This is what the WHO (World Health Organization) says about health:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
This may sound exaggerated but positive mood within the normal range is an important predictor of health and longevity
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that your body can’t function without. Their job is to carry chemical signals (“messages”) from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell or a gland.
As humans we have many neurotransmitters but here, we look at two and how we can naturally boost them:
Dopamine
Serotonin
Dopamine – is the “reward” neurotransmitter. It is excitatory and has a large role in memory, learning, focus, motivation and social behaviours. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter thought to regulate our goals and desires. Low Dopamine can lead to depression and memory loss in some people. These low levels can even make us feel a lack of purpose or enjoyment due to the missing reward aspect.
Serotonin – like Dopamine, also regulates cognitive function, mood, social behaviours, sleep cycles and appetite. Unlike Dopamine, Serotonin is inhibitory. Higher levels of Serotonin have been linked to stable moods, increased satisfaction and submissive behaviour. Because of these factors, Serotonin has become a target for most modern-day antidepressant drugs.
Mood, memory, learning, emotion, and social interaction are all influenced by both of these monoamine neurotransmitters.
Natural ways to Boost Dopamine
Eat lots of protein
East less saturated fat (in large amounts)
Consume probiotics
Eat velvet beans (also known as Mucuna pruriens)
Regular exercise
Get enough quality sleep
Listen to music
Meditate
Get plenty of sunlight
Consider supplements (including iron, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6)
The bottom line
Dopamine affects mood, motivation, reward and regulates bodily motions. Diet and lifestyle modifications may improve levels naturally. Lifestyle matters too, enough sleep, exercise, music, meditation and sun may raise dopamine. A balanced diet and lifestyle may boost your body’s natural dopamine production and brain function.
Natural ways to Boost Serotonin
Diet
Exercise
Bright light
Supplements
Massage
Mood induction
Manage stress
Sleep deprivation
Socialize with loved
Help others
Laugh more
The bottom line
Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that influences everything from your mood to your bowel motions and there are many things you may do on your own to naturally increase your serotonin levels.
