How to increase serotonin naturally?

Direct sunlight stimulates the body to produce more serotonin. Getting a daily 30 minute exposure to sunlight can have a dramatic impact on the mood. (See What Are The Benefits Of Sunlight To The Body?)

Tryptophan is a substance used in manufacturing serotonin. By supplementing Tryptophan properly, a person can increase his serotonin levels.

While Tryptophan rich foods such as cheese and eggs boost the levels of Tryptophan, which is a substance used to manufacture serotonin, the body usually still can’t absorb Tryptophan as it competes with other proteins.

Exercise is directly connected with Serotonin production. Exercise until fatigue and vigorous exercise can help the body produce more Serotonin.

A light box is a device designed to simulate direct sunlight. A properly designed light box can affect one’s mood greatly.

Stress can have a negative impact on serotonin production. The hormones released by stress can break down the serotonin produced by the body. (See The body language signs of stress)

A study has shown that getting a massage can result in a 28% increase in serotonin and a 31% decrease in the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.

In order for sunlight to stimulate serotonin production properly, the person might be able to see light rays without sunglasses.

Vitamin B, especially B6, helps the body produce serotonin and so can have a direct impact on the mood.

Some research points out the fact that the relationship between the mood and serotonin is a two-way one. This means that being positive, for example, can result in the release of serotonin.

Caffeine can inhibit the production of serotonin.

Healthy fats such as Omega-3, which is found in fish, salmon and nuts can help the body produce serotonin.

Dark chocolate contains a substance called resveratrol which helps in the production of serotonin.