What is the name of the happiness vitamin? Hormones of joy: how hormones affect mood and energy levels. Serotonin - the hormone of pleasure

Feelings of loneliness, confusion, and other psychophysical conditions take a toll on our productivity, motivation, social connections, and well-being. Where did they come from? Perhaps you have health problems, or perhaps you just need to push your body a little with simple actions and a balanced diet. We will tell you about them.

Endorphins

Endorphins are naturally produced in the neurons of the brain in response to pain and stress and help relieve anxiety and depression. Like morphine, they act as a pain reliever and sedative, reducing our perception of pain.

The events that contribute to the production of the body's natural opiates are well understood and fall into three main groups: diet, habits, and exercise.

Food

So what would we eat to get rid of the piled emotional burden? We answer:

Right dark chocolate thanks to high content antioxidants protects against heart attacks, lowers blood pressure, lowers "bad" cholesterol, increases "good" cholesterol and, interestingly for us, stimulates the production of endorphins. But it’s too early for chocolate lovers to rejoice, because the recommended norm is only a couple of slices a day.
Cayenne pepper, jalapeno pepper, and others hot peppers contain capsaicin - a substance with a strong burning taste that affects the nerve cells of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. The brain, receiving a signal about a strong stimulus, reacts to a burning sensation by producing endorphins. Therefore, to cheer up you need to add spiciness to your dishes. "Burning" food also kills pathogens and promotes sweating, which is especially helpful for cooling the body in hot weather.
Some aromas directly affect the production of endorphins. For example, according to the New York cancer center Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Patients Who Inhaled Aroma Prior to MRI vanilla, in 63% of cases less likely to experience a feeling of anxiety. Another study found that odor lavender Helps fight depression and insomnia. Use vanilla and lavender as seasonings, add essential oils in the bath, use scented candles based on them, and also brew healing tinctures these plants.
In addition to improving mental performance, including memory and concentration, lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, treating certain cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases ginseng relieves physical fatigue and moral stress. No wonder the traditional Chinese medicine claims that ginseng prolongs life and youth, and many runners and bodybuilders take it to increase physical endurance. The reason is the same stimulation of the production of endorphins.

habits

Every child knows that laugh prolongs life. But adults often forget about this. That is why kids laugh hundreds of times a day, and their parents - well, if a dozen.

But in vain, because the famous biblical instruction says:

A merry heart is beneficial, like medicine, but a despondent spirit dries up the bones.

If you are far from religion, I will mention one interesting history associated with healing properties laughter for soul and body. And it happened to Norman Cousins - an American scientist, teacher and journalist. One day Norman began to feel severe pain in the joints, and a little later the doctors diagnosed him with a life-threatening diagnosis of some kind of degenerative disease. After these disappointing words, the patient decided that recovery depended only on himself, and was discharged from the hospital, refusing medication. The treatment was reduced to taking vitamins and incessant sessions of laughter therapy. Norman constantly watched entertainment TV, humorous stories were read to him, and he did not get tired of shedding tears of laughter. A month later, the disease receded, and subsequently completely disappeared. Own experience Cousins formed the basis of popular books, and his example inspired many other "hopelessly" sick people.

Find a reason to laugh. Develop the habit of finding something funny around you. This is the simplest everyday way to “boost” endorphins, which helps to feel good here and now.

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What comes before? Of course, smile! But not the unnatural and strained one that is found on the faces of employees early in the morning. And that sincere and involuntary smile that is born, for example, on the faces of people in love. In science, it is called the Duchenne smile and occurs as a result of contraction of the large zygomatic muscle and the lower part of the circular muscle eyes. That is, it is a smile with “eyes and mouth”, and not just sparkling teeth.

Look at photos with a pleasant story, communicate with perky people and do not miss a reason to smile back.

As a rule, a "long" tongue is not good, but in some cases gossip can give their positive effect. No, you are not called to rattle your tongue left and right, but passing on secrets and piquancy by word of mouth can stimulate the production of endorphins. Scientists believe that gossip helps "social animals" stay connected and is rewarded by stimulating pleasure centers in the brain. However, it is important to understand that the information should be positive, because only in this case it will lead to a surge of endorphins.

