How to Boost Neurotransmitter Levels Naturally

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send information across synapsis to other neurons. Healthy neurotransmitter levels are essential to maintaining an upbeat mood, a healthy appetite, and energy levels. Dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and acetylcholine are only a few of the many chemicals governing brain activity. When neurotransmitter levels are unstable, sleep and mood disturbances such as depression, overeating and insomnia may result. Thankfully, there are some simple and natural ways to readjust neurotransmitter levels.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to bed at the same time every night. Strive to get eight solid hours of sleep. A well-rested brain is a smooth functioning brain. If you have difficulty falling asleep, try taking a calcium, magnesium, or tryptophan supplement. These nutrients help the brain produce more melatonin, a hormone that aids in falling asleep. Failure to get enough rest may cause serotonin levels to drop resulting in susceptibility to depression.

• 2

  Seasonal Affective Depressive Disorder, is the result of not getting enough sunlight; make sure to get plenty of sunlight. During winter, exposure to natural sunlight may be limited, replace regular light bulbs with full-spectrum lights which give off light that has the same affect as natural sunlight.

• 3

  Walking with others is a natural motivator to exercise.

  Exercise at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Walking is an easy exercise to fit into your schedule and requires no special equipment. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. Instead of a car, try your bicycle for short trips. If you exercise outdoors in the sun, you're doubling your chances of improving neurotransmitter production.

• 4

  Consume a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; healthy neurotransmitter levels are dependent upon healthy eating habits. Make sure to eat plenty of good fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, olive oil, and cold-water fish like salmon and tuna. Maintaining healthy levels of essential fatty acids makes a significant difference in balancing neurotransmitter levels. Make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need by taking a vitamin supplement; Vitamin B is especially helpful for maintaining healthy brain function.

• 5

  Practice daily meditation. Meditating just ten minutes a day has positive effects on brain chemistry.