Natural Serotonin Booster Supplements and Drugs that Work

Serotonin is closely linked with mood stability and is commonly known by laypeople and medical experts alike as “the happy hormone”.

Serotonin is a natural component found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, as well as in blood components that travel through the central nervous system.

In the body, it is referred to as a hormone, but it acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Sometimes, our levels of serotonin can drop, leading to that blue, blasé feeling, difficulty sleeping, difficulty maintaining weight, and even our sexual functions. Research has determined a close link between a lack of this neurotransmitter and depression.

There are a number of serotonin boosters that work to increase levels of this neurotransmitter to support improved mood and mental health.

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

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How Serotonin Works for You

Serotonin is manufactured through a biochemical conversion process in the intestines as well as in the brain.

This process first involves the breakdown of a component of proteins known as tryptophan into the intermediary compound 5-HTP.

Once in this form, 5-HTP can cross the blood brain barrier where it combines it with a chemical reactor known as tryptophan hydrolase to create 5-hydroxyl tryptophan (5-HT), which we know better as serotonin.

In the brain, serotonin functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Its role is to regulate chemical transmissions and to ensure that the messages sent between neurons in our brain do not cause us to become stressed or anxious.

It is responsible for maintaining a stable mood balance as we go through our day and also signals moments of contentment, peace and happiness. Not only does serotonin help to keep depression symptoms in check, it is also known to affect our eating habits, sleep patterns, focus, memory, and even sexual functions.

Serotonin Boosters

There are a few different types of serotonin boosters available today – some of which require a prescription and some of which are natural supplements. Since both L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are needed to make serotonin in our brains, adding these nutritional supplements to your diet can help to raise levels of this neurotransmitter.

5-HTP, in particular, is very effective at increase serotonin production in the brain since it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. This supplement can be found online or in local health food stores in 50mg to 300mg pills. It is made from a natural source – the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, which contain 20% 5-HTP by weight.

Another class of prescription drugs known as or serotonin re-uptake inhibitors known (SSRIs) can also affect levels in a positive way. These drugs work by making more serotonin available in the synaptic cleft which is where neural receptors are located. By preventing the re-uptake of this chemical, these medications essentially amplify the effects of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin boosters such as 5-HTP supplements, are designed to enhance mood, suppress the appetite to support lose weight, and regulate sleep cycles. While these supplements many not cure insomnia or depression, they can help to elevate and maintain mood balances as well as enhance your deep REM cycle sleep.

What Else will Raise Serotonin Levels?

While serotonin boosters and supplements like 5-HTP can certainly enhance production of this important neurochemical, you can also enhance these levels through the foods you eat – albeit at a slower rate.

Keeping your diet stocked with “positive mood foods” is especially important in winter months for individuals who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This mood disorder affects millions of people every year, especially women.

SAD is caused by lower levels of light which can diminish serotonin synthesis in the brain. Studies have determined that seasonal fluctuation in serotonin levels is a major contributor to SAD.

Before starting any supplemental routine, talk to your doctor. You can naturally enhance production of serotonin in your body by ingesting approximately four cups of brightly colored vegetables a day. Fruits and beans are also an excellent sources of precursors like L-tryptophan. In addition to serotonin boosting pills like 5-HTP, a number of additional food sources come from:

• Bananas
• Dark chocolate
• Free range beef and turkey
• Wild fish
• Flaxseed or flax seed oil
• Legumes

Be aware that caffeine can suppress serotonin levels. It surprises many of our readers that that very substance you may drink every morning to perk you up can also leave you more susceptible to depression (as well as erratic sleep cycles).

What is the Proper Dosage of Serotonin Supplements?

It is important for anyone taking a supplement or prescription drug to follow label instructions regarding dosage. According to Drugs.com, the small number of clinical trials examining 5-HTP use as a natural source of serotonin has resulted in lack of precise guidelines regarding specific dosage requirements.

However, in the treatment of depression, 200 to 300 mg of 5-HTP a day in three to four doses is considered safe. This low dosage may help to reduce incidents of nausea that can be caused by taking too much at one time. For dosage recommendations for SSRIs and other prescription-only forms of serotonin boosters, speak to your doctor.

5-HTP is not right for everyone. If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition such as depression or cardiovascular issues, consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment option for you. When taking 5-HTP to regulate serotonin levels, it is best intended for short-term use only.

Long-term use (several months or longer) is contraindicated because it may lead to reduced stores of norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine in the blood. This supplement may no longer be effective if levels of dopamine have decreased significantly.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing mild forms of depression, anxiety or mood swings, increased serotonin levels may help. Serotonin boosters have also been found effective in aiding weight loss and improving sleep patterns.

5-HTP and L-tryptophan are two commonly used supplements to increase production of this neurotransmitter. SSRIs can also be prescribed by your doctor for more serious mood disorders.

Eating the right foods and getting plenty of sunshine will also raise serotonin levels to enhance your health and wellness, both physically and emotionally.

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