Lifestyle

8 Natural Remedies to Uplift Your Mood

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

Serotonin in your brain is like the light in a room, so to speak, uplifting your mood, keeping things bright. It’s believed that low serotonin is the underlying cause of depression. Supplements for low serotonin levels come in many forms such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and herbs, which, when taken properly can increase low serotonin levels helping to improve depression and other brain-related disorders. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a large role in mood, learning, appetite control, and sleep. Controlled drugs, such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro are used by millions to relieve symptoms of depression by increasing brain levels of serotonin. But SSRIs can create some serious side effects.

405169524_ec526b0b6c_bPhoto: Flickr/Nina Jean

There are natural products that can be taken without the serious side effects of many prescribed drugs as long as you do not overdose yourself, which can lead to serious problems, also.

1. Amino Acid Serotonin Supplements 

Amino Acid Serotonin Supplements such as Tryptophan, found in protein-rich foods, and SAM-E are beneficial if taken in a supplement form. These supplements do, in fact, increase serotonin, thereby increasing mood levels. These are over the counter supplements, but you must be careful not to overdose on them. Take these only with your health care professional’s knowledge and advice. And, if you are already on medications for depression do not add these to your medical intake without informing your doctor.

2. B Vitamins

Uplifting Supplements

Photo: Flickr/Mike Mozart

Folic Acid or B9 is proven to affect the serotonin receptors in the brain allowing for the decrease in depression brought on by a deficiency of this vitamin. B6 and B12 are needed for the maintenance of SAM-e, which is found in every cell in our bodies and is a major factor or flag when determining serotonin depletion.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered a super-vitamin, and its use as an antidepressant is verified and so easy to use. It is absorbed quickly into the body and mood improvements can be noticed in a few days.

Page 1 of 3:123