Lets talk happy hormones!
Serotonin: The Mood Stabilizer
Serotonin is found in all animals, insects and plants. It is a neurotransmitter that is produced and stored in the digestive system, blood platelets and throughout the Central Nervous System. Serotonin helps your body regulate anxiety, experience happiness and heal wounds. This chemical is made from the Amino Acid Tryptophan. It can be naturally boosted by getting more exercise and sleep, diet adjustments and bright light. Meditation and massage may also increase your serotonin levels.
Dopamine: The Reward Chemical
Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter. It is found in your brain. It plays a key role in mental well being. Dopamine affects motivation and pleasure and helps you feel more alert. It provides your brain with a sense of reward. Dopamine is made from the amino acid Tyrosine. Foods high in Tyrosine include chicken and other types of poultry, dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, avocados, bananas, pumpkin seeds and soy. Dopamine can also be naturally boosted with music, self care and by concentrating.
Endorphins: The Pain Reliever
Endorphins are the bodies natural pain reliever. They are hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. There are about 20 different types of endorphins but the best studied is the beta-endorphin which is associated with the runners high. There are a variety of activities that can increase endorphin release. The best way is with moderately intense aerobic exercise. Endorphins can also be released with laughter, smelling vanilla or lavender oils and by eating dark chocolate and taking B vitamins.
Oxytocin: The Love Hormone
The hypothalamus produces the hormone Oxytocin and it is released into the blood stream by the pituitary gland. It manages key aspects of the female and male reproductive systems and human behavior. This chemical carries messages through your blood stream to tell your body what to do and when to do it. Oxytocin plays a roll in social bonding, reproduction, and childbirth. Low levels of oxytocin have been found in woman with post partum depression. Oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback loop. Initial release of the hormone stimulates the production and release of more. You can also boost production with exercise, music, group singing, giving a compliment, hugging and playing with a dog.
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