Vitamin D helps encourage serotonin production and release. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, taking a supplement may help reduce symptoms related to low serotonin levels, but check with your doctor before beginning supplementation.
Brain serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, which is transcriptionally activated by vitamin D hormone. Inadequate levels of vitamin D (∼70% of the population) and omega-3 fatty acids are common, suggesting that brain serotonin synthesis is not optimal.
5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation. 5-HTP is not found in the foods we eat, although tryptophan is found in foods.
Results: Serum levels of 25(OH)D and dopamine significantly increased in the vitamin D group, compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). However, serum BDNF and serotonin levels did not change significantly.
Second, the vitamin helps the body release serotonin that it produces. A third way that deficiency can lead to depression is through the brain chemical dopamine. Its levels are also influenced by Vitamin D. Dopamine is another essential neurotransmitter that influences mood, pleasure, and cognitive functions.
Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with depression — the vitamin is known as the 'happy hormone' that keeps all the parts of the body happy. It plays an important role in the immunology of the person. Symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, muscle and bone pain are all indicators of vitamin D deficiency.
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
Try mood induction
Thinking about something that makes you feel good can help increase serotonin in your brain, which can help promote an improved mood in general. Try: visualizing a happy moment from your memory. thinking about a positive experience you had with loved ones.
Research suggests that supplementing with magnesium may help to increase serotonin levels. In fact, low serotonin levels have been observed in patients with a magnesium deficiency. The study that discussed raising serotonin with magnesium reported success.
It is reported that many of the published studies assessing vitamin D supplementation included patients who were already receiving antidepressant medication. Vitamin D is, in fact, recommended for use with antidepressant medications in effectively treating depression [61].
So, when it comes to vitamin d deficiency treatments, how long till you start to feel better? Those with the lowest levels should feel an improvement after just a few days, while those who only need to top up their levels may have to wait a week or two before they begin to feel healthier and more energised.
Vitamin D is a key nutrient for your mental and physical health. Studies have found that low vitamin D levels are linked to depression and that taking vitamin D supplements may help improve depression symptoms in people with low vitamin D levels.
Antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first-line treatment of symptoms of serotonin deficiency such as depression and anxiety. SSRIs help your body use serotonin more efficiently.
B12 acts as a cofactor in synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thus B12 deficiency affects mood, emotions and sleeping and can lead to psychiatric disorders.
Exercise, spending time outdoors and getting a good night's sleep can help boost serotonin. Endorphins: Most commonly linked with exercise, endorphins are associated with "runner's high." "Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to increase endorphins," Dr. Fatima says.
Another popular myth that is widespread on the Internet is that bananas improve mood because of their serotonin content. Although it is true that bananas contain serotonin, it does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
It's also possible to increase serotonin levels without taking medicine. One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out. When you pedal your bicycle or lift weights, your body releases more tryptophan, the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin.
Vitamin B-3 and Vitamin B-9 can help people with depression because B vitamins help the brain manage moods. Vitamin D, melatonin and St. John's Wort are recommended for seasonal depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin C may also help with depression.
Vitamin D, a secosteroid (pro)-hormone, has been traditionally considered as a key regulator of bone metabolism, and calcium and phosphorous homeostasis through a negative feedback with the parathyroid hormone.
Vitamin D has been found to be involved in neurological processes such as nerve growth factor enhancement and neurotransmitter synthesis regulation. Regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline are important in the process of mood regulation and mood disorder treatment.
We predict that supplementing with vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other key micronutrients to reach sufficiently high serum levels will boost serotonin production and function in the brain, thereby improving cognitive function and limiting impulsive behavior.