Love and sex- the most frequent topics from the previous paragraph. Move from words to deeds! Touch, closeness and pleasant sensations calm the nerves, give a sense of security and confidence, and also uplift the mood. inspire you and strengthen your physical condition.

Orgasm like a quick shot of endorphin? Why not!

Physical exercises

Go in for sports. It's fast and useful method delayed release of endorphins. Any physical activity releases endorphins into the bloodstream, significantly improving mood. It is important to mention that group classes also have an advantage. For example, a 2009 study found that synchronized rowers received an increased rush of happy hormones compared to single rowers. Although independent hiking, cycling, aerobics also give the desired result.

Ready to take a little risk? Take on skydiving, bungee jumping, skydiving, rollercoasters and anything else that seems a little reckless to you. Taking a step back from your calm zone will help release endorphins.

Dopamine

Dopamine (dopamine) is a neurotransmitter that motivates a person to achieve goals, satisfy desires and needs. It is produced in the human brain and causes a feeling of satisfaction (or pleasure) as a sign of encouragement for the result. plays important role in the system of motivation and training of people.

Dopamine forces us to make efforts towards our goals. Procrastination, lack of enthusiasm and self-doubt are always associated with a lack of dopamine. Studies in rats have shown that rodents with low level neurotransmitter chose a simple solution to the problem and were content with a small portion of food. And the rats who were willing to work hard for more rewards had elevated level dopamine.

Food

The dopamine diet consists of:

Avocado, banana, almond, tofu ("bean curd"), fish, pumpkin seeds. All these products contain tyrosine, an amino acid synthesized into dihydroxyphenylalanine, and the latter is the precursor of dopamine. Tyrosine is also found in meat and oil products, however, it is necessary to carefully calculate the intake here due to a large number calories.
Green and orange vegetables, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, beets, asparagus, carrots, peppers, oranges, strawberries and other foods high in antioxidants and vitamins C and E. They will help protect the brain cells responsible for the production of dopamine.

habits

With the right mindset, dopamine doesn't care what you've achieved: you've climbed high mountain or pulled up one more time than yesterday. The neurotransmitter still activates the pleasure centers. Therefore, it is important to learn how to break global goals into small subtasks. For example, you are planning to write a thesis. Celebrate the writing of each chapter with a trip to the cafe for your favorite ice cream, and dopamine will inspire you for the rest of the way.

Note to managers: give their subordinates bonuses or praise for local successes so that dopamine increases their productivity and motivation.

A worker who believes in himself is able to jump above his head.

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Serotonin

Serotonin helps to feel your own importance and importance. Its deficiency leads to alcoholism, depression, aggressive and suicidal behavior. It is believed that the lack of a neurotransmitter is one of the reasons why people become criminals. Many antidepressants focus on the production of serotonin.

In one study, scientists have proven the role of serotonin in determining social status in monkeys. They found that the level of the neurotransmitter in the dominant individual was higher than in other monkeys. However, if the head lost contact with his subordinates (he was placed in a cage), then the level of serotonin in his blood gradually decreased.

Food

habits

A relationship has been traced between time spent in the sun and an increase in serotonin levels: it is higher in summer than in winter. The skin absorbs ultraviolet rays, which boosts the production of the neurotransmitter. Of course, in the pursuit of good health, you should not abuse your exposure to the sun and harm your health.

To lighten your mood, open the blinds to let in natural light.

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Do you experience stress at work? Relax for a moment and remember something good. Happy memories will certainly contribute to the production of serotonin. Reflect on your past accomplishments or re-live through a significant moment from the past. This practice reminds us that we are valued and that there are many things to appreciate in life.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin enhances the feeling of trust, reduces anxiety and fear, gives calmness and confidence. The hormone strengthens human relationships. For example, it is involved in the formation of a bond between mother and child immediately after childbirth, and is also produced during orgasm in men and women. Oxytocin is supposed to be involved in the development of feelings of love.

