Serotonin And Dopamine: How Are They Affected By Diet?
Have you ever wondered why certain foods make us feel so good and fill us with happiness while others leave us wanting more? In this article we are going to talk about two of the most interesting chemicals in our brain: serotonin and dopamine These two play a super important role in our relationship with food and how we feel after eating.
So, if you want to discover how these molecules influence your food choices and mood, read a little!
Serotonin and dopamine are two essential neurotransmitters in our brains that play a crucial role in our mental and emotional health. So, both serotonin and dopamine have a powerful impact on our relationship with food and how we feel after eating.
The role of serotonin in the body
Serotonin plays a fundamental role in the body as a regulator of mood It is mainly found in the central nervous system and is involved in various physiological and emotional functions. Among its functions is the contribution to the regulation of sleep, memory, learning and appetite control.
The role of dopamine in the body
Dopamine has multiple key functions in the central nervous system. It acts as a chemical messenger that facilitates communication between nerve cells and is involved in the brain’s reward system , motivating to seek and experience pleasure. In addition, it is related to motivation, focus and decision making.
What to eat to produce more serotonin and dopamine?
The secretion of these substances is directly correlated with a feeling of reward and happiness. So, it would be expected that those experiences that you have previously done and liked, when you do them again, you will release these neurotransmitters. Now, let’s move on to more scientific thinking…
Are there foods that make you happier?
If we base ourselves on physiological mechanisms, to produce enough serotonin, adequate intake of tryptophan is necessary, the essential amino acid through which it is generated. But this assumption is easily met with a balanced diet, there is no need to worry. Furthermore, a greater intake does not have to translate into an increase in synthesis.
Now, there may be food groups that can improve mood, such as fruits and vegetables. And it’s no joke, there is scientific evidence that supports that greater consumption, between 7-8 servings a day increases happiness and the feeling of self-actualization.
In fact, there is also a clinical trial that shows that its consumption precedes the feeling of well-being, something very interesting since we also know that the better we feel, the better nutritional choices we make. So, although we don’t know which comes first, the chicken or the egg, it seems that making healthy decisions can positively influence our emotional health.
What foods should we avoid?
Following the previous reasoning, if healthy food improves our mood, the opposite, that is, Eating ultra-processed foods, although it can raise our dopamine levels temporarily, can translate into worse feelings in the long term
Although it all depends on the person, since if you are aware of what you eat, you have a good relationship with food and the basic diet is healthy, the occasional intake of this type of food should not necessarily translate into a decrease in happiness.
In summary!
We have been able to see that healthier choices positively influence happiness, but it is also worth noting that it not only depends on the diet, but also on other factors. factors such as physical activity and stress management
Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with a health professional such as INDYA Sports Nutritionists if you have concerns about your mood or diet.
