Feeling Down? You Need Chemicals!

Are your chemicals out of whack? If you’re feeling down and low on energy, chances are they may be. Science is proving what fitness fans already know: there are natural ways to balance—and boost—these very important mood elevating chemicals.

A Serum for Synapsing

Serotonin is a chemical found in the brain that transmits messages through the nervous system in order to perform functions. It is a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, appetite, muscle contraction, even cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Serotonin and You

Serotonin plays a vital role in mood and outlook. We could call it “silly serum”. If you feel up, your serotonin is likely also up. Conversely, if you feel down, chances are your serotonin is also down and is often linked to depression. Depressed mood leads to greater anxiety…when your serotonin is down, stress can kick you around and gang up with negative stress hormones to keep you down. A volatile hormonal mix in our internal science lab can lead to Dr. Jekyll mischief at work wreaking havoc on our mood and sense of well being. It doesn’t take a lightning stroke of genius to see the potential destructive catalyst effect of chemicals, stress, and mood influencing our whole-body environment and health, weakening our personal eco-system to a whole array of possible illnesses, including heart disease. http://www.livestrong.com/article/182951-exercise-serotonin/

The Serotonin Solution

Dr Jade Teta, founder of www.metaboliceffect.com and author of the ME Diet states; “Exercise has a profound impact on the central nervous system because it acutely and significantly increases blood flow to the brain. This in turn increases brain metabolism and raises all brain signaling molecules including serotonin. This is likely why exercise has been shown to be such a powerful modulator of mood. Intense exertion can allay anxiety while moderate intensity prolonged exercise like jogging or bike riding is one of the best treatments for depression.”

Many studies link exercise with raising serotonin levels in a natural and safe way. One study by Terry McMorris at the Health Sciences Research Center, University of Chichester, UK documented “The effects of negative life stress, 5-httlpr polymophisms, social support and physical activity on depressive symptoms,” that increased levels of exercise, especially among women, was directly correlated to an increased presence of the serotonin transporter, 5-HTTLPR. Those that exercised in the study group found significantly decreased levels of depression.

Exercise: a No-brainer for Your Brain

So, if you’re having a rough day, hit the road, get to the gym, break out your bike…whatever exercise you can do in the moment…even just 10 pushups if that’s all you have time for, to significantly impact your physical and thus mental well being. Serotonin, is a powerful natural drug, readily available to each of us for free from your body pharmacy, with zero negative side effects and many positives. So hit the road—or the floor—Jack (and Jill) and keep going back for more!

“The effects of negative life stress, 5-httlpr polymophisms, social support and physical activity on depressive symptoms,” Terry McMorris, 2009, pp. 41-68

Next up, Adrenaline…. What you need to know!