There are some hormones and neurotransmitters that help us to feel good. A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that communicates information all over our brain and body. They help balance our moods to give us a greater sense of well-being. Basically, the correct balance of our feel good hormones is similar to wearing a really cool pair of sunglasses, the type where everything looks brighter and more vibrant.
The following are natural solutions and food sources to enhance your “feel good” hormones:
Dopamine
The first thing that comes to mind is sex, drugs and rock n roll. (just kidding) not really;-) Dopamine is desire. It’s what motivates us. Its driven behavior, seeking pleasure. Its referred to as “the reward molecule”. Its supports focus, attention and it helps control weight.
Symptoms of Dopamine Deficiency: brain fog (especially in the AM), lack of motivation and enthusiasm, boredom, weight gain, difficulty focusing and paying attention, constant craving for something to lift your energy (coffee, sodas,) lack of sex drive.
How to Boost Dopamine
1) Eat food high in Tyrosine-Tyrosine is an amino acid. Our body creates dopamine by breaking down tyrosine. Some foods high in tyrosine: beef, cheese, chicken, eggs, turkey, artichokes, garbanzo beans, spinach, broccoli, beets, blueberries, watermelon, apples and prunes.
2) Dark Chocolate
3) Drink green tea and nettle tea
4) Turmeric- This Indian treasure is truly a miracle worker.
5) Listen to your favorite music
Serotonin
Acts as a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, appetite, digestion, sleep, and memory.
Symptoms of serotonin deficiency depression, insomnia, migraines, digestive system problems, constipation, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, anger, craving for sweets and simple carbs.
How to boost Serotonin
1) Exercise
2) Limit caffeine
3) Stay away from simple carbs such as cakes, cookies, white bread (basically anything white)
4) Increase foods that have B vitamins- beans, poultry, fish, dark leafy greens, papayas, bananas, oranges, and cantaloupe
5) Drink green tea
6) Eat foods rich in Magnesium and Essential fatty acids(EFA)- almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, avocados, brown rice, kale, flaxseeds and walnuts.
7) Drink 64 oz. filtered water daily
Oxytocin
Called the love hormone. S-a-t-i-s-f-a-c-t-i-o-n. It helps us to relax, enhances the immune system, lowers our blood pressure, reduces stress, controls weight and cortisol levels.
Low Oxytocin has been linked to high blood pressure, migraines, menopause, autism, depression, MS fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic stress, anxiety disorders and obesity.
How to Boost Oxytocin
1) Any act of kindness, caring and love; pet a dog (care for a pet), give gifts, volunteer, express gratitude
2) Sex (the loving kind)
3) Make eye contact and smile genuinely
4) Meditate
5) Get a Massage- We are social creatures and need to be touched.
If you’d like a cleanse with a "feel good" hormone boost, try our 6 Day Heavenly Body
Much love,
Aster
sources: Journals.plos pubmed femmeclinique