serotonin and how it helps you feel happier

Hey team,

I’ve been interested in the hormones/neurotransmitters responsible for happiness for quite some time. Whether I’ve been interested in them because I’m a completely miserable person and want to be happy OR because I’m a completely happy person and want to know why is a question that I will leave up for debate. 😉

For the sake of this post, let’s just focus on serotonin. We don’t want TOO much happiness all at once now, do we? (I have such an urge to post another wink-face. I am hot on the winks today.)

So serotonin is a neurotransmitter (brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and bodies) that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It’s also largely responsible for the regulation of your appetite (90% of serotonin is located in the gastrointestinal tract). It’s fair to say serotonin is pretty important.

You can get serotonin through your diet (amino acids in healthy proteins), sunlight, or massage. Exercise – particularly aerobic – is also thought to increase both serotonin production and release. You can also reduce sugar intake and try including fermented foods in your diet – I knew I liked kombucha for a reason other than to feel hip!

I’ve tried all of the above (curbing my sweet-tooth is the most challenging) but what I have yet to try is supplementation.

I have a friend who regularly takes 5-htp and SAM-e and says they work wonders. Another friends takes magnesium and seems to like it (but doesn’t that one, like, loosen your stools and cause you to fall asleep?). I’m also interested in trying zinc but that’s just cuz I like the name.

I’m curious to know if you guys have taken serotonin supplements and, if so, how they have worked out for you? Are there any that you would recommend? What about the other natural methods for boosting serotonin levels – have you tried those? If so, which work best for you?

Here’s to happiness,

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