FEELING GOOD: INCREASING YOUR SEROTONIN

Serotonin is a chemical messenger that is believed to act as a mood stabilizer. It's said to help produce healthy sleeping patterns as well as boost your mood. Studies show that serotonin levels can have an effect on mood and behavior, and the chemical is commonly linked to feeling good.

Probiotics seem to affect the gut in a positive way, decreasing stress signaling in the body and possibly even increasing the transformation of the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin. They work by introducing good or friendly bacteria into the gut. This helps to keep the gut healthy and maintain a balance of bacteria in the body. A primal connection exists between our brain & our gut. Due to this link between gut flora and brain health, probiotics could be beneficial for those experiencing anxiety and stress.

The enteric nervous system, the part of the nervous system that is tasked with controlling the gastrointestinal system, is often referred to as our body's second brain. There are hundreds of millions of neurons connecting the brain to the enteric nervous system. Therefore, eating foods high in tryptophan could help increase your serotonin levels.

Here are seven foods that can boost your serotonin naturally:

Eggs

Cheese

Pinapples

Tofu

Salmon

Nuts & seeds

Turkey