http://www.care2.com/greenliving/food-that-gives-you-a-lift.html
Serotonin Diet: Food That Gives You a Lift
Adapted from Super Healing: The Clinically Proven Plan to Maximize Recovery From Illness or Injury by Julie K. Silver, MD (Rodale, 2007).
Serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in our bodies, has a significant effect on mood and appetite. Most of the antidepressant medications prescribed today work by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Some foods are really rich in serotonin, and can raise your spirits.
Some people may be better off using prescription antidepressants, but diet can help mood problems. There are significant links between what we put in our bodies and how we feel emotionally. For example, a diet that’s very rich in tryptophan and tyrosine boost serotonin because they are large chain amino acids that are precursors to serotonin.
Below are foods that may help raise serotonin levels in your brain. However, if you are depressed, anxious or very stressed, make a point of talking with your doctor about how you’re feeling.
High Serotonin Concentration
Bananas
Kiwis
Pineapples
Plantains
Plums
Tomatoes
Moderate Serotonin Concentration
Avocados
Black Olives
Broccoli
Cantaloupes
Cauliflower
Dates
Eggplants
Figs
Grapefruits
Honeydew melons
Spinach
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- Julie Dawson says
- May 7, 2008 2:49 PM
St. Johns Wort is also an excellent herbal source of raising the seritonin level. I used to suffer from terrible panic attack disorder and tried several pharmacuetical meds with minimal relief. I began using St. John's Wort and after a few weeks of taking it regularly have never had another episode. It also lifted my spirits and mellowed me out tremendously, I slept better and felt better than ever before, with no side effects at all. It is important to make sure it is compatible with any other medications you may be taking as some things are not compatible with it, most particularly any other types of antidepressents, check with your doctor if you suffer from depression or are on any other types of antidepressent before taking it, to make sure it will be safe for you. After working in healthcare for more than 20 years, I have learned to be very wary of pharmacuetical drugs, they seem to help one problem but the side effects are often worse then the condition they are treating and cause other problems that are just as bad. I have since found that there is a natural food or herbal remedy for many things that work just as well, usually even better and with far less harm than pharmacuetical drugs. St. John's Wort is not a prescription item and can be found at any health food store,is even available in most drug stores, and is very inexpensive. I am happy to know there are foods that can raise the seritonin levels as well. Thank You for the list of foods that are helpful too!
- Bobi Kollmeier says
- Apr 29, 2008 7:38 AM
Catherine-that is a good point about sun/natural light and how important it is for serotonin and our mood. Since I have been walking everyday for a year about 45 min. I have noticed a big change in my mood and energy, and the food with seretonin is a huge plus...for a healthier me
- Catherine Bee says
- Apr 28, 2008 3:03 PM
Like to mention how important sun /natural light is in serotonin production. We should get at least 20 min natural light every day this is without sun glasses, glasses or contact lenses as the suns rays enter the eye this help to boost serotonin! Get outside every day.
- Katharine Welch says
- Apr 24, 2008 9:25 AM
Good information to keep on the refrigerator door - thanks for the research.
- Carrie Tully says
- Apr 23, 2008 12:14 PM
great info, Annie!
Thanks for the list of foods! Now I can help regulate my happiness by which foods I choose to eat, which sort of makes sense to me anyways, because I feel happier when I am eating healthier foods...
Good to know and I'll spread the word!
- Sylviann Rexroat says
- Apr 23, 2008 5:57 AM
id ever heard of foods being able to raise my seretonin levels. Having sufferred from depresion for years with min. releife from my meds, im more than willing to try thanks.
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