Does Exercise Increase Serotonin Levels in the Brain?

How does exercising affect serotonin levels and can you really increase amounts of this neurotransmitter by being active?

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter for mood, relaxation, sleep and behavior control in the brain. Without the proper amount of serotonin, people may suffer from a number of different medical problems.

Although many environmental factors can affect serotonin levels, one specific contributor to healthy serotonin production is physical activity.

In research studies, the effects of exercise on serotonin levels has been studied, particularly in respect to conditions like depression, fibromyalgia and anxiety. Below is some information about the relationship between serotonin and exercise.

Serotonin Boosters

Mood Supplements

Mood

Sleep

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Varies depending on supplement

Safety:

Varies depending on supplement

Top Serotonin Boosters* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

The Important Role of Serotonin

Serotonin plays an important role in the functioning of the human body, affecting every cell in the brain either directly or indirectly.

Produced within the central nervous system, this neurotransmitter contributes to learning and memory, regulates the mood, regulates the appetite and aids in the regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Scientists also suspect that serotonin influences certain social behaviors.

When serotonin levels in the body are too low, people may experience a variety of adverse effects, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, aggressive behaviors, a higher pain sensitivity and problems with cognition.

Other signs of low serotonin in the brain and body can include cravings for sweets and starches, insomnia, tinnitus, digestive problems and headaches.

People who experience these symptoms and suspect a serotonin imbalance may look for natural ways to raise their serotonin levels, such as through exercise.

Does Exercise Increase Serotonin?

Multiple research studies have examined the relationship between physical exercise and serotonin production. Most of these studies have shown that the effects of exercise on serotonin, sleep and other related functions are statistically significant.

For example, in a study published in the Brazilian journal Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, researchers explored the relationship between aerobic exercise and serotonin levels for individuals with fibromyalgia.

At the end of the study, researchers found that serum levels of serotonin increased significantly among members of the group that participated in regular aerobic exercise.

The effects of exercise on serotonin and depression have also been studied extensively. This idea first emerged in the 1980s, when researchers began publishing multiple studies on the topic.

A review of 14 different studies on this issue was conducted in 1999, and analysts concluded that exercise has the same level of effect as cognitive therapy on the symptoms of depression.

Since that time, studies of even higher quality have been conducted to examine this relationship. These studies have confirmed that exercise can relieve the symptoms of depression among people who have been diagnosed with mental disorders, as well as those who have not.

Using Exercise to Increase Serotonin Levels

Studies have also indicated that higher levels of physical activity may raise serotonin more than lower levels.

For example, in a study that compared the effects of aerobic exercise and stretching on serotonin levels, researchers concluded that aerobic exercise was able to raise serotonin more than stretching alone.

In light of this evidence, it stands to reason that using strenuous exercise for serotonin release may be more effective than relying on light physical activity – like walking – only.

Using exercise to increase serotonin levels is unlikely to be dangerous or cause unintended side effects. The primary risk of this therapeutic technique is physical injury.

However, because exercise offers many other benefits in addition to its ability to raise serotonin levels, it is recommended by most if not all medical professionals.

Nonetheless, exercise may not be safe for some people with specific health conditions or existing injuries. Likewise, some people may need to avoid certain types of exercise in order to reduce the risk of complications.

Thus, you should talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to raise serotonin levels.

Other Options for Raising Serotonin

Exercise is not the only natural therapy that can be used to safely raise serotonin levels. Individuals who are suffering from the symptoms of low serotonin may also explore the idea of other natural interventions.

Some of these natural interventions may include:

• Exposure to bright light – Evidence indicates that exposure to bright lights may be effective for treating depression. Experts believe that this type of therapy works by boosting serotonin levels in the brain.
• Dietary changes – The body synthesizes serotonin from the amino acid L-tryptophan. Increasing your intake of this amino acid by consuming specific foods, such as seeds, nuts, oats, beans and eggs, may raise your serotonin levels indirectly.
• Taking a supplement – You can also increase the amount of L-tryptophan your body has to make serotonin by taking a supplement. The supplements that work for this purpose include L-tryptophan supplements, which contain the amino acid in its usual form, and 5-HTP supplements, which contain a chemical byproduct of L-tryptophan.
• Engaging in enjoyable activities – Some studies have shown that serotonin production may be influenced by your mood. Thus, participating in activities you enjoy may enhance your mood and increase the production of serotonin.
• Cutting out alcohol, caffeine and drugs – The consumption of alcohol, caffeine and drugs is known to reduce serotonin levels. Avoiding these substances may boost serotonin levels in the body.

The connection between serotonin and exercise, as well as other natural interventions, is well supported by research.

However, individuals who believe that their serotonin levels are still low even after engaging in natural interventions may also be able to raise them by taking prescription medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors(SSRIs). Keep in mind that these medications pose certain risks and should be used with caution, always under the direction of a physician.

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)