Foods That Raise Seratonin
Is it possible to lose weight and feel both happy and satisfied? More and more researchers believe that the answer is a resounding "Yes!" According to MedicineNet.com, serotonin is a hormone that greatly affects your mood. It is believed the higher your serotonin level, the happier you are. By eating certain foods, you can alter the levels of serotonin in your system.
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Foods
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Judith Wurtman, director of the Women's Health Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Adara Weight Loss Center in Boston, believes that foods high in carbohydrates increase the levels of serotonin in a person's body. These foods include rice, bread, milk, pasta, turkey, bananas, yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and cheddar, gruyere and Swiss cheeses, whole-grain breads, nuts, crackers, beans, cereal and fruit.
Turkey
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A staple at Thanksgiving, turkey is one of the best foods known to boost serotonin levels in the brain. Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan that converts into serotonin in the brain. Duck and chicken are other meats that contain tryptophan, according to Wurtman's book, "The Serotonin Power Diet."
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Eggs and Dairy Products
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Eggs are another food rich in proteins that are high in choline and proline, amino acids that help to release serotonin in the brain. Likewise, dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are known to contain high amounts of calcium, which can both help keep bones in good shape and boost serotonin levels at the same time.
Protein Shakes
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Powders and drinks containing whey protein are made from milk protein and contain a lot of tryptophan. Adding eggs to your protein powder makes these shakes even richer in serotonin-producing ingredients.
Warnings
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Researchers at Columbia University found that foods rich in carbohydrates often increase serotonin levels, but can have varying effects. Their study found that candy and sweets have the greatest impact but last only a few hours. Foods such as pasta, rice and potatoes can also increase serotonin levels, but the rich protein of these foods might also inhibit serotonin production. Getting specific advice from a nutritionist or doctor is the only way to safely formulate a diet with the goal to increase serotonin levels, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Serotonin Syndrome is a serious illness that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body, and can result in death if not treated.
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