Serotonin synthesis is boosted by lifestyle changes like sunlight exposure, regular exercise, and managing stress, alongside consuming foods rich in the precursor amino acid tryptophan (like turkey, eggs, nuts, salmon, tofu) paired with healthy carbohydrates to help it cross the blood-brain barrier. Key nutrients like Vitamin D, B vitamins, omega-3s, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc also support the process, often through diet or supplements.
There are ways to naturally increase serotonin levels in your body, through lifestyle measures such as by:
Many foods naturally contain tryptophan, the amino acid from which serotonin is made. You can try increasing your serotonin level by eating tryptophan-containing foods, such as: Salmon. Eggs.
Depression and irritability.
Low serotonin in the brain can lead you to be frustrated more quickly than you used to be. A lack of serotonin also depletes your energy so you're quickly wiped out.
Foods to Boost Your Mood During Pregnancy: Nuts and Seeds
Beyond being chock-full of mood-lifting omega-3s and fiber, almonds, cashews, flax, and chia seeds are also great sources of magnesium, which is crucial to the production of serotonin.
In addition to tryptophan, you also need vitamin B6 to make serotonin. Your body actually uses B6 to convert tryptophan into serotonin. Pairing complex carbohydrates, which are rich in B vitamins, with high tryptophan foods can increase serotonin production, thus improving mood.
Among these hormones, progesterone plays a vital role, not only in fertility and pregnancy but also in mood regulation. The short answer: Yes, for some women, progesterone can trigger intense emotional reactions, including crying, mood swings, sadness, and even depression.
Serotonin — a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger that sends messages among cells — serves many functions in the human body, including playing a role in emotions and happiness. An estimated 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, where it influences gut immunity.
Herbs to Increase Serotonin
Serum serotonin levels exhibit diurnal variations, with a peak early in the morning and a trough in the midafternoon and during sleep (Wirz-Justice et al., 1977;Kwon et al., 2018).
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Dark chocolate has been touted for many health benefits—and a cup of hot cocoa made with it can help you feel better. "Cocoa contains flavonoids, which improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive function," Susie says. "It also boosts serotonin levels, contributing to a better mood."
Research supports its ability to increase serotonin levels, which helps regulate emotions, and to suppress dopamine receptors, which trigger during times of stress. Studies show that ashwagandha has an anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system.
It's also possible to increase serotonin levels without taking medicine. One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out. When you pedal your bicycle or lift weights, your body releases more tryptophan, the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin.
B12 is a key nutrient for nervous system health. It is important for producing serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.
Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, which is converted into serotonin in your body. Serotonin is the feel-good, brain neurotransmitter, which makes you feel happy!
Several fruits and vegetables contain tryptophan, which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan.
Take Serotonin-Boosting Nutritional Supplements
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), curcumin, St. John's Wort, magnesium, and B vitamins have all been associated with increased serotonin levels in studies.
Low serotonin symptoms often involve mood issues like depression and anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), digestive troubles (constipation, appetite changes, carb cravings), and cognitive issues such as poor memory or focus, along with irritability and fatigue. These symptoms can also manifest as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, increased worry, difficulty managing emotions, and a general sense of unease or low well-being.
Recently, it has been proposed that vitamin D plays an important role in serotonin and melatonin regulation, which further indicates the relevance of vitamin D in mental health, especially the regulation of mood and sleep [4,6].
Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy can lead to intense anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts. These experiences—often referred to as pregnancy hormone anger or postpartum rage—can feel overwhelming and distressing.
Symptoms of Rising hCG Levels
With each anxious moment, each peaceful breath, and each surge of joy, your baby is experiencing these emotions alongside you. The truth is that your nervous system—the master controller of your stress response, emotions, and physical sensations—is directly wired to your baby's developing brain and body.