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A Better YOU, Wellness, Your Life Coach 0

Serotonin Releasing Diet

By Nicole McCance @nicole_mccance · On January 29, 2012

Serotonin is often referred to as the “happiness hormone,” despite the fact that it is a neurotransmitter. However, it certainly does increase feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being. Serotonin regulates mood and sleep, among other functions, such as appetite.

When our body releases serotonin, we experience the calm feeling that everything is going to be all right. It eases our anxiety and aggression, allows us to sleep better, focus, and maintain a positive outlook on life.

So how do we release serotonin in our bodies? Tryptophan is the basis for conversion into serotonin. Many proteins contain tryptophan (you know, that amino acid that makes you feel sleepy after eating turkey), and consuming foods rich in tryptophan will contribute to the release of serotonin. So, if you aren’t eating these foods already, take a look at the list, and incorporate them into your diet.

Foods High in Tryptophan

  • Red Meat
  • Cheese
  • Poultry- such as chicken or turkey
  • Milk (including soy milk)
  • Fish Eggs
  • Seafood
  • Carrots
  • Dried dates
  • Mushrooms
  • Sea weed
  • Mustard greens and seeds
  • Parsley
  • Watermelon
  • Papaya
  • Turnips & Rutabagas
  • Onions
  • Beets
  • Celery
  • Sweet peppers
  • Squash
  • Dried apricots

Limit your consumption of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. These stimulants produce temporary highs in mood and energy, and cause you to “crash” afterwards. Regular intake of these stimulants creates an ongoing cycle of ups and downs.

In addition, exercise releases those “feel good” hormones, giving you a natural high and happiness after working out. If you exercise frequently, you will enjoy the ongoing benefits of serotonin. You will also begin craving exercise, rather than caffeine and other stimulants. Exercise is not just about looking good, but feeling good.

If you incorporate tryptophan rich foods in your diet, eliminate stimulants, and exercise regularly, your mood and sleep routine will improve, your anxiety will be eased, and you will feel more relaxed.

Good luck!

 

***The views expressed by the author above do not necessarily reflect the views of Eligible Magazine, Eligible Inc, Eligible Social Club, or any of the individual contributors thereto.***.

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Nicole McCance

Nominated, RBC Women Entrepreneur of the Year, Nicole McCance M.A. is a fully licensed Psychological Associate. Her services are covered under extended health care and she is licensed to diagnose mental disorders. Nicole is also an author of the best-selling book 52 Ways to Beat Depression Naturally. She has over 9 years of formal university education and has completed a certificate program in trauma and recovery from Harvard Medical School. She has a M.A in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto, a B.A. in Criminology and a B.A with Honours in Psychology from Carleton University. Nicole owns Nicole McCance Psychology, which has over 10 counselling locations providing both individual and couples counselling across the GTA. Over 120 individuals and couples receive counselling every month through Nicole McCance Psychology. She has been providing counselling and assessment services for the past 10 years across North America and in Russia. She has been a frequent contributor to media outlets such as CP24, CTV News, CTV National, Global TV,City TV, CBC News, Rogers, CBC Radio, ABC Spark, E!, the Toronto Star and Canadian Living. You can visit her website at nicolemccance.com.

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