Why Serotonin matters to our overall wellness

Serotonin, the feel good hormone, makes a huge impact on not only how we feel but what we eat, how we sleep, and how our body responds to our wellbeing throughout the day.  First, when we get a good nights sleep our serotonin levels are replenished, so we wake refreshed and energized.  Throughout the day our serotonin levels deplete until they are eventually in need of being replenished.  Usually by dinnertime we are “starving” and overeating.  The best way to keep your serotonin replenished as needed is practice a few things throughout the day:

1)  All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and inbetween snacks) should consist of mostly carbohydrates and some protein (60% carbs, 30% protein, 10% healthy fats).  After lunch start to increase your protein to meet the needs of your depleted serotonin (60% protein, 30% carbs, 10% healthy fats).  This alone will help you stave off hunger and weight gain.  It will also help with your nighttime “cravings”.

2)  Eat foods high in "tryptophan" and vitamin B.  Free range turkey, flaxseed/flaxseed oil, buckwheat and bananas all "tryptophan" related foods. 

3)  Eat seafood and fish like wild salmon, herring and sardines.  All contain the fats our brain needs (EPA and DHA) which help with mood swings and depression.

4)  Eat insulin sensitive foods that help control your blood sugar levels while providing ideal protein for after a work out.  A scoop of Whey Protein is an excellent source for quick protein with balanced vitamins and minerals. 

5)  Eat poultry like brown organic eggs to get both serotonin and Omega 3 fatty acids.  The E.P.A. and D.H.A. contained in eggs help elevate your serotonin.

6)  Eat chocolate!  Special Dark Cocoa (70% or more) has one of the highest levels of antioxidants and provides a naturally increase to our serotonin levels. 

Quick Tip for Wellness:  When we feel better we make better choices. 

Quick Tips for Wellness, Copyright © 2011, Pat Ferguson, All Rights Reserved.