How to naturally boost serotonin without medication
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What is serotonin? - Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which means that brain and nervous system cells use it to communicate with one another.
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Why are serotonin levels important? - Too little serotonin can increase your risk of depression, as well as other mental health challenges like anxiety and (OCD).
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What produces the most serotonin? - Approximately 95% of the serotonin in your body is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.
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What produces the most serotonin? - The other 5% is produced by the central nervous system.
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What role does serotonin play in the body? -Serotonin plays a vital role in most major organ systems, including the pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.
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Exercise regularly - Research shows that people who get regular exercise in have higher levels of serotonin than sedentary folks.
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Get more light - Research shows that spending time in the sunshine helps increase serotonin levels.
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Get a massage - According to one study, massage therapy can effectively boost serotonin levels by an average of 28%.
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Try a supplement - If you're not able to get enough sunlight, eat a balanced diet, or exercise regularly, taking a supplement may help increase your serotonin levels.
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Reduce stress levels - Chronic stress can lead to low serotonin levels, so it's important to ensure that your stress levels are under control.
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Practice gratitude - Neuroscientists know that practicing gratitude enhances the release of mood neurotransmitters like serotonin.
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Spend time in nature - Spending time in nature has been shown to help reduce stress and improve mood, both of which can help increase serotonin levels.
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Laugh - Laughing has been associated with the brain's release of serotonin, oxytocin, and other feel-good chemicals.
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Help others - Whether you volunteer your time, donate money, or just do something nice for someone, helping others may lead to increased serotonin levels.
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Use aromatherapy - Aromatherapy has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, both of which can help increase serotonin levels.
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Careful with alcohol - While drinking alcohol is a temporary serotonin booster, long-term consumption can deplete your levels.
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Practice positive thinking - When we practice positive thinking, we feel more joy. In doing so, cortisol, our stress hormone, decreases, and serotonin is produced.