{"id":3872,"date":"2025-03-31T22:40:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T20:40:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/?p=3872"},"modified":"2025-02-14T14:45:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T13:45:04","slug":"what-is-natural-serotonin-and-how-does-the-well-being-hormone-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/what-is-natural-serotonin-and-how-does-the-well-being-hormone-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What is natural serotonin, and how does the well-being hormone work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Serotonin<\/strong> is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is a monoamine produced in serotonergic neurons and the gastrointestinal tract. It is called the <em>happiness hormone<\/em> due to its properties that help relax, stabilize mood, and reduce anxiety. The good thing is that, in addition to being naturally produced in the body, it can also be obtained through certain foods. Some psychological disorders can be treated with medication by adding supplements that contain it.<br \/>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What-is-serotonin\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> What is serotonin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Function\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Function<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How-to-increase-serotonin-with-food\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> How to increase serotonin with food<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Serotonin-and-endorphins\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Serotonin and endorphins<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alternatives-to-produce-natural-serotonin\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Alternatives to produce natural serotonin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Dopamine-and-serotonin\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Dopamine and serotonin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Taking-serotonin-through-medication-pills-or-food\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Taking serotonin through medication, pills, or food<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><aside class=\"adsini\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_inicio_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-inicio-articulo\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"2508209597\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside>\n<h2><span id=\"What-is-serotonin\">What is serotonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Considered by many to be a neurotransmitter hormone, its function in the central nervous system is extensive. It has effects and benefits on thinking, emotional stability, and can be found in both the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, synthesized by enterochromaffin cells or Kulchitsky cells.<\/p>\n<p>The scientific name for serotonin is <strong>5-hydroxytryptamine<\/strong> or <strong>5-HT<\/strong>, but since this is somewhat complicated to say, the first term is generally used.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Function\">Function<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Its effects are related to the brain. When levels are adequate, mood swings are less frequent, and thinking is clearer. However, when there is a deficiency, it leads to impaired brain function, causing the following symptoms:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98636 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/serotonin-what-it-is.jpg\" alt=\"What is serotonin\" width=\"720\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/serotonin-what-it-is.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/serotonin-what-it-is-336x205.jpg 336w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inhibiting mental excitement.<\/li>\n<li>Preventing anger and aggressive emotional states.<\/li>\n<li>Regulating body temperature.<\/li>\n<li>Stabilizing mood.<\/li>\n<li>Essential for good sleep.<\/li>\n<li>Involved in appetite mechanisms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In general, it is strongly related to mood and emotional stress situations. When a person has depression, a <strong>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor<\/strong> may be recommended. It should be noted that these compounds are medications and should only be prescribed by a doctor.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How-to-increase-serotonin-with-food\">How to increase serotonin with food<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is available in various natural products that you can eat daily. Its intake is beneficial because, in addition to providing the neurotransmitter, these foods offer vitamins and minerals that also contribute to better central nervous system stability and overall body function.<\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><aside class=\"ads2\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"1797353553\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p>Additionally, consuming foods with serotonin helps the body have greater bioavailability of neurotransmitters, which actually enhances the ability to transmit thoughts and bioelectrical impulses between different parts of the human body.<\/p>\n<p>You can eat fruits and vegetables, as both contain high amounts of serotonin precursors. Mushrooms and certain marine products are also good sources. Here are some serotonin-rich foods:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98637 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/foods-with-serotonin.jpg\" alt=\"Foods with serotonin\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><center><!-- ah_3_ads --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"7212672277\" data-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/aside><\/center><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Oily fish<\/strong> is highly nutritious and beneficial for health. It contains omega-3 and helps regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. It is one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/tryptophan-properties-and-side-effects\/\">foods with tryptophan<\/a>, an essential amino acid for producing natural serotonin. Eating sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring can increase serotonin levels in both the brain and digestive system.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nuts and cereals<\/strong> enhance bioavailability as they encourage serotonin secretion. Eating them raw is best to avoid oils used in processing. Peanuts, walnuts, rye, oats, corn, and wheat help improve emotional stability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dairy products<\/strong> like yogurt, cheese, or soy milk contain the necessary nutrients to combat deficiencies and boost serotonin levels in the body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fruits<\/strong> are essential in a balanced diet. They are very healthy and contribute to many bodily functions due to their vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, in addition to their variety of essential and non-essential amino acids. To prevent serotonin deficiency, eat bananas and pineapples.