Feeling down, stressed, or not quite yourself? You might be low on serotonin, the “happy hormone” that keeps your mood balanced and helps you feel good.
In this article, we’ll break down 8 ways to BOOST SEROTONIN naturally so you can start feeling your best. Whether you’re struggling with irritability, anxiety, or even just wanting a little more focus, these serotonin-boosting tips can help.
Let’s dive in!
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is often called the “happy hormone,” but it’s actually a neurotransmitter—a chemical in your brain that affects your mood, sleep, and even digestion. It plays a huge role in keeping you feeling calm, focused, and generally in a good mood.
Without enough serotonin, things can get pretty rough. You might feel irritable, anxious, or even depressed. Low serotonin can also lead to insomnia or digestive issues like IBS.
Think of serotonin like your brain’s natural mood stabilizer. When your levels are up, you’re more likely to feel happy and at peace. When they’re down? Well… that’s when things start to feel off. But don’t worry, we’re about to dive into 8 ways to boost serotonin naturally!
Keep reading…
6 Signs of Low Serotonin
When your serotonin levels drop, it shows up in many different ways. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
1. Stress & Irritability
Feeling constantly on edge? That could be your serotonin tank running low. When serotonin drops, stress feels harder to handle and the smallest things can leave you snapping at people.
2. Anxiety
Low serotonin can make you feel restless and anxious, even when nothing major is going on. It’s like your brain won’t slow down, and worry just lingers in the background.
3. Low Self-Esteem
Ever feel like you’re just not good enough? Serotonin affects how you see yourself. When it’s low, your self-esteem takes a hit, making you feel more insecure than usual.
4. Impulsive Cravings
Low serotonin often leads to impulsive cravings for junk food, sugar, or even alcohol. It’s your brain looking for a quick dopamine boost to make up for the lack of serotonin.
5. Sleep Problems
Serotonin is key to good sleep. Without enough of it, you might find yourself tossing and turning, or waking up multiple times at night… or even oversleeping and still feeling tired.
6. Digestive Issues
Surprisingly, serotonin helps with digestion. Low levels can cause issues like IBS or diarrhea because your gut’s serotonin production is out of balance.
Recognize any of these? If so, it’s time to focus on boosting your serotonin!
8 Ways To BOOST SEROTONIN
1. L-Tryptophan
L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that your body converts into serotonin. It’s like feeding your brain what it needs to stay happy. The best way to take L-Tryptophan is about 45 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach. Why? Because when you’re not digesting food, your body absorbs it better.
Tryptophan helps you sleep deeper and wake up feeling refreshed. If you’re struggling with anxiety or low mood, this is a natural way to boost serotonin while also improving your sleep cycle.
You can try supplements like PerformanceLab’s “Sleep“ that contain L-Tryptophan along with other natural ingredients to support a good night’s rest and serotonin production.
2. Get More Sunlight
Ever feel more relaxed and happy on a sunny day? That’s not a coincidence. Sunlight exposure boosts serotonin levels. When sunlight hits your eyes, it tells your brain to start making more serotonin. Plus, the UV rays on your skin also help your body produce Vitamin D, which helps regulate mood by lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
Even on a cloudy day, 45 minutes outside can do wonders. Take a walk, soak up the daylight, and let your body do its thing! And if you don’t get enough sun where you live, consider adding a Vitamin D supplement to help keep those serotonin levels up. Here’s a good option for Vitamin D.
3. Prebiotics for Gut Health
Did you know that 95% of your serotonin is made in your gut? If your gut isn’t healthy, your brain won’t be happy either. To keep things in balance, it’s essential to feed your gut bacteria with prebiotics. Foods like chicory root, garlic, leeks, and onions are loaded with them.
A healthy gut means more serotonin, which leads to better mood, focus, and less anxiety. It’s like giving your gut a big thumbs up so your brain can work its best! For even better results, you can try adding a prebiotic supplement like this one. It’s packed with gut-friendly nutrients and works wonders.
4. Exercise Regularly
We’ve all heard it before—exercise is good for your brain. But did you know it directly helps boost serotonin? Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (like jogging, biking, or swimming) a couple of times a week can improve your serotonin levels.
When you move, your brain turns tryptophan (remember that?) into serotonin faster. Plus, exercise releases dopamine, another feel-good chemical. You’ll feel energized, happier, and more relaxed. So, go for that jog or bike ride—it’s not just for your body, but your brain too!
5. Stop Snacking
Constant snacking can actually mess with your brain’s ability to make serotonin. Frequent eating keeps your insulin levels high, which blocks important nutrients like tryptophan from getting into your brain.
Instead, aim for two solid meals a day packed with nutritious veggies, proteins, and healthy fats. This will help balance your hormones, stabilize your mood, and let serotonin do its job.
6. Manage Stress
Stress is a serotonin killer. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out cortisol, which competes with serotonin in your brain. Over time, too much cortisol can lead to a chemical imbalance that leaves you feeling anxious and low.
Take steps to manage stress—get a massage, drink herbal teas like passionflower, or take long walks. Anything that calms your mind will help keep your serotonin levels in check.
7. Improve Your Sleep
Poor sleep equals low serotonin. It’s a cycle. The less you sleep, the more stressed and irritable you become, and the lower your serotonin levels drop. Try going to bed an hour earlier and make sure to turn off all your devices before you hit the pillow.
Create a calming sleep environment—no lights, no noise—and your body will naturally boost serotonin while you snooze.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try supplements like this one.
8. Recall Happy Memories
This might sound simple, but remembering happy moments can actually trigger your brain to release serotonin and endorphins. It’s like giving your brain a little boost of joy every time you think about something positive.
Take time each day to write down or think about specific, joyful memories. It could be anything—your favorite vacation, a fun time with friends, or even a great meal you had. Over time, this trains your brain to focus on the positive and keeps your serotonin levels higher.
How Mind Lab Pro Boosts Serotonin Naturally
Looking to boost serotonin even more? Mind Lab Pro might be what you’re missing. It’s packed with natural ingredients that don’t just support overall brain health—they directly help with serotonin production too.
Here’s how it works:
- L-Tyrosine helps your brain create important neurotransmitters like serotonin, keeping your mood balanced even during stressful times.
- Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogen, reduces the effect of stress on your body and brain, helping to stabilize serotonin levels. Stress is a serotonin killer, so keeping it under control is key.
- B-Vitamins (B6, B9, B12) are the MVPs for supporting healthy serotonin production. They’re crucial for breaking down homocysteine, a compound linked to low serotonin and mood disorders. Mind Lab Pro gives you the right dose to keep everything in balance.
With these ingredients, Mind Lab Pro doesn’t just boost your mood; it helps you feel more focused, calm, and clear-headed too. It’s not a quick fix—it’s about long-term brain health.
If you’re already trying the natural tips above, adding Mind Lab Pro to your routine might be the next step to take your serotonin levels to the next level.
Want to give it a try? Learn more about Mind Lab Pro here…
