Serotonin is a powerful neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that enhances moods, emotional balance, and memory. If you’re like most people, chances are good that you could use a bit more of this “feel good” substance. The following three tips will help boost your serotonin level. If you put them into practice, you can look forward to feeling better all over.
Follow these tips from Functional Medicine Los Angeles, a provider of North Hollywood functional medicine to boost your serotonin naturally!
1. Move More
If you’re feeling a bit depressed or anxious, getting off the couch is the last thing you want to do. Moving more, however, should be the first tool in your serotonin-boosting tool kit. When you work up a sweat by walking, lifting weights, or any other form of movement, you raise your level of serotonin. You also rev your circulation, so that your serotonin can impact as much of your brain as possible.
Our functional medicine Los Angeles experts recognize that consistently exercising packs even more of a serotonin punch. As your levels of this crucial neurotransmitter increase, you’ll feel better and will be more likely to exercise. In other words, you’ll reverse the downward spiral of depression and skyrocket your mood.
2. Catch Some Rays
If you go for a walk or run outside, you’re in luck. Sunlight also boosts serotonin by activating specialized portions of the retina that cause serotonin release. Basking in bright light for at least 15 minutes per day also triggers the skin to produce serotonin.
Thanks to commercially available light boxes, you can reap the benefits of bright light even when the sun won’t cooperate. In general, such boxes are meant to mimic the brightness of the sun when used according to professional advice. Since such exposure to bright light can cause side effects, always consult your healthcare provider, such as our functional medicine Burbank practitioners, before using one.
3. Choose Carbs
It’s no coincidence that you reach for cookies and cake when you’re having a hard day. The magic of such foods lies in the serotonin upswing they bring. Unfortunately, these easy-to-reach-for simple carbohydrates provide little nutritional benefit while raising blood sugar to an unhealthy level.
To reap the maximum benefit from your diet, our functional medicine Studio City doctors recommend you employ smarter snacking. Making the switch from simple to complex carbs will help you feel and look good. Complex carbohydrates such as carrots, garbanzo beans, and sweet potatoes provide sweetness and satisfaction without possibly dangerous blood sugar spikes.
While it might not seem important, low serotonin levels can lead to lethargy, low energy, and problems focusing. It is well worth your time to improve your serotonin levels naturally.