Before we get into all of the advantages of serotonin (and how to naturally increase it), it's important to understand what serotonin is. According to the National Cancer Institute, serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which means it is a substance produced by nerve cells and interacts with other cells in the body. 

According to research, the gastrointestinal system generates around 95% of serotonin, with the remaining 5% produced in the brain. Yes, serotonin's claim to fame is mood enhancement, but the neurotransmitter also has a number of other health advantages. According to research, it is required for motor skills and cognitive functioning. It is also involved in nerve activity, which affects blood pressure, heart rate, and digestion. As a result, it's critical. 

Low levels of serotonin can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, there are many natural ways to boost serotonin levels and improve your overall well-being. 

In this blog, we will explore various strategies for increasing serotonin naturally, including diet and lifestyle changes, exercises, and natural supplements. By implementing these methods, you can help improve your mood, sleep and appetite, also you can help to improve your overall sense of well-being.

Low Serotonin Symptoms 

The major message is that serotonin regulates several processes other than mood. To that reason, some of the most typical symptoms of low serotonin levels include mood swings, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and lack of appetite. 

The fact is, although increasing serotonin levels in your brain may help improve your mood, it is not a cure-all for all mental health issues. Experts caution that treating depression, or simply a low mood, is much more involved than focusing on serotonin. Serotonin is undoubtedly a key neurotransmitter in that equation, but there are countless other neurotransmitters that are as vital. 

Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, in addition to serotonin, all play important roles in mood regulation. And, if you feel you have a serious mood or mental health issue, it's advisable to consult with your doctor to determine precisely what you need. 

How to naturally raise serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, and there are many natural ways to boost serotonin levels and improve overall well-being. These are;

Get some sunshine

According to experts, serotonin levels tend to be lower after winter and higher in the summer and autumn. The effect of serotonin on mood suggests a relationship between this discovery and the prevalence of seasonal affective disorder and seasonal mental health difficulties. 

Sunlight seems to assist enhance serotonin levels, and study into this theory shows that your skin may be able to produce serotonin. 

If you live in a wet area, have difficulty going outdoors, or are at high risk for skin cancer, you may still enhance serotonin levels by using a light treatment box. 

Before using a light therapy box if you have bipolar illness, consult with your mental health provider. Some individuals have developed mania after using one inappropriately or for an extended period of time. Time spent in nature has also been found to boost serotonin levels. 

Take supplements 

By boosting tryptophan, several dietary supplements may aid stimulate serotonin synthesis and release. Consult your healthcare provider before attempting a new supplement. Inform them if you also take: 

• medicine on prescription
• over-the-counter drugs
• supplements and vitamins
• herbal treatments

Laughter is the best medicine

Laughter is believed to be the best medicine. A study looked at the therapeutic advantages of laughter on mental health and discovered that laughing helps lower stress chemicals like cortisol, which in turn reduces the stress response. 

Reduce stress 

Surprise, surprise: stress disrupts your serotonin levels. Stress is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects both the brain and the body. It may cause harm to neurons that create serotonin, as well as other areas of the brain and serotonergic pathways, causing the system to function less efficiently. 

Stress, in other words, creates inflammation, which is unhealthy for your brain. Prioritizing self-care, counseling, and other stress-reduction strategies might contribute significantly to improved health, including higher serotonin levels. 

Vitamin D 

Numerous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to mental health problems; the theory is that vitamin D (together with omega-3 fatty acids) aids in serotonin synthesis. Consult your doctor to see whether a vitamin D and D3 supplement is something you should consider. 

These strategies may not be sufficient if you want to raise serotonin to relieve mood-related symptoms, especially those associated with depression. 

Some individuals may have reduced serotonin levels as a result of their brain chemistry, and there isn't much you can do about it. Furthermore, mood disorders are caused by a complex interaction of brain chemistry, environment, heredity, and other variables. 

If you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health expert. If you're worried about the expense, check out our guide to low-cost treatment. 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences everything from your mood to your bowel motions. There are a few things you can do on your own to increase serotonin levels that we have talked about. However, if these suggestions aren't cutting it, don't be afraid to seek professional assistance.