If you live with clinical depression, speaking with a therapist or taking medication are two solid options that can help. But what if you are just someone who feels a little blue or down now and then? You do see the glass half full most days, but some days you just feel…bleh.
One way to boost that mood could be with foods that boost your serotonin levels.
Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain, blood, intestines, and connective tissues of the human body. It causes blood vessels to contract, helps transmit information across the nervous system, and has a role in brain function. Serotonin is essential for overall health and wellbeing, and people often associate it with positive mood. But the brain is complex, and further research is needed to find out more about how serotonin works.
Reduced levels of serotonin in the brain may be a cause of memory problems and low mood.
According to the author of “This Is Your Brain on Food,” there are a variety of nutrients and plant compounds that can promote our body’s ability to produce serotonin and other mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain, because we generally can’t get serotonin directly from whole-food sources.
For starters, consider eating these seven foods that may boost your serotonin levels and mood:
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Tofu
• Nuts and seeds
• Fermented foods
• Fruits and veggies
• Turkey
Whatever diet you decide to follow, remember that those foods and drinks may have a direct effect on your emotions and mental health.
