Let’s talk about diet and natural ways to raise your happiness hormones.
For those who don’t know, we cannot find literal serotonin in any food because our body creates it, not our stomach.
Yet, there is a compound known as tryptophan. It’s an amino acid and your body will gladly use it to create serotonin levels higher. So, if you’re searching for the best diet that can help you raise happy hormones, here’s what you should do: that your body uses to make serotonin.
The most comfort food for many includes carbs of all sorts, like junk food, pasta, pizza… That’s not without a reason – when we eat more carbs, our brain easily releases serotonin, due to the fact that when insulin rises, tryptophan will be released and used in much higher amounts.
Yet, eating only carbs to boost your happiness isn’t an answer in the long term, right?
Here’s how your diet should look like for a healthy mind and body:
- Combine carbs with food that is high in protein. When it comes to protein, you should rely on eggs, turkey meat, chicken meat, and fish. Salmon or tuna are always a great choice.
- Milk products. Cheese, yoghurt, and milk can be great for improving serotonin levels. What is your favorite cheese? I bet you have at least one!
- Looking for a snack? I would recommend eating nuts and seeds. Pumpkin seeds are known to be the best, but don’t forget to put some sesame seeds on the pastry you’ll make. Sunflower seeds are great as well.
- For vegetarians. Soy products can help you manage your mood and improve serotonin. Tofu and tempeh are the best options for achieving that.
- Brown rice, oats, quinoa… When choosing carbs, choose these better and healthier options. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are powerful, too.
- Don’t forget your daily fruit portion. The best option for raising serotonin naturally through food is by eating pineapple, bananas, kiwi, and plums.
- What’s for lunch? Another great new for vegetarians is that legumes, such as beans or lentils, can help you improve your mental health status.
- How to boost endorphins while enjoying something sweet? We cannot forget the dark chocolate and the benefits it has. 🍫
- Fermented foods (such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut – choose your favorite) — help gut health, which influences serotonin.
- What can interfere with your serotonin levels? There are two things that can really mess your happiness hormones – those are coffee and alcohol. ☕
