What Is Serotonin And How Does It Work

What is Serotonin

Serotonin is a chemical that is closely related to a person's psychological and physical activities, namely appetite, mood, libido and behavior. Serotonin is synthesized in our body: partly in the brain, and partly in the intestines (about 80-90%). It is necessary to maintain a person's psycho-emotional balance, therefore it is often called the hormone of joy or pleasure. And for good reason - according to some studies, its deficiency leads to depression and problems with the perception of the world.

How does he work

Serotonin is a transmitter of impulses between nerve cells, it regulates their activity, giving commands for this or that action - be happy, move, do not be sad. As a result, its correct and continuous operation ensures a positive and stable emotional attitude.

Our mood is highly dependent on correct signaling and on the level of serotonin itself in our body. The more it is, the better for us. However, an overabundance of the "happiness hormone", like its deficiency, can lead to unpleasant consequences - an overdose of "joy" can happen due to the wrong combination of medications and lead to dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, sudden weight loss, and so on. The lack of serotonin is felt through a bad mood, weakness and apathy.

By the way, the production of serotonin requires sunlight - that's why in summer life seems magical to us, and in winter we want to lie under the covers and regret the wasted years.

How can you help the body produce serotonin?

If you feel that life is not becoming as wonderful as it seemed to you yesterday, do not rush to lose heart and burn all the bridges. Perhaps it's all about the lack of serotonin. Try one of these tricks to help your body replenish its happiness hormone levels.

Eat. Your choice is foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin and without which the synthesis of our hormone is impossible. So, if you decide to "seize" sadness, then we advise you to pay attention to the "red" meat, fish, cheese and cottage cheese, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and pine nuts.

Avoid caffeine. Coffee, tea, chocolate, and some non-alcoholic drinks should be banned. Caffeine prevents serotonin production and lowers mood.

Speak. It has been proven that it is possible to increase serotonin levels through self-hypnosis. This hormone and mood have a two-way relationship, which means they can mutually affect each other. Psychotherapy, heart-to-heart talk, laughter - all this improves your emotional state.

Enjoy the sun. As we said, sunlight is necessary for the formation of our hormone, which will accelerate the synthesis of serotonin. Therefore, be outside more often, do not miss good days and walk every free minute.

Go in for sports. Exercise speeds up the synthesis of serotonin in the brain, which is why so often people who are depressed are advised to sign up for fitness or start running. Sport has a positive effect not only on our form, but also on our emotional state.

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