How to Reduce Serotonin Levels

Serotonin levels in your body can fluctuate and are affected by environmental factors, your diet and any medications you might be taking. Excessively high serotonin levels play a role in the way you feel mentally and may cause issues with sleep disturbances, insomnia, irritability and mental confusion. Thankfully, there are some methods for managing serotonin levels and restoring them to normal for optimal health.

Things You'll Need

• Materials: Hiking boots Walking shoes Caffeine-free beverages Caffeine-free foods Meditation CD Outdoor activities Sunscreen Whole wheat bread Rye bread Low-carbohydrate diet Medical evaluation

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Instructions

The Process

• 1

  Get a medical evaluation to have your serotonin levels assessed and to get recommendations from your doctor on how to lower higher levels of serotonin. Have a follow-up when ordered to do so in order to continue monitoring your serotonin levels.

• 2

  Restrict your caffeine intake and consume caffeine-free beverages and caffeine-free foods; once caffeine consumption is lowered, serotonin levels naturally lower in the body.

• 3

  Avoid foods, such as bananas, dates and papayas, that increase serotonin levels in the body. Incorporate more rye and whole wheat breads into your diet. Lower your meat and carbohydrate intake.

• 4

  Put on your walking shoes or hiking boots. Bike, walk or hike one to two times a week and make sure that you travel up hilly areas so that your workout is strenuous.

• 5

  Listen to a mediation CD and meditate for at least 15 minutes daily. Focus on breathing deeply to reduce the effects of stress, which can increase levels of serotonin.

• 6

  Spend some time every day outside gardening, picnicking, swimming or doing other outdoor activities; exposure to natural sunlight helps to keep serotonin at appropriate levels and helps to lower high serotonin levels. Wear sunscreen when you are outdoors for extended periods.