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vegetables<\/strong> provide a fascinating range of trace elements that support neuronal function, mood regulation, muscle maintenance, and skin quality. A serving for dinner is ideal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, eating dark chocolate can increase tryptophan and serotonin levels, as this amino acid is a precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Serotonin-and-endorphins\">Serotonin and endorphins<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98638 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/serotonin-dopamine-endorphins.jpg\" alt=\"Hormones serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\">Both are hormones secreted by the human body and, although they seem to have similar effects, they are slightly different.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Endorphins<\/strong> are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. They are produced in the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They are released in response to risk, pain, orgasm, or when falling in love. The hormone endorphin can also be secreted when eating chocolate or spicy foods. It has an analgesic, opiate-like effect that induces pleasure and well-being.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, <strong>serotonin<\/strong> enhances mood, although it is also a neurotransmitter. Its primary effect is improving mood, whereas endorphins are known as the happiness hormones.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Alternatives-to-produce-natural-serotonin\">Alternatives to produce natural serotonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to medications and the foods mentioned, which must contain tryptophan, you can engage in certain activities to <strong>increase natural serotonin<\/strong> in the human body.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-98639 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/serotonin-chemical-structure.jpg\" alt=\"Chemical structure of serotonin\" width=\"336\" height=\"280\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>One such activity is engaging in sexual relations, flirting, and social interaction. Anything related to excitement and pleasure increases serotonin and endorphin levels. However, there will be a peak at the highest moment, followed by a drop in levels within the body.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to improve serotonin function and production is by solving calculations and playing mathematical games. When you exercise the brain with numerical problems or try to memorize numbers or texts, you can aid in <strong>serotonin reuptake<\/strong>. People with disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and other psychiatric and psychological conditions may benefit from enhancing their mental exercise.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Dopamine-and-serotonin\">Dopamine and serotonin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, just like serotonin and endorphins. The rise and fall of these substances in the brain, their secretion, and level modification through different substances such as medications, recreational or medicinal drugs, alter mood, emotions, and perception of reality.<\/p>\n<p>To increase dopamine, it is important to consume tyrosine<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">.<\/span> This is an amino acid found in nuts, dairy products, beef, and poultry. The good thing is that these same foods contain the precursors of other neurotransmitters. You can eat walnuts, pumpkin seeds, oily fish, or drink a glass of milk at night to feel better and boost serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"txtred\">Remember<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Serotonin<\/span> is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Dopamine<\/span> is produced from L-dopa, which has tyrosine as its precursor.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Endorphins<\/span> are released through stimulating activities such as physical contact, caresses, kisses, or exercise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Taking-serotonin-through-medication-pills-or-food\">Taking serotonin through medication, pills, or food<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All treatments should be recommended by a healthcare specialist. Self-medication should be avoided, and great care must be taken since certain substances, such as <strong>serotonin molecules<\/strong>, cause changes in the brain. This affects the life of the person taking them and their interpersonal relationships, family, and work environment.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, it is true that serotonin deficiency can be accompanied by depression, low motivation, and a lack of desire to engage in activities. However, if this situation arises, it is essential to see a specialist who can recommend the <strong>best remedy or method<\/strong> to restore balance.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to increase serotonin levels, the best option is to buy L-tryptophan capsules. This provides the necessary supply for the body to naturally synthesize and release the required amount without the risk of excess in the brain.<\/p>\n<\/p><aside class=\"ads\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- ah_fin_articulo --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle ah-fin-articulo\" style=\"display:inline-block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"4055871191\"><\/ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); <\/script><\/aside><aside class=\"ads-relacionado\"><center><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><!-- mismumi_relacionado --><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-9582652217436894\" data-ad-slot=\"2966766890\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/center><\/aside><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is a monoamine produced in serotonergic neurons and the gastrointestinal tract. It is called the happiness hormone due to its properties that help relax,&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":98636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[23],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3872"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3872"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3872\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mismumi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}