Lucky move: Optimal basis for your well-being - the happiness hormone serotonin

Starting the day full of energy, feeling happy and focused - that's what most of us want. But what causes you to be motivated and full of energy? Messenger substances are largely responsible for this. Today we'll tell you what they are and how you can use simple tricks to positively influence your serotonin levels.

Being happy - is it all just a question of chemistry?

Doctors are certain that the head is the central messenger of happiness. More specifically, what happens inside. When you feel happiness, so-called neurotransmitters, i.e. stimulus-transmitting messenger substances, are involved. The chemical substances transmit the message: “Feel happy” from nerve cell to nerve cell until the message reaches the brain. In addition to external influences, our own chemistry kit definitely influences our mood, our motivation and our sense of stress. But there is not just one substance in our body that makes you happy, but rather a whole range - doctors and scientists summarize the happiness makers under the term happiness hormones. We have summarized the most important of them for you in the following table.

All happiness hormones at a glance

Dopamine:
The power hormone - stimulates inner drive and motivation

Serotonin:
The feel-good hormone - lifts the mood, relieves feelings of anxiety

Adrenaline and norepinephrine
The action hormones - cause positive stress (short-term), stimulate the ability to concentrate

Endorphins:
The drive hormones - boost motivation and reduce pain

Phenylethylamine
The love hormone - Stimulates the feeling of pleasure, strengthens the feeling of being in love

Serotonin - the mood maker

The interaction of the messenger substances has a direct effect on your mood. If you are looking for greater well-being, serotonin is the most promising candidate. The feel-good hormone influences our sense of pain, our sexuality and our sleep. Serotonin creates a feeling of satisfaction and balance, but also boosts motivation. But that's not all - serotonin also makes us less sensitive to stress, less anxious or more concentrated. Not to be forgotten: Serotonin is crucial for the sleep-wake rhythm. While melatonin is known as the sleep hormone, serotonin is the wake-up hormone for a productive day. The feel-good hormone has many facets, but how is serotonin actually produced in the body?

This is how your body produces serotonin

The good news is that the body itself is able to produce the happiness hormone serotonin. Selected cells in your intestines are responsible for this. Doctors call them enterochromaffin cells. In addition to your intestines, your brain also helps to ensure that serotonin can flood your body - this important task is carried out by the nerve cells. Once produced, your organism stores the serotonin. If necessary, he releases it from the pantries and the journey of happiness begins.

Is there such a thing as a serotonin deficiency?

Do you often feel drained, unmotivated, irritable or simply unhappy ? This could be because your body doesn't have enough serotonin . A serotonin deficiency can occur when the body does not have enough of the substances it needs to produce serotonin. Chronic stress or illness also promote a serotonin deficiency.

Serotonin deficiency - causes at a glance:

• Cancer diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• persistent (chronic) infections
• Constant stress
• Lack of important nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin D or omega-3

5 tips to use serotonin and co. for your well-being

If serotonin makes us happier and therefore more joyful in life, it would be an option to absorb serotonin directly, right? Unfortunately no, because serotonin itself cannot cross the so-called blood-brain barrier. For this reason, we don't want to recommend foods rich in serotonin, but rather clever tricks to boost serotonin and other motivating messenger substances.

1. Consume foods containing tryptophan

Tryptophan is a very special amino acid because it serves as a precursor to serotonin. You can absorb tryptophan through food, and best of all: this amino acid can cross the blood-brain barrier. The amino acid tryptophan is also very important for your mood.

The following foods contain tryptophan and can have a positive effect on serotonin levels:

• nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Whole grain cereals
• beef
• Fish
• Mushrooms
• Beans
• Quark
• Bananas
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate

2. Pay more attention to other amino acids that bring good luck

In addition to tryptophan, there are other amino acids that are very helpful in the formation of happiness hormones. Let's take phenylalanine for example - your body converts the substance into the messenger serotonin. Phenylalanine is not only important for the production of serotonin, but is also an interesting substance on its own. Scientists believe that phenylalanine can block enzymes in the central nervous system, which in turn slow down the body's own “pain relievers”. The possible result: the natural pain relievers can work better. Phenylalanine is also said to have antidepressant properties. Your liver converts phenylalanine into tyrosine - the motivational hormone dopamine is created from both amino acids.

The following foods contain phenylalanine and tyrosine:

• Vegetables
• nuts
• seeds
• Wheat germ
• Dairy products
• Meat
• Fish

3. Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet

Omega-3 fatty acids support vision and the function of the heart and brain. Scientists have also found that people who have low serotonin levels often don't include enough omega-3 in their diet. The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are particularly important because they make the receptors for serotonin in your body more receptive. They also promote the release of serotonin.

The following Omega-3 sources are available to you:

• Fish, such as salmon and mackerel
• High-quality vegetable oils such as linseed oil
• Algae
• Vegan Omega-3 supplements

4. Eat a diet rich in vitamins

Did you know that the production of happiness hormones depends on many vitamins? There is evidence that vitamin B6 supports the conversion of amino acids into serotonin. In addition, vitamin B5, vitamin B9, vitamin B12 and vitamin D contribute to a motivated, energetic and healthy everyday life. You can replenish your nutrient reserves with a plant-based diet in which you eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and with regular exercise in the fresh air.

5. Harness the power of nature

If you look around nature, you will also come across mood boosters. How about rhodiola or griffonia? Let's discover together what plant substances can do for your well-being.

Roseroot: The plant extract is said to eliminate concentration difficulties, give energy, relieve anxiety and make users less sensitive to stress. The medicinal plant, which comes from arctic regions, was already used by ancient Russian peoples to give the body and mind more vitality. Particularly interesting: Roseroot is said to be able to increase serotonin levels. In one study, participants actually felt emotionally stronger and slept better when they took rhodiola root.

Griffonia: The seeds of the African black bean are said to increase concentration, relieve pain, strengthen psychological resilience and have a positive effect on mood. The exciting thing is that the African black bean actually contains 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and, according to studies, can positively influence serotonin levels. This could explain the potential mood-enhancing effect.

Seroton+. The “Serotonin Capsules” from Steiger Naturals

Does the path to more energy, motivation and a good mood seem too long for you? You may be able to take a shortcut. The Seroton+ capsules from Steiger Naturals contain substances that are known for their positive effect on serotonin levels. First, the capsules combine the two important amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. The promising plant extracts roseroot and griffonia are also included. A portion of caffeine and important vitamins and minerals for mood and motivation round off the product. We at Steiger Naturals only use high-quality raw materials for our products. Seroton+ is also vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free. Would you like to find out what Seroton+ can do for your mood? All you have to do is take one capsule in the morning after your breakfast or snack - we wish you a good mood!