Scientists from the University of Bonn came to interesting conclusions: oxytocin strengthens the institution of marriage! The group of men was divided into two parts, one of which was injected with oxytocin, and the second - a placebo. The researchers speculated that the bonding power of the hormone would push men to bond with strangers and they would forget about their current commitments. However, when the subjects were asked to estimate the acceptable distance between them and the "alien" woman, the opposite was found. Men under the influence of oxytocin preferred to stay 10-15 centimeters further from the object of temptation.

Dear ladies, oxytocin is able to keep a man close! But what is needed for this?

habits

Hugs, hugs and more hugs! Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the cuddling hormone. American oxytocin expert Dr. Paul Zak even recommends a minimum hugging rate of eight times a day.

Forgo handshakes in favor of hugs if you want to enhance interpersonal relationships.

Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com

Oxytocin enhances trust and... generosity! This can be used carefully. Although women know this at the level of instincts, casting a bait about their wildest desires immediately after sex. :) Yes, the peak of sexual relations leads to the release of oxytocin.

The reverse process also works. If you want to strengthen relationships, it is enough to do to a person - the hormone will do its job.

All our feelings and emotions are the result of chemical reactions occurring in the body. And hormones and neurotransmitters play a decisive role in these processes. Today the site will talk about the main hormones of joy, why thanks to them we feel happy and how you can increase their production in the body. We will consider how these molecules affect the mood and well-being of a person, and also suggest a few effective ways, which will allow you to be a little happier every day by increasing the level of hormones of joy in the body.

What hormones and neurotransmitters of joy are produced in the body

Hormones are chemicals that are secreted by the endocrine glands and, when released into the bloodstream, regulate many physiological processes: digestion, metabolism, growth and even mood.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by neurons and transmit impulses from nerve cells to various tissues and organs, that is, they transmit signals from one cell to another.

Many of the chemicals that make a person feel happy act as both hormones and neurotransmitters. These include:

acetylcholine (responsible for memory, sexual function, appetite control, growth hormone production;
dopamine (allows us to feel euphoria, pleasure, controls appetite, motor movements, increases concentration);
endorphins (natural painkillers);
enkephalins (limit the transmission of pain, suppress depression);
GABA (has an anti-stress, calming, analgesic effect, increases control and concentration);
melatonin (responsible for rest and recovery, slows down aging, regulates the biological clock);
norepinephrine (participates in the control of appetite, sexual arousal, suppresses depression, gives energy);
oxytocin (promotes sexual arousal, strengthens feelings of affection);
phenylethylamine (responsible for the feeling of falling in love);
serotonin (improves sleep, increases self-esteem, improves mood and makes us more sociable).

In this article, the site will tell you about the main four “hormones of joy”, as well as how to stimulate their production. natural ways. It will be about:

endorphins;
serotonin;
dopamine;
oxytocin.

Hormones of joy endorphins: natural painkillers

How to increase oxytocin levels:

Get a massage: In addition to physical relaxation of the muscles, massage improves emotional well-being through prolonged physical contact and the production of the hormone of joy oxytocin.
Hug: Hug your friends, relatives, relatives and loved ones every day - it's healthy and pleasant.

Although joy hormones make us feel better, it is important to understand that their possibilities are not unlimited. Thus, endorphins mask pain, which is only useful for a short time, since constant hidden pain can lead to serious injuries if we cannot stop in time from too intense activity.

Excess dopamine not only leads to the development of addiction, but also makes us strive for every goal, reducing the ability to prioritize and manage time sensibly.

Remember: permanent happiness is impossible, but we can naturally increase the production of joy hormones, so we can safely say that happiness is in our hands.

Update: October 2018

When a pregnant woman walks and glows with happiness, everyone understandably sighs: “Hormones, what do you want!” Did you know that these substances "manage" all emotions, even in a "non-pregnant" state?

And to feel a little (or much) more peaceful or harmonious, you just need to know how to increase the level of the desired hormone. What is it, the hormone of happiness? How to make it stand out?

