Happy Hormones

Ladies– this one’s for you, though men should read it, too, because chances are you have important ladies in your life.

Have you heard of “happy hormones?” Usually when people mention hormones, they’re referring to randy teenagers who just don’t know what to do with their hormonal feelings or else they’re talking about women who seem agitated. But there are happy hormones (and neurotransmitters) and they can be boosted!

First, there’s dopamine, which could be described as a neurotransmitter that lights up your brain in a feel good way because of a job well done. When you get praised by someone else, dopamine gets activated. When you seek pleasure and find it, dopamine’s in action. So, to boost your dopamine levels, simply set realistic goals and achieve them. By doing so, dopamine will help you feel good.

For those who’ve been depressed, you’ve probably heard of serotonin. It’s a neurotransmitter that can be activated by exercise. So, if you’re feeling down and need to lift your mood so you don’t feel so depressed, something as simple as taking a brisk walk outside can get your serotonin levels elevated.

Oxytocin, often called “the love hormone,” is stimulated when you spend time with loved ones and show kindness toward them. Do what you can to make your life less stressful in order to boost your oxytocin levels.

Then there’s estrogen and progesterone. When women go through the change of life (menopause) they often find themselves in a bad mood. Estrogen decreases with menopause. The best thing to do to combat that is to eliminate stress in your life. You can also quit smoking and take up light exercise. With progesterone, be careful what you eat. Progesterone levels decrease if you eat unhealthy foods.

Some other tips on boosting happy hormones and neurotransmitters include listening to music (which boosts dopamine), eating carbs like whole-grain bread (to boost serotonin), and cuddling with your partner or pet to boost oxytocin. You can also take a hot bath, practice yoga, meditate, pray to God, eat better, exercise regularly and, most of all, avoid stress.

If you have additional questions, please call us at 651-464-0800 or visit us online at www.lakewoodschiropractic.com