Hormones are organic substances that are produced in our body in the endocrine glands, then enter the bloodstream and affect the functioning of our organs. From what kind of gland this or that hormone was produced, its function depends. Hormones regulate the process of metabolism, body growth, the concentration of certain substances, as well as sexual function. The importance of hormones in human life is very difficult to overestimate, and even small disruptions in the endocrine system seemed to lead to serious he alth problems. It may seem surprising to many that our mood, motivation and attitude towards life are not only a reaction to ongoing events and a manifestation of our character, but also the result of biological processes. The lack of certain chemicals - the hormones of joy and happiness - can lead to depression, longing, lack of strength and desire to do anything. Of course, there are many questions related to the operation of thesesubstances. For example, what is the name of the hormone of joy? How to increase its amount in the body? What foods contain the hormone of joy? This article will look at four hormones that directly affect our mood.
The hormone of joy endorphin
Endorphins are produced in our brains as a defensive response to psychological stress and physical pain to relieve the body. Thus, endorphins act as natural painkillers. The function of hormones is already in the name itself: endorphins are endogenous (internal) morphines.
How to increase endorphin levels?
If endorphin is the hormone of joy, how to increase its level in the body? Unlike vitamins and beneficial trace elements, hormones are not found in any food, but you can still stimulate the release of endorphins through the use of certain foods, as well as certain habits. So, eating a couple of slices of high-quality dark chocolate, which contains a lot of antioxidants, a person not only benefits his he alth, but also improves his mood.
In addition to chocolate, some spices, such as chili peppers, will help trigger the release of endorphins if you hold it on your tongue for a short time. As for he althy habits that increase the level of this hormone in our body, perhaps the most important habit is exercise. You have probably noticed that when you play sports, you feel pain in your muscles.only a couple of hours or the next day after training. The pain is caused by an excess of lactic acid in the body and the presence of microcracks in the muscles, however, the endorphins produced by increased physical activity act as an anesthetic. The second action by which we increase the level of the hormone of joy is sex. It's no secret that making love is not only pleasant, but also useful: it improves mood and relieves pain.
Dopamine
Dopamine is the name of the hormone of joy and pleasure, thanks to it we can feel a feeling of love, passion and even euphoria. The hormone begins to be intensively produced when we get what we want, achieve our goals. At the same time, dopamine causes a feeling of bliss, and thus it performs one of the most important functions in a person's life - it is responsible for motivation and aspirations.
Experiencing satisfaction from achieving the goal, we receive a reward for our efforts, this stimulates us to work for what we want next time. This causes a kind of addiction to the feeling of pleasure and what brings it to us (be it a favorite hobby, work, eating favorite treats, sex). The lack of a hormone in the body leads to extremely negative consequences for the psychological state and overall he alth in general. When dopamine levels are significantly reduced, we become pessimistic, our thinking abilities deteriorate, and sexual desire disappears.
How to increase dopamine levels?
To trigger the production of dopamine, you need to do what gives you satisfaction and true pleasure. The main thing is that it should not be an addiction that is persistently addictive: alcohol and drugs that block the production of dopamine and cause a false, short-term feeling of euphoria. Also, eating foods containing the amino acid tyrosine will help increase the amount of dopamine. Tyrosine is found in large quantities in nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Exercise also releases dopamine, but only if it is pleasurable and not painful, so exercise should be moderate.
Serotonin
Another hormone of joy is serotonin. It not only shapes our mood, but also participates in the regulation of many vital processes in the body, such as digestion, tissue healing, and sleep. Pathological deficiency of serotonin can lead to apathy, constant weakness, depression. Excess serotonin is also not good. Its most common symptoms are drowsiness, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems.
How to increase serotonin levels?
Serotonin is formed from tryptophan, so those who want to increase the production of the hormone of joy in their body should include foods containing this amino acid in the menu: nuts, cheese, bananas, red fish. Eating a large amount of simple carbohydrates will also lead to the release of serotonin, so oftenpeople suffering from melancholy and blues experience strong cravings for sweets. However, it is important to remember that the effect of such therapy is short-term, but extra pounds will not take long. It has also been proven that the hormone is more produced under the influence of sunlight. This may explain the fact that most people feel more joy and happiness in the warm season, and in winter they are more prone to despondency. Therefore, walking under the sun will help increase the amount of serotonin.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a special hormone associated primarily with interpersonal relationships. He gives us a feeling of love, affection, tenderness for other people. People with high levels of oxytocin tend to be outgoing and friendly. If a person is withdrawn, irritable and suffers from anxiety, it may well be that the reason lies in the deficiency of oxytocin.
How to increase oxytocin levels?
Fortunately, adjusting the amount of oxytocin in the body is not so difficult. Hugging and touching between loved ones has been proven to trigger the release of the hormone.
Oxytocin is produced in the body during sexual intercourse, especially during orgasm. In a woman during pregnancy, the level of the "hormone of love" increases several times, it also simplifies the process of childbirth, making contractions stronger. In addition, oxytocin is produced in large quantities through breastfeeding, and thus plays a significant role inthe formation of the so-called maternal instinct, feelings of tenderness and unconditional love for your child. The feeling of unity with other people, team spirit and doing a common thing is also involved in the production of the hormone. It is important to note that relationships not only with people, but also with pets also contribute to the synthesis of oxytocin, so even a simple walk with a dog or stroking a cat will help to improve hormonal levels. It is necessary to understand that not only oxytocin affects our lives, making relationships with loved ones stronger and more trusting, but we ourselves can influence its level in the body if we try to spend more time with loved ones and fill every meeting with hugs and gentle touches.
Conclusions
If you have recently noticed that for no apparent reason you are constantly accompanied by a bad mood, irritability, loss of vitality and interest in what is happening around, perhaps your endocrine system has failed. You can manage on your own. To begin with, try to change your daily routine and lifestyle: go to bed earlier, provide yourself with a he althy and sound sleep, spend more time outdoors and in the sun. Do not forget about physical activity, find some kind of sport that you like, and do it at least at an amateur level. Review your menu, add foods rich in tryptophan and tyrosine there. If you feel an irresistible craving for flour and sweets, try to limit yourself to such food, because the short-term effect obtained from chocolates and buns is notthere are problems with the figure and appearance. Remember that the lack of happiness hormones is often caused by a lot of stress and conflict. Try to avoid them, but in the modern world this is extremely difficult to do, so it’s better to change your attitude to life: you don’t need to get upset over trifles, try to see mostly good sides in life. Take care of yourself, give yourself small gifts and indulgences, devote more time to your favorite activities and meetings with loved ones.
In general, do what makes you happy. During prolonged depression, cravings for unhe althy habits such as drinking alcohol and drugs, as well as smoking, may occur. Fight these habits and remember that they will not make you happier, but only give a false and very short-lived feeling of euphoria, and later bring only new problems. If you feel that you cannot cope on your own, and you are still attacked by melancholy and depression, do not hesitate to seek help from a specialist.
