Serotonin is one of the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. When our body is in balance, and we are eating highly nutritious healthy foods, we receive enough serotonin, and feel even and balanced.
When our body is out of balance, we crave sugary and fatty foods. These high carb foods do raise the happy, feel-good levels in our brain, but temporarily. Then we need more, so we grab another cookie, donut, chocolate bar, bag of chips, and so on, to get that “high”.
There are foods that we can eat which are healthy, and can help raise the serotonin level naturally. Raisins, sweet potatoes, and spinach are terrific whole natural fruits and vegetables that can help. They contain tryptophan, which helps raise the serotonin levels.
Turkey is another food that helps — try to get organic if possible! — but you know how relaxed you feel after a turkey meal — it could have lots to do with all the carbs you are eating, but turkey does play a role in it too!
Happy eating!
Diana
