How to Prevent Depression Caused By Low Serotonin

In order to maintain a balanced serotonin level, it is advised to eat foods containing this substance and adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is one of the best ways to prevent depression.

Do you know how to prevent depression caused by low serotonin levels?

Serotonin is a chemical produced by the human body. Its role is to transmit signals along the nerves, thus being a neurotransmitter. Another substance, tryptophan, makes it possible for serotonin to synthesize.

Specialists claim that the main function of serotonin is to maintain the stability of our emotional state. Serotonin deficiency can cause depression.

Serotonin facilitates the contraction of smooth muscle tissue, transmits nerve impulses and regulates the circadian rhythm of the body. It is produced in larger amounts in the gastrointestinal tract. We can also find it in the platelets, the brain and the central nervous system.

Being present everywhere in the body, serotonin has a significant impact on many physical and mental functions.

For example, when its level drops a lot, negative emotional states might be experienced, such as irritability, stress and depression. The latter can be fairly worrying because, over time, it may worsen, becoming a real disease.

What are the symptoms of serotonin deficiency?

Serotonin deficiency has a major impact on both physical and mental health, but it is often hard to identify. However, when depression kicks in, you will experience a number of symptoms. Make sure you don’t ignore the following signals!

  • Constant negativity
  • Anxiety
  • An obsessive or very strict behavior
  • Impatience or irritability
  • Sadness
  • Low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence
  • Fear
  • Sleep problems

What are the causes of serotonin deficiencies?

Serotonin levels decrease when our diet is poor in tryptophan sources and various essential vitamins and minerals. This problem may also occur because of excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine or artificial sweeteners.

Chronic stress, fear and similar emotions don’t allow the brain to produce enough serotonin. In addition, the production of this substance is stimulated by the sunlight. This is why depression is more common in the winter.

Best foods to prevent depression as a result of the lack of serotonin

One of the best ways to combat depression caused by a low serotonin level is to include certain foods in your daily diet. These products support and balance the serotonin levels in our bodies, in addition to many other great benefits.

Among these foods are: oily types of fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines; eggs (especially the yolk); dairy products such as cheese, greek yoghurt or milk; beans; and last but not least, dark chocolate.

Did you know that dark chocolate provides a good dose of tryptophan, while also being a great source of antioxidants?

Although depression is influenced by several factors, an optimal level of serotonin is essential in order to overcome it. In order to have a healthy level of this “feel-good” -neurotransmitter in our bodies, we should adopt an adequate diet and healthy habits, such as meditation and physical exercise.




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