How to Improve Serotonin Levels

Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that is closely linked to mood. People who are clinically depressed often have lower-than-normal levels of serotonin. Some people may be able to improve their serotonin levels by positive thinking, relaxation techniques and more sunlight. Others may need to resort to taking prescription drugs.

Things You'll Need

• Dietary supplements
• Medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor if he thinks talk therapy, meditation or other mental health treatments can help improve your serotonin levels. Because serotonin is so closely related to mood, lifting a depressive mood could improve your levels of the chemical. The November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience reports that some researchers link "self-induced" mood changes and the way your brain processes serotonin. Becoming calmer and happier with the help of a mental health professional or a life coach could be beneficial.

• 2

  Improve your serotonin levels by increasing your exposure to light. According to the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience," light therapy is an effective treatment for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder as well other forms of depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Depending on your serotonin levels and your symptoms, medical light therapy may not be necessary. A higher or more frequent exposure to sunlight may help you.

• 3

  Get physical to raise your serotonin levels. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, a British governmental agency affiliated with its National Health Service, recommends that people who have lower-than-normal serotonin levels or who suffer from mood disorders, participate in some form of exercise. Physical activity is a natural mood-booster and can be a natural way to balance chemical levels in the brain.

• 4

  Take dietary supplements, under the supervision of your doctor, to increase your serotonin and therefore, your mood. SmartPublications, an online resource for health information, explains that St. John's wort, SAM-e and magnolia bark may all have a positive effect on your mood.

• 5

  Improve serotonin levels with prescription medications if other forms of treatment are not effective. Antidepressant medications called SSRIs, or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, are prescribed to treat depression that stems from lower-than-normal levels of serotonin.