Food That Increases Serotonin

Serotonin is a brain chemical involved in regulating mood, behavior, mental clarity, appetite and sleep. Some foods can increase serotonin, but it might be difficult to reliably control serotonin levels with diet.

Significance

• Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, overeating and impulsive behavior. Doctors prescribe antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to raise serotonin levels.

Carbohydrates

• Eating candy and other sweet food can increase serotonin levels, according to Health Services at Columbia University, but the effect lasts only about two hours. Complex carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes also can raise serotonin levels, but to a lesser extent.

Amino Acid

• The amino acid L-tryptophan increases serotonin and is an effective antidepressant in milder cases. However, only purified tryptophan such as that available in supplements increases brain serotonin; foods containing tryptophan do not, according to a study published in the November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience."

Misconceptions

• Some foods, such as bananas, contain serotonin. Eating them does not increase serotonin levels, however, because dietary serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, explains the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" study.

Other Options

• The "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" study notes that both increased exposure to bright light and exercising might raise serotonin levels.