by William Menna

Created on: March 07, 2010

Serotonin and endorphins are natural neurotransmitters that can improve mood, dampen pain, and regulate sleep.  High levels of stress and inactivity can reduce overall levels of these chemicals.  Promoting the release of endorphins or serotonin is generally accomplished by a positive stimulus, whether from the runner’s high that comes from exercise, pleasure that comes from sexual activity, or positive reaction to another outside stimulus.

Exercise:

Exercise is one of the best natural ways to increase serotonin and endorphins.  Exercise stimulates the production and release of serotonin and endorphins producing what is known as the runner’s high.  According to WebMD, endorphins reduce pain and soreness by serving as natural analgesics.  During long and strenuous sessions of exercise, endorphins are released to relieve pain.  This reduces stress levels and further helps to improve mood, creating the feeling of a high.

Sexual activity:

Going hand-in-hand with exercise, sex is a great natural way to increase serotonin and endorphins.  Along with intense physical stress like that produced by exercise, intense pleasure can boost the release of certain mood-enhancing chemicals.  Sex triggers the release of endorphins through both exercise and pleasure, making it one of the best natural ways to increase endorphins and serotonin.

Humor:

Laughter may not be the very best medicine, but it is certainly a great natural way to increase serotonin and endorphins.  According to Florida State University, enjoying good deep laughter can cause endorphins to be released, boosting mood and reducing stress.  So Seinfeld, Sinbad, and the living works of George Carlin are effectively endorphin enhancers.

Sunlight:

The UK National Health Service reports that production of serotonin is directly linked to how much sunlight a person receives.  According to WebMD, this is related to vitamin D which increases levels of serotonin and comes primarily from sunlight.  Getting about ten minutes of direct sunlight each day is usually enough to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D.

Food:

Eating certain foods can help to boost endorphins and serotonin.  Spicy foods cause a burning sensation in the mouth which in turn causes the body to release endorphins to relieve that pain.  Some foods high in carbohydrates can increase serotonin.

Listen to some good music:

As reported by the National Institutes of Health, music may actually serve as a natural way to increase endorphins and serotonin. It can’t just be any music; it needs to be music that elicits a positive emotional response.  This is what would trigger the hormone release.

Endorphins are neurotransmitters that serve as a natural analgesic and mood-booster.  They are most frequently released when the body is subjected to stress or pain, but they also respond to certain foods, intense pleasure, and other stimuli.  Serotonin, also a neurotransmitter, is also involved in mood as well as sleep regulation, sexual function, and a number of other areas.  There are several natural ways to increase serotonin and endorphins including exercise, sexual activity, laughing, getting sunlight, eating spicy foods, and listening to even good music.  Any questions about the functions of these chemicals and their behavior should be directed to a doctor.

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