Get your daily D.O.S.E of Happiness
- nirmalswasthya
- Oct 20, 2020
- 3 min read
When we sit to think and evaluate what makes us happy, most of the time we co-relate happiness with a particular situation or memory, or person. But, in reality happiness is actually one giant “Chemical Reaction”.
Hormones play a major role in creating the feeling of happiness. So, what is a Hormone? Hormones are chemicals produced by various glands in the human body whose primary function is to communicate between two glands or between a gland and an organ. They control how we feel, think and behave.
The human brain has four major hormones that regulate one’s happiness and mood. They are known as “Happy Hormones”. These hormones are responsible for generating feelings and emotions associated with happiness. These four hormones play a role in alleviating anxiety, depression, and overall triggers one’s happiness and trust.
HORMONE MOOD FUNCTION
Dopamine Motivational role in brain's reward system
Oxytocin Builds trust, love, bonding
Serotonin Mood stabilizer, boost happiness
Endorphins Regulates runner’s high and pain relief after strenuous exercise
What a lot of people are unaware of is that these hormones are greatly affected by our day to day schedule, environment, exercise regime, diet etc. So, let’s take a closer look at how YOU have the choice to decide your mood based on what you do.
Dopamine- ‘The Motivational Molecule’
Dopamine is linked to the brain’s reward, motivational and decision-making system. It’s what gives us happy sensations and always keeps us coming back for more. It is released whenever we achieve anything, or take steps to full-fill our goals. 50 % of Dopamine is produced in the gut. Therefore, a healthy gut equals good mood. As the gut is called as one’s “Second Brain” your gut microbiome can contribute to your mental well being and longevity.
Oxytocin- The Bonding Molecule
It promotes bonding and trust and is commonly seen during child-birth. It's also released when one receives physical affection such as a hug. helps regulate stress responses and calm the nervous system. It plays a major role in bonding and establishing trust.
Serotonin- The Confidence Molecule
Serotonin is a happy hormone that is primarily produced in the gut. Thus, a good gut microbiome will ensure a good level of serotonin. which leads to a good mood. Apart from regulating one’s mood Serotonin also regulates your sleep cycle, circadian rhythm and digestion process. Therefore overall, it’s an important hormone. Serotonin is produced from tryptophan- an essential amino acid derived from food. Thus proving that your Food Choices do affect your mood!
Endorphins: The Pain-relieving Molecule
These hormones do make you happy but, in a different way. They act as natural painkillers. They are released after a bout of strenuous exercise, and inhibit pain signals. The rush of emotions one feels while running or during a strenuous exercise is due to Endorphins- it’s commonly known as “Runner’s high”.
Can diet boost your mood?
As most of the hormones are produced in the gut, a healthy diet plays a major role in regulating and increasing the levels of said hormones.
FOODS TO GET YOUR DAILY D.O.S.E. OF HAPPINESS
Fatty fish:
Fatty fish abundant with omega -3 like salmon fatty acids, which may lower your risk of depression.
Bananas:
Vitamin B6 rich bananas help in producing feel good neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Berries:
Wide range of antioxidants and phenolic compounds, play a key role in combating oxidative stress
Probiotics:
As 90% of your body’s serotonin is in your gut, a healthy gut equals a good mood. Fermented foods like yoghurt, curd support & improve gut health
Nuts and seeds:
High in tryptophan, zinc, and selenium, which may support brain function and lower your risk of depression.
Green tea:
Phytochemicals present are powerful antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress and boost availability of Dopamine.
Dark chocolate:
Health-promoting flavonoids, which shown to increase blood flow to your brain, reduce inflammation, and boost brain health, & mood regulation
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