In fact, such chemical substances several - five. Each of them has its own effect on different areas brain, resulting in various positive emotions. Not all of them can be described as pure and uncomplicated happiness, but associations with it arise.

Most of these substances are not inherently hormones, but neurotransmitters. They are distinguished from hormones by the fact that they are not produced by the endocrine glands, but are converted by the body from various amino acids. Their main action is in the brain, where they help transmit impulses from one neuron to another.

In total, there are 5 neurotransmitters, which are called hormones of joy and happiness:

serotonin;
dopamine;
endorphins;
oxytocin;
group of other hormones.

Serotonin - the hormone of pleasure

This substance is called the hormone of pleasure and the hormone of happiness. In its structure, the hormone of pleasure and happiness is very similar to the narcotic substance LSD.

It is formed from an amino acid, the main amount of which comes from food - tryptophan. It produces serotonin, the hormone of happiness, the intestines, as well as the brain - its special neurons. For the formation of this neurotransmitter, iron and the substance pteridine are needed.

Serotonin is also a natural pain reliever: when there is too little of it, the slightest tactile stimulation responds with severe pain.
This substance is released during allergies - along with histamine and prostaglandins.
Serotonin is released during chemotherapy - it provokes the appearance of vomiting and diarrhea.
He also helps a woman give birth, participates in ovulation. If you increase the concentration of serotonin during sex, a man delays ejaculation.

Melatonin is formed from serotonin itself in the pineal gland - a substance that, by regulating the daily rhythm, makes us wake up when it comes into contact with the skin sun rays. And the neurotransmitter itself needs ultraviolet light to form, as well as glucose.

There are at least 14 types of receptors in the brain that interact with serotonin. Most of them are located in the brain stem - a structure that is transitional from the brain to the spinal cord.

Most of the time, this causes a condition in the brain that can be described as calm joy, a sense of harmony, pleasure. But some receptors bind to the neurotransmitter through "intermediaries". One of them is itself responsible for stress and feelings of anxiety.

Receptors for serotonin have molecular similarities to receptors for norepinephrine, one of the stress hormones. The transport molecules that carry each of these neurotransmitters are also similar. Therefore, they are competitors, and the more the hormone norepinephrine is produced, the less chance serotonin has to find a free receptor.

With its help, endorphins are formed - other neurotransmitters, which we will discuss a little later.

Serotonin is also associated with dopamine: both of these substances transmit signals from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, both improve mood, but only one hormone can act at a time.

The formation of serotonin, the hormone of happiness, is affected by:

tryptophan content in food;
glucose content in food;
level of ultraviolet illumination;
change in the depth and rhythm of breathing. Therefore, if you are concerned about the question of how to increase the hormone of happiness, take up breathing practices - yogic, Taoist, Buddhist, which involve deep breathing and relaxation;
the level of iron in the body;
taking drugs - antidepressants from the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Foods high in tryptophan:

These products are strictly prohibited when taking antidepressants - both serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Because of this, a deadly condition, serotonin syndrome, can develop. It is characterized by fever, hallucinations, speech disorders, insomnia, headaches.

By itself, overeating these products can lead to serotonin syndrome when they are consumed in very large quantities.

Dopamine - the reward hormone

Unlike serotonin, dopamine is not called the hormone of happiness, but the hormone of reward: it is produced after some pleasant events or positive experiences.

This is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands and in individual nuclei of the brain. It is a precursor of the adrenal hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. And the joy of its release in a person is not calm and quiet, as during the work of serotonin, but stormy, with a desire to jump and scream.

Subsequently, even the memories of the reward themselves activate the production of dopamine. Thus, this hormone-neurotransmitter reinforces a positive experience, stimulates a person to repeat actions that are pleasant for him.

Dopamine is also needed so that a person can switch from one activity to another. If there is little dopamine, then mental abilities slow down, a person repeats the same thought with the same words several times. This is especially noticeable in Parkinson's disease.

Dopamine is so important to good mood that people turn to drugs to stimulate its release. For example, amphetamines speed up the delivery of the hormone to its destination. Psychostimulants, alcohol and cocaine do not allow dopamine to be utilized, as a result of which its concentration increases.

