With busy schedules and fast paced movement of everyday life, it is not uncommon to sometimes feel a slight dip in your mood or feel completely overwhelmed and tired. If you are looking to shake this feeling there is no better way to start this journey than with food.
During this Mental Health Awareness month, it’s important to remember that our diets not only impact our overall health, but also play a significant role in our mood regulation. If you feel that you are constantly battling fatigue or feeling low this might be an indicator of a low level of serotonin.
Often referred to as the bodies ‘feel good chemical’ serotonin plays the role of both a neurotransmitter and hormone. Serotonin helps the body function by carrying messages between our brain’s nerves cell and the rest of the body. Thus, having a normal serotonin level is important for both the physical and mental well-being, having influence on our memory and moods.
A great way to boost your serotonin levels without the use of supplements is to add foods that contain tryptophan into your diet. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that aids in the maintenance of proteins, muscles and growth, but it is also used by our brains in the making of serotonin.
We provide a list of foods that can boost your serotonin levels naturally:
Salmon:
Salmon is known to be a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids the pink fish is also high in tryptophan making it a definite great food source for increasing those serotonin levels.
Spinach:
If you’re a fan of all thing’s spinach, you will be delighted to know that not only do leafy greens make a delightful addition to white sauce, but they are also incredible high in tryptophan.
Nuts and Seeds:
Nuts and seeds, alongside being a great source of fiber, contain tryptophan, making your favourite lunchtime cashews or almond nuts the perfect way to stock up on those serotonins.
Pineapples:
A juicy pineapple is always the greatest companion on those hot summer days. Adding pineapples to your diet this summer will provide you with an increase in both serotonin and anti-inflammatory properties.
Eggs:
Eggs are rich in both protein and tryptophan, especially the yolk, proving why breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Cheese:
Cheeses products like parmesan. Mozzarella and cheddar are great sources for gaining an extra bit of serotonin, potentially helping to reduce fatigue and help you get more rest.
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