4 Happy Hormones To Uplift Your Mood

Verified by - Amisha Gulati | Nutritionist at Gytree

The fast-paced life has exposed man to several mental illnesses. The emotional and mental state affects the overall well-being of a person. Our mood changes depend upon a lot of factors including our environment, social circle, work, diet, lifestyle and much more. You may experience your mood changes more frequently than others.

For some people, these frequent and rapid mood swings may be irritable and might hinder their productivity at work and relationships with close ones. People often try to uplift their mood by spending time with friends, watching their favourite shows, listening to music and eating their favourite food. However, some might get attracted to unhealthy practices like binge eating, smoking, alcohol and drug misuse. 

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Did you know that our mood depends upon the hormones released by our bodies? Yes, there are some hormones called “Happy hormones” which regulate our feelings, emotions and mood. Let’s have a look at these hormones. 

Happy hormone 1- DOPAMINE: 

Dopamine is also called the “Satisfaction hormone”. It is released when we reach our goals, complete certain milestones, and fulfil a task or a wish. This hormone is linked to work productivity as it gives us the motivation to work hard and reach our goals. It is synthesised from phenylalanine or tyrosine in our body. Consumption of foods rich in these amino acids is linked to dopamine release and enhanced mood. Sources of phenylalanine and tyrosine are eggs, fish, meat, nuts, avocados, almonds, milk, banana, green tea and watermelon. Dopamine is also released with exercise, yoga, meditation and a balanced sleep cycle. 

Happy hormone 2- OXYTOCIN

Oxytocin is the “Affection hormone”. It promotes trust, social bonding and prosperity. A lack of oxytocin in the body is linked to unproductivity, depression and anxiety. Oxytocin production can be enhanced by the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, bell pepper, tomatoes and broccoli. Vitamin D-rich foods (eggs, fish, mushrooms and nuts) are also linked to oxytocin production. Some studies claim that the consumption of dark chocolate enhances oxytocin release in the body. Apart from these, exposure to sunlight, yoga, massage and social gatherings also enhance oxytocin production. 

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Happy hormone 3 -SEROTONIN:

Serotonin is the “Calming hormone”. It promotes the feeling of calmness and peace. It is a well-known mood enhancer. Serotonin deficiency is linked to anger issues, poor sleep quality, lower self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Consumption of tryptophan-rich foods like salmon, turkey, nuts, eggs and cheese is essential for serotonin production. Foods rich in vitamins B6, B12, folate (green leafy vegetables, broccoli, whole grains, cabbage) and magnesium (leafy vegetables, bananas and fish, beans and nuts) are related to serotonin release in the body. Some studies claim that the intake of probiotics and fermented foods enhances serotonin production. 

Happy hormone 4- ENDORPHINS:

Endorphins are known as the “Healing hormone” as they are released to overcome the feeling of pain. During an intense workout session, endorphins are released by the body to relieve the pain. It creates a feeling of euphoria or excitement. Endorphins are released by exercising, stretching, yoga, exposure to sunlight and intake of our favourite foods. Chocolate also releases endorphins this is why certain people crave chocolates when they feel low. Talk to Gytree Experts to understand your hormones better.

These hormones are the key to mental fitness. Although our bodies produce these hormones naturally, some people might be deficient in these hormones due to which they are exposed to extreme moods. Boosting the mood can be beneficial in overcoming depression, anxiety, unproductivity and overall well-being. A healthy diet and lifestyle are necessary to defeat any mental illness. Exercise, meditation, yoga, dancing, music therapy and aroma therapy are some of the other ways to uplift the mood and control stress.