But if you are looking for a way to train the brain to produce more of this hormone, then you will be disappointed: if you overstimulate its production, then this system will soon be depleted, and not only will less dopamine be synthesized, but the number of receptors for it will decrease. What's more, overstimulation of the "reward hormone" can cause serious brain damage.

Dopamine is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, which, in turn, comes from the amino acid phenylalanine. In people suffering from phenylketonuria, the conversion of "phenylalanine - tyrosine" is impaired, therefore, "pure" tyrosine is needed for the synthesis of dopamine and its "daughter" norepinephrine and adrenaline.

In terms of creating mood, dopamine “competes” with serotonin. In addition, the hormone suppresses the production of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormones, growth hormone aldosterone. It improves blood flow in the kidneys and intestines, but in large doses does the opposite.

Foods rich in tyrosine:

pumpkin seeds;
legumes;
germinated wheat;
meat;
eggs;
dairy products;
seafood;
almond;
sesame;
avocado.

Please note: these foods should not be eaten with phenylketonuria. Do not drink black tea, coffee or alcohol with them.

Endorphins - pain reliever

This is the name of natural neurotransmitters that simultaneously reduce pain, affect the work of the entire endocrine system, reduce intestinal motility and improve mood.

Endorphin, the hormone of happiness, must be produced by brain neurons. They take beta-lipotrophin, which is secreted by the pituitary gland, and, using biochemical reactions, convert it first into one of the precursors, and then into the polypeptide molecules themselves.

In my own way chemical structure endorphins are very similar to morphine.

And if the body happy person to introduce naloxone - a drug that is used to neutralize the effects of opiate drugs, then endorphins will also be destroyed and cease to act.

Endorphins are released in response to stress or exercise. The hormone adrenaline triggers their release: in this way, it tries to “anesthetize” the muscles that are working at their limit. And when muscle pain is not so acutely felt, a person, according to nature, runs better and saves himself faster.

In addition, endorphins themselves trigger the production of serotonin, and adrenaline - the production of dopamine and prolactin, and such a complex "cocktail" causes a feeling of happiness or euphoria. It is this pleasant feeling that makes the athlete constantly continue training, while the production of endorphins by his body is not depleted. Conditions that result in a person experiencing chronic pain lead to disruption of the system.

Increase the production of endorphins natural ways is possible with:

listening to your favorite music;
doing sports;
modeling situations that bring pleasant sensations;
having sex.

These methods can only work if the neurons that produce endorphins are not chronically depleted. pain syndrome. If a person is constantly in pain, he will have to resort to the introduction of painkillers - otherwise the level of endorphins cannot be increased.

Oxytocin - the confidence hormone

It is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Its maximum concentration is observed in women during childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding. Standing out during the stimulation of the nipples, the hormone promotes uterine contractions and the release of breast milk.

At non-pregnant women, and also in men, the level of oxytocin increases with sexual arousal, but its peak is noted with orgasm.
The hormone is also important for relationships: it increases trust, reduces anxiety and fear, and gives a feeling of calm next to the person you like. Therefore, oxytocin is also called the trust hormone.

Thanks to oxytocin, a woman in labor feels reverent feelings for a newborn: that's another reason why it is recommended to start breastfeeding as early as possible. The hormone affects the formation of love and increases the level of trust in the words of a person who is attractive to you.

To increase the level of oxytocin, you need:

hang out with nice people more often
hugging someone you love
stroke each other (about 40 strokes per minute increases oxytocin levels in both people),
have sex.

Food does not affect oxytocin.

Other hormones

Each person calls his “cocktail” of emotions happiness: for some it is the joy of victory, for others it is hugs with a lover. Someone feels happy when they are admired, and someone feels happy when he is busy with interesting work alone. Therefore, not only the described four hormones take part in the formation of “happiness”, but also:

prolactin;
adrenalin;
phenethylamine;
norepinephrine;
gamma-aminobutyric acid;
vasopressin.

