How to Replace Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that relays and amplifies neurons to cells, thus transmitting nerve impulses across a synapse. The nerve impulses are waves of high-level physical and chemical energy that send an electrical pulse along a nerve fiber. Most serotonin found in humans is found in the gut and digestive tract. Another small but important amount of serotonin in the body is found in the central nervous system, where it helps to control emotional functions, such as moods like sadness or anger. Low serotonin levels in the body can be a cause of depression, so selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which increase the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, are used to treat patients lacking in serotonin in their central nervous system.

Instructions

• 1

  See a doctor to check whether you lack serotonin based on specific symptoms such as depression. To determine this you will need blood work tests or a urine test depending on what your doctor orders.

• 2

  Go on a healthy diet that focuses primarily on proteins. Eat a combination of protein-rich meals that incorporate beef or chicken, which include tryptophan, a chemical compound that aids in the chemical reaction of serotonin with other amino acids; and meals with carbohydrates that produce the necessary insulin to absorb amino acids. Lower amino acids in your blood stream will allow greater access for tryptophan into your central nervous system.

• 3

  Start taking vitamin B-6 supplements, available at your local vitamin shop or health store. This supplement will increase the amount of tryptophan in your body, creating higher serotonin levels in the process. Take this vitamin once a day when you wake up.

• 4

  Exercise regularly to raise your heartbeat and increase the level of endorphins in your central nervous system. More endorphins reacting with your brain's opiate receptors creates more serotonin. This is also great for helping with depression.

• 5

  Expose your skin to as much natural daylight as much as possible, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme winter weather. Exposure to sunlight helps with the synthesis and regulation of serotonin and is also highly recommended for those diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).