How to increase your serotonin levels with strategic eating

( Natural News ) Your mood can either make or break your day, which is why it’s important that your body produces sufficient amounts of the “happy molecule” serotonin. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough serotonin, causing them to develop mental health conditions like depression. According to the World Health Organization , more than 300 million people suffer from depression . This extremely high number is alarming and presents the need for natural methods that can be utilized to improve serotonin production. Foods are commonly used as natural remedies for many health conditions, including depression. By following a strategic eating method, people can effectively increase their serotonin levels . Raising serotonin levels through food can get a bit complicated, but once an effective strategy has been determined, it becomes so much easier. Unlike other nutrients that can be found in a wide variety of foods, serotonin has few natural sources. These include walnuts , hickory nuts, pineapple, bananas, kiwis, plums, and tomatoes. However, increasing the intake of these foods doesn’t guarantee mood improvement since serotonin doesn’t always reach the brain. This is because of the presence of a blood-brain barrier that acts as a gatekeeper against foreign substances. To counter this, there are serotonin-rich foods you can eat that can effectively raise serotonin levels even with the blood-brain barrier: Cold-water fatty fish — Low serotonin levels have been associated with insufficient docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations. This omega-3 fatty acid is important for maintaining brain structure. By eating cold-water fatty fish that are rich in DHA, serotonin levels will also increase. Dark chocolate — Majority of serotonin is actually found in the gut and not the brain, but eating dark chocolate can increase serotonin in both organs. Cacao nibs are a healthier alternative to candy bars since they are less […]

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