Neurotransmitters thanks to which we feel a surge of energy, happiness, desire physical contact, tolerate pain better, have a better mood, and sleep well.
Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphin, Oxytocin.
Although they are secreted in small amounts, they can produce spectacular effects.
They are produced not only in the brain but also in various parts of the body.
They perform a number of very important functions in the body. The deficiency of any of them immediately affects our health and well-being.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a hormone necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It controls mental and emotional processes – it affects well-being, the level of life energy, and the transmission and processing of emotional stimuli. Dopamine – a kick into action. It regulates emotions and adds motivation to achieve goals. Stimulates creativity. Thanks to it we feel joy. It has a direct impact on health, reduces inflammation in the body and improves immunity. Scientists call dopamine a natural stimulant. Is closely related to serotonin. Both interact with each other, it is important to maintain balance because serotonin deficiency can lead to overproduction of dopamine, which may increase the risk of various diseases, including depression. We ensure the proper level of dopamine through a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Very ripe bananas contain the dopamine quinine.
Serotonin
Mental wellbeing. It actually improves your mood and protects against depression. It is associated with well-being and appetite.
Thanks to serotonin, we can stay focused. It is strongly related to tryptophan. It occurs in the brain, intestines, and platelets.
Tryptophan deficiency has a negative impact on serotonin levels, so it clearly affects mood disorders. If we want to naturally increase the level of this neurotransmitter, we should place great emphasis on products rich in B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is involved in the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. That is why our diet is so important for our well-being, vegetables and fruits should be the basis of our daily diet. B vitamins are necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Endorphin
Another hormone that consists of various types of peptide amino acids. Endorphins affect not only our well-being, but also relieve pain, improve memory and strengthen immunity.
Endorphins were discovered by accident in the 1970s. While studying opioid drugs (morphine and fentanyl), scientists noticed that the drugs worked by binding to a specific receptor, which was eventually called the “μ-opioid receptor”
Endogenous morphines are peptide hormones consisting of a variable number of amino acids. Scientists say there are about 20 different types of endorphins, but the most common ones are alpha, beta and gamma. Endorphins are produced mainly in the brain (in the pleasure center) and spinal cord. Their production can relieve pain and stress. The more endorphins we have, the greater our satisfaction. Endorphin is released during physical exercise. Our daily diet and healthy lifestyle are important. Taking care of an adequate supply of vegetables and fruits every day, which will lead to the proper production of hormones. Endorphin deficiency can cause chronic headaches, constant fatigue, apathy and insomnia. The human body produces endorphins on its own, but to ensure good well-being, it is worth supporting it.
Let’s take care of ourselves every day and take care of what our plate looks like. Only we ourselves are responsible for this condition.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the love hormone. The name of the hormone comes from two words: oxys – quick and tokos – childbirth. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, making labor possible. Oxytocin acts as a neurotransmitter, which means that it affects the body by stimulating sensory receptors – mechanoreceptors. Mechanoreceptors are distributed throughout the body. They are stimulated by sound, touch, smell and other sensory stimuli. It is suspected that oxytocin is released in response to the pleasant experiences we feel. The release of oxytocin in women occurs under the influence of estrogen or sensory stimulation – for example, as a result of irritation of the receptors in the cervix, vagina and nipples. The love hormone is produced not only in women. Oxytocin in men is released during orgasm and is necessary for sperm to reach the fallopian tube and therefore for fertilization to occur.
How to stimulate the happiness hormone?
What triggers the happiness hormone?
Physical activity. Regular exercise or practicing some sport releases endorphins in the body.
Regular, healthy and varied diet. Eating healthy products also affects the production of happiness hormones. It is best to avoid highly processed products that contain sugar and trans fats. What to eat? Dark chocolate (over 70% cocoa), which affects the synthesis of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. It is worth regularly eating bananas, eggs, dairy products, nuts, cocoa, and whole grain products that contain tryptophan (an amino acid that plays an important role in the production of serotonin).
The right amount of sleep. Adequate sleep is of great importance, lack of sufficient sleep often leads to, among others: mood disorders and irritability. To maintain emotional balance and well-being, it is worth sleeping 7-9 hours every night.
New experiences. Happiness hormone (dopamine) is also produced when you try new things, explore previously unknown areas, find new hobbies and learn something new. All this provides the brain with new stimuli and stimulates the release of dopamine.
Relaxation, sex and smile.
