Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin & Decrease Headaches
Symptoms of depression brought on by low serotonin can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness and guilt. There are also physical symptoms like headaches, feelings of fatigue and muscle aches. Some of these symptoms may be alleviated by naturally increasing your serotonin level by altering your diet, exercising and light therapy.-
Diet
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According to the article "Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels and Combat Depression Levels in Women," serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the mood. Researchers believe that low levels of serotonin contribute to depression. Serotonin is found in the brain, the stomach and in the blood, which explains why some foods (especially heavy carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes) make us feel good immediately after consumption. But, consumed in excess these foods can also cause weight gain. Instead, eat black-eyed peas, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and Swiss and cheddar cheeses. With the elevation in mood, given enough time you should also discover a decrease in headaches and fatigue.
Exercise
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Research has long shown that exercise improves mood by elevating serotonin levels. Start off small by walking for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week. If you enjoy sports, try to do that activity three to four times a week. Commit yourself to exercising for at least two weeks to see if your mood improves and headaches decrease.
Light Therapy
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Light therapy is another natural way to increase serotonin, elevate your mood and decrease headaches. The MayoClinic.com website describes light therapy as "a way to treat seasonal affective disorder, depression and certain other conditions by exposure to bright artificial light." Light therapy (also called phototherapy or bright light therapy) resets the body's circadian rhythms by providing sunlight-like light during the colder and darker winter months. Light therapy can be implemented by sitting or working near a light box, which is a device that uses specially designed fluorescent light bulbs. Before beginning a course of light therapy, it is important to consult with your physician and/or eye health professional, as some people should not use light therapy.
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