depressed levels of serotonin along with the obvious problem of difficulty sleeping.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, possibly taking some Serotonin supplements and selecting foods which can naturally boost your serotonin levels, you can easily
maintain a cheerful outlook and lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
Adapted from June Saunders, SeniorsMatter.com
