7 Foods For The Release Of Serotonin And Dopamine

Foods that trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine essentially make your brain better and have the potential to improve mild depressive states and make you feel better when you are down. These two neurotransmitters get your blood pressure in balance, help you sleep better and also give you the energy you need for your day.

You may have read about miracle foods that make your depression go away on its own. Now beware of such demands; there are nuances. There may be some truth behind them, but it’s more complicated than that.

You have four natural hormones in your body, which we call the “happiness quartet”: endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine . Some foods have a nutritional composition that promotes a certain brain chemistry that corresponds to reduced symptoms of depression and improved mood. But something that is clear according to several studies is that there is no food that is able to completely solve any depressive disorder.

Eating a healthy diet, including foods that increase serotonin and dopamine levels, is a strategy that must be accompanied by psychological support and medication that your doctor deems appropriate. If you do not have depression , there are many other good things these foods can do for you too.

Foods that trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine

Your levels of serotonin and dopamine oscillate in your body for various reasons. Depression is one of them, although there are many more that we need to take into account:

• Stress
• Eating too much saturated fat, sugar, processed foods, etc.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland
• Drugs that reduce the production of serotonin and dopamine

With that said , eating a healthy diet is just as crucial as the regular doctor’s visit. Now let’s take a look at foods you can eat to get your body to produce serotonin and dopamine.

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal falls into the category of “smart” carbohydrates. What does it mean? Basically, these carbohydrates have a calming effect on your brain. Oats are also a complex carbohydrate (whole grains) and also trigger the production of tryptophan, an essential amino acid from which serotonin is synthesized.

2. Bananas

Bananas are one of the best things you can eat if you want to increase your serotonin and dopamine levels. They will not cure depression on their own , but they will give you a natural shot of energy, optimism and health. Why? Here’s what bananas do for your brain:

• Triggers the production of tryptophan
• Contains vitamins A, C, K and B6: basic components in the synthesis and conversion of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.
• Bananas are rich in natural sugars, which combined with the natural fiber in them, results in increased strength and energy.

3. Eggs

Many people today do not try to eat eggs as they are afraid of increasing their cholesterol levels. But science has confirmed that eggs are good for you because they provide good cholesterol, HDL. The key is to eat them in moderation . Plus, eggs, like dairy products, help your body produce tryptophan and B6 vitamins. These substances are necessary for the production of serotonin and dopamine.

4. Chocolate

Did you hope to see chocolate on our list? Well, here it is, and now you can eat it daily, especially in the morning, without feeling guilty about it. That said, of course, you should not eat more than one piece of dark, unsweetened chocolate a day.

Chocolate, in addition to being one of the best foods to increase your levels of serotonin and dopamine, also provides exorphin, a natural painkiller, and theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine that gives you energy.

5. Pineapple

Sometimes we forget how good fruit can be for us. Pineapple, deserves a place in everyone’s diet. The reason? Here are just a few reasons:

• Pineapple reduces anxiety and is anti-inflammatory.
• They have a high level of vitamin C and are good for your blood circulation, concentration and motivation.
• They are great for dinner as they help your body produce melatonin, the sleep hormone.

6. Salmon

Fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in B vitamins. These are essential nutrients and essential in the production of serotonin and dopamine. As we have written about before , our brain needs omega-3 found in salmon. Omega 3 enhances processes related to attention, memory and mood.

7. Chickpeas

Out of all the foods that trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are one that have been recognized and loved for centuries in many different cultures.

All over the world, people love them for their ability to improve their mood and give them energy. Perhaps that’s why hummus, along with olive oil, garlic and peppers, is one of the most common foods eaten in the Middle East.

Maybe you already eat some of the foods we mentioned above. We encourage you to add something more to your diet, always remembering to eat a balanced diet, as naturally as possible and accompanied by healthy lifestyle habits. Exercise and proper emotional control are also essential. So add some bananas and chickpeas to your diet, exercise, and be happier and healthier!