How to Increase Serotonin Levels: Pointers from Miami Hormone Doctors

Serotonin is one of the “happy hormones.” Miami hormone doctor shares pointers on increasing your happiness. Read on.

Serotonin is one of the “happy hormones.”  We need serotonin to maintain a positive mood. 

However, serotonin levels decrease as we age. This occurs because our bodies are less diligent in making serotonin.

The good news is that there are things you can do to increase your serotonin levels naturally, which you can do to supplement bioidentical hormone therapy. Is it time for you to consult a hormone doctor? Here are tips from a hormone specialist here in Miami to boost your serotonin levels.  

What does serotonin do in the body?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s involved in different processes throughout the body. Aside from regulating your mood naturally, serotonin is also involved in promoting smooth digestion and suppressing appetite. Other functions of serotonin include:

• Regulates anxiety
• Controls nausea
• Heals wounds
• Maintains bone health
• Controls your bowel movements and function
• Stimulates the brain to control sleep and waking
• Controls libido or sexual desire

Serotonin is a “happy hormone” that regulates mood and makes us feel calmer and more emotionally stable.

What happens if I have low levels of serotonin?

Serotonin production can be negatively impacted by inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and excessive stress. Low serotonin levels can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption or lack of sunshine.

Normal serotonin levels lead to feeling more focused, emotionally stable, calm, and happier. Serotonin deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and insomnia, as well as an increased risk of suicide.

Consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of these feelings or thoughts.

How can I increase levels of serotonin?

1. Eat protein-rich food

   Foods that are high in protein are rich in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that’s converted to serotonin. Studies have shown that tryptophan depletion is seen in those with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

   Eating protein-rich food and foods with omega-3 fatty acids will help increase serotonin levels in the body. Incorporate foods such as eggs, cheese, tofu, salmon, nuts and seeds, and turkey into your diet.

2. Sun exposure

   Exposure to bright light (especially from the sun) helps increase serotonin levels. The lack of vitamin D has been linked to depression, so getting more sun can reduce depression symptoms and increase serotonin.

   Research has shown that serotonin levels tend to be lower during the winter season, thus causing seasonal affective disorder. Sun exposure has been found to be an effective treatment for seasonal and nonseasonal depression and reduces depressed mood in premenstrual women.

   Spending at least 15 to 30 minutes outside each day (don’t forget your sunblock) will help increase serotonin levels. You can also take vitamin D supplements. 

3. Exercise regularly

   Research has shown that regular physical activity is a great way to raise serotonin levels. Exercising regularly improves mood and increases mental performance. There is evidence that it helps manage depression, stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

   Learn More Here: Bioidentical Hormones: 5 Ways to Beat Hot Flashes and Chronic Stress in Miami

   A daily workout triggers the release of tryptophan in the body, which elevates serotonin levels. Aside from serotonin, being physically active also produces other feel-good hormones such as dopamine and endorphins.

   The goal is to get your heart rate up. Good aerobic exercises include swimming, cycling, brisk walking, jogging, light hiking, and dancing.

4. Get a massage

   You’ve read that right. Get a relaxing massage! It helps increase happy hormones in the body, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. The release of these feel-good hormones during a massage creates a relaxing effect on the body.

   Massage therapy also helps decrease cortisol levels in the body, which is the “stress hormone.” Why not ask your special someone to give you a massage?

5. Practice mindfulness meditation

   Research has shown that practicing mindfulness medication can help people manage stress levels and improve overall well-being. Maintaining a calming and stress-relieving outlook on life can increase serotonin levels.

   You may want to consider practicing yoga or meditation techniques. According to research, mindfulness meditation increases serotonin levels in people who practice it. Mindfulness may benefit the body in a variety of ways by lowering the stress response.

Can bioidentical hormone therapy help?

Have you considered consulting with a professional hormone doctor?

Hormone therapy, such as bioidentical hormone therapy, have shown to help raise serotonin levels, which in turn improves mood, sleep, appetite, and sex drive. It is very common, especially in menopausal women. 

We offer you bioidentical hormone therapy at NuLife Institute in order to balance your hormone levels and get your life back on track.

Our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is tailored to meet your individual needs because we know that it is the best course of action for your overall health and well-being. A bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may help you feel more like yourself again by balancing your hormones!

The Best Hormone Doctors in Miami

NuLife Institute is all about giving our patients the best health, function, and longevity possible. We offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for patients who want to improve their quality of life due to age-related hormone decline.

Luis O. Dominguez, DO, is the best hormone doctor in Miami for functional, integrative medicine, and age management located in Miami, FL. It is the only facility of its kind to provide personalized, non-surgical age-reversing treatment plans that are tailored fit to your body.

We offer bioidentical hormone therapy for both men and women so you can have an improved quality of life. Interested in reversing signs of age-related hormone decline? 

Contact NuLife Institute today at 305-400-0005 for a complimentary consultation so you can speak with an expert. Ask about any concerns you may have to address your symptoms and get the safest and most effective treatment for you.