In women, estradiol and luteinizing hormones are added here: their peaks occur at ovulation - when a woman blooms and catches admiring glances. For men, testosterone and its derivatives are very important: they give him a feeling of strength, masculinity, brutality.

Summing up what has been said, we can say: live a full life, love and hug, indulge yourself with goodies and play sports, read books and meditate - and happiness will not keep you waiting! No need to watch bad news or do work that is unpleasant for you: no bananas or chocolate can “neutralize” these!

When a person is in a bad mood, he often hears: “Eat a chocolate bar” or “Eat a banana”, but these are simple people's councils have scientific explanation. These products stimulate production, which help us overcome life's hardships with a smile.

Hormones of joy and their effect on the body

"Hormones of joy" - the collective name active substances organisms that have a positive effect on nervous system and significantly improve mood. They transmit an impulse of optimism to the brain, and it triggers the corresponding emotions.

These substances are also called neurotransmitters. In order for us to have a great mood, they perform various functions:

control emotions and mood;
help to enjoy;
support and strengthen the immune system;
regulate feelings and sensations.

The body is affected by such hormones of joy:

those that are most often heard - dopamine, serotonin, endorphin,;
little-known substances - thyroxine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, vasopressin.

Each of these hormones has a specific effect on the body.

- the most famous hormone of happiness, it provides a powerful "explosion" of joy, its effect on the body is compared with the effect of morphine. Except positive mood, this substance reduces the pain of wounds, includes protection through sleep when a person finds himself in a stressful or emergency situation.
also responsible for good mood and also increases mobility. We feel an acute lack of this hormone in winter, it is because of this that the well-known winter lethargy and depression appear. However, the most terrible problem that occurs with a deficiency of this substance is intrusive thoughts about suicide.
- a hormone of happiness that helps to cope with unpleasant sensations after physical exertion, promotes the development of memory about sensations. Acute, chronic deficiency of this substance can lead to depression, and even cause Parkinson's disease. Interestingly, women are more likely than men to suffer from a lack of dopamine.
Acetylcholine activates mental processes and creativity.
gives happiness by normalization general condition human body, it normalizes pressure and breathing, is able to remove spasms. If the level of this hormone is low, the body has to work in a mode of nervous and physical stress.
helps you enjoy your own appearance.
Thyroxine is responsible for motor activity, stimulating and facilitating it.

Food for happiness and good mood

The easiest way to improve your joy scores is to eat something tasty. Interestingly, each hormone of joy has its own secret to increase with the help of products. Very popular such products of happiness:

Seafood is a storehouse of omega fats, acids and vitamins. A special place is occupied by fatty sea fish, its lovers are less likely to suffer from depression.
Lean meats and seaweed are sources of serotonin.
Chocolate, cocoa and sweets help to increase the level of endorphins, and with it optimism.
Pumpkin, bell pepper, tomatoes, beets delight not only with bright, juicy colors and a pleasant taste, they are a real storehouse various vitamins needed for the synthesis of serotonin from amino acids of protein origin.
Fruits related to the sun (apricots, oranges, tangerines, peaches, persimmons) contain vitamin C, which stimulates the production of substances of joy and pleasure.

Cheese is a great product to relieve irritation and ensure a sound, restful sleep.
Banana helps the body produce serotonin by providing it with the alkaloid harman and vitamin B6. Harman is a source of happiness and pleasure that instantly embrace a person. In addition, a banana is an excellent remedy for fatigue, including chronic.
Nuts (pistachios, almonds) have the ability to reduce stress and improve a person's mood, stimulating the production of appropriate biologically active substances.
Beans are rich in magnesium, which has a positive effect on muscular system, contributing to its relaxation, and also produces a sedative effect.
Oatmeal contains thiamine, a vitamin responsible for a positive mood.

Basic products containing neurotransmitters are available to everyone, the main thing is to provide yourself proper diet and a feeling of happiness is guaranteed.

Interestingly, there are foods that can lower the level of hormones of joy, most often we use these:

tea and coffee;
alcohol;
sweet in excessive quantities (this can cause diabetes, and the processes caused by it affect hormonal background organism).

How to increase the level of hormones of joy

In addition to goodies, there is a whole list of various natural ways to influence the hormones of joy:

warm communication with family and friends activates the production of oxytocin;
regular sports activities, dancing, outdoor games and leisure- the main friends of dopamine;
regular sex will also provide the body with dopamine;
extreme activities (you need to be careful with them, and resort to this method only if you like it) increase the concentration of various neurotransmitters;
doing what you love and getting pleasure from it is one of the main ways to increase the amount of endorphin;
massage;
logic games, solving charades, crossword puzzles, rebuses will save you from a lack of acetylcholine;
contemplation of things that are pleasing to the eye, landscapes, listening to your favorite music help to normalize the concentration of noradrenaline, and therefore remove aggression;
normal sleep pattern (at least 8 hours), insomnia negatively affects the content of serotonin;
yoga classes are becoming increasingly popular, which do an excellent job of normalizing the hormones of happiness.

Is it possible to increase the concentration of hormones of happiness with the help of bad habits and pills

It is well known that alcohol and drugs can bring pleasure and euphoria for some time, but this effect is short-lived, and after the cessation of action harmful substances on the body, a person feels, to put it mildly, not very much. Depression, weakness, pain, depression - this is the result of raising the mood with the help of such methods.

After the discovery of neurotransmitters, scientists immediately became interested in what the joy hormone contains. Pharmacists immediately rushed to invent miraculous medicines who would have the ability to "give" happiness. The first known tablets for these purposes appeared in the United States at the end of the 20th century, they were called Prozac. No miraculous properties were observed after taking them, but the work of narcologists increased. The named drug caused quite a strong dependence, both psychological and physical.

It is also not recommended to look for joy on the shelves of modern pharmacies, because any artificial cheer up with the help of “chemistry” is fraught with the emergence of a drug addict syndrome, in which a person begins to suffer withdrawal symptoms. In addition, they may contain ingredients that may cause side effects. Agree it is much more pleasant to cheer up by eating a banana, chocolate cheese or other goodies than stuffing yourself with harmful substances.

Human experience is inextricably linked to chemical processes occurring in the brain, where there is complex mechanism production of various substances. Happiness, joy, pleasure are provided by brain neurohormones - dopamine and serotonin. Endorphins are used to compensate for stress and pain. If a various violations lead to the loss of a harmonious spectrum of feelings, life becomes inferior. To return the brain to a normal state, you need to understand what kind of violations have arisen, and try to restore the full production of happiness hormones using various means help the body, including pills.

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Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical substance related to catecholamines. It is a neurotransmitter that transmits signals nerve cells limbic system of the brain. The dopamine released by neurons activates it, and the emotions of pleasure are released. A person experiences a feeling of comfort, an increase in mood and sensuality. The intensity of pleasure is directly related to the concentration of dopamine.

The natural production of the hormone can be stimulated by activities that bring pleasure - the use of your favorite food and drinks, alcohol; having sex, smoking, etc. The more often these actions are repeated, the faster you can get pleasure. Moreover, the process begins at the stage of preparation, so dopamine acts as a motivator.

The appearance of addictions causes uncontrolled stimulation of the production of dopamine. In the absence of pleasure, the condition is characterized by a deterioration in mood, depression. In order to maintain a balance of mood, a person must independently set limits in dopamine activation. Habits need to be formed not only in the sensual sphere (food, sex, alcohol), but also in the sphere of physical activity, creativity. These actions, performed with pleasure, bring, in addition to satisfaction, a visible result.

If for some reason the production of dopamine is reduced in the human body, the part of the brain responsible for motor activity is destroyed, the following symptoms appear:

muscle stiffness;
lack of facial expressions;
delay in movement.

Often this condition precedes Parkinson's disease.

With age, the number of dopamine receptors, as well as the sensitivity of the brain to its effects, decreases. There are irreversible consequences:

deterioration of abstract thinking;
decreased attention;
frequent depression.

Help the body with insufficient hormone production

Insufficient production of dopamine deprives a person of bright pleasures. Return to full life The following rules will help:

1. Inclusion in the diet of food rich in tyrosine - a substance that affects the production of the hormone. These are fruits, vegetables - beets and greens, protein products, herbal teas from ginseng.
2. Physical activity. Exercise contributes to the activation of the hormonal background, the level of dopamine increases. The post-workout pleasure compensates for the negative focus that comes with dopamine deficiency. At the same time, a good habit is formed.
3. Refusal of alcohol and smoking. The state of euphoria provided by alcohol, tobacco, drugs, is achieved by a process in the brain that blocks the natural formation of dopamine.
4. Sexual activity. Regular sex has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of a person, stimulating the production of dopamine and strengthening the neural connections of the limbic system and the pleasure center of the brain.
5. Falling in love. The feeling of being in love favorably affects the production of dopamine. The anticipation of the pleasure of mutual love improves all areas of life, stimulates success and achievement.
6. Elimination of coffee. Overuse Caffeinated drinks have an inhibitory effect on the production of dopamine.

Medical treatment

With reduced hormone production, treatment is prescribed with the following drugs:

1. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that provides the synthesis of tyrosine to dopamine. Tyrosine stimulates the production of the hormone in violation of its secretion, often included in the composition of vitamin complexes.
2. Ginkgo biloba - herbal preparation that improves blood circulation. With its help, the concentration of oxygen increases, the transmission of impulses by neurons is stimulated.
3. Herbal infusions and decoctions containing nettle, ginseng, dandelion.

When deep depression caused by dopamine deficiency, courses of antidepressants are prescribed in addition to stimulating the production of the hormone.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to transmit impulses between nerve cells. Its transformation into a hormone occurs only after it enters the bloodstream.

A sufficient level of serotonin provides a person with a high social rank associated with self-perception. A decrease in serotonin in the brain is manifested by:

bad mood;
increased anxiety;
loss of strength;
distraction;
decline analytical skills and libido;
depression
intrusive or frightening thoughts.

Ways to increase hormone levels

The relationship between serotonin levels and mood is two-way. Knowing and applying this rule helps to significantly improve the quality of life:

More often to be under the bright rays of the sun. On cloudy days use bright artificial lighting.
Follow your posture. Slouching leads to constant feeling shame or guilt, which lowers serotonin levels. Straight back provides enough high level self-esteem and mood.
manifest physical activity. Exercising every day for 20 minutes will help improve your mood, while the choice of a particular sport does not make much difference. You can also use walking, 3 km per day - sufficient load to maintain tone.
Set up healthy sleep. Eight hours of sleep in a ventilated room will ensure the production of serotonin for the whole day.
Use activities that bring pleasant sensations: communicating with pleasant people, doing creative work, listening to your favorite music.
Eat foods rich in substances that are actively involved in the synthesis of serotonin.

Among them are the following:

1.With tryptophan in the composition:

lean meat;
chicken eggs;
lentils;
oyster mushrooms;
beans;
cottage cheese;
millet;
buckwheat;
chocolate.

2.Sources of B vitamins:

liver;
oatmeal;
lettuce leaves;
beans.

3.Foods rich in magnesium:

prunes;
dried apricots;
bran;
seaweed.

4. Fruits and vegetables:

bananas;
melon;
dates;
pumpkin;
oranges.

Endorphins

These are substances that are not hormones, unlike dopamine and serotonin, which are produced by the pituitary gland. Their function is to regulate the work of the glands of the endocrine system.

Endorphins are similar in their action to opiates, a large amount of them can cause a state of bliss, euphoria in a person. Endorphin is released by the body in response to external influences to alleviate their effects and speed up recovery.

The provocateurs are:

pain;
stress, shock;
mental stress.

With the help of the production of these substances, the body regulates the psycho-emotional state of a person, causing his behavior and emotions in response to an irritant: cry, anger, joy.

If the level of endorphins is reduced, this is expressed not only by a depressed mood, but also by inadequate reactions in normal situations, such as:

frequent depressive states;
inadequate response to criticism;
conflict;
weakened ability to remember;