The Effects of Exercise on Serotonin Levels

Serotonin is a hormone that controls your moods, and when there is not enough serotonin flowing throughout your brain, you may feel depressed. Since serotonin is created by your body's digestive system, poor eating habits can be a contributing factor when levels are low. Eating right and getting plenty of exercise can help raise serotonin levels and keep you feeling your best.

Serotonin and Glucose Connection

Serotonin and glucose share a close relationship when it comes to exercise. During exercise, glucose levels often rise, and serotonin levels follow the same pattern. When exercise is complete, glucose returns to the normal baseline level and stabilizes. Remarkably, serotonin levels do not revert to pre-exercise levels. Instead, the serotonin levels remain elevated.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is the chemical in your brain that controls your physical wants and needs. Norepinephrine is increased along with serotonin during strenuous exercise. And while it is norepinephrine that controls desire, it is serotonin that helps to control our impulses. Exercise raises and balances out both, even after your workout is completed.

Serotonin and Antidepressants

Despite the health warnings and side effects that are associated with antidepressant medications, they continue to be prescribed. But David C. Nielman PhD, author of "The Exercise-Health Connection," explains that the benefits of exercise far exceed that of any medication or supplement. In fact, since the results of exercise can last for days, it just may be a more natural and safer way to raise serotonin levels and relieve depression.

Protein

Although protein is important for your muscles, especially when you exercise, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. In the book "Food & Mood," author Elizabeth Somer explains that too much protein in your diet can flood your brain with amino acids and another hormone known as tryptophan. With all of these chemicals fighting to enter your brain, less serotonin will get in. So if you want optimal benefit from your exercise, eat a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Not in the Mood to Exercise?

If you are feeling depressed, you may not have the will to exercise and reap the benefits of increased serotonin levels. Keep in mind that a successful workout plan does not have to consist of a rigorous routine when you are just starting out. In fact, your exercise time can be broken up over the course of the day. For instance, the ideal workout time to raise serotonin levels is 30 minutes. But the 30 minutes can be broken down into three 10-minute sessions.

Resources

• Food & Mood
• The Exercise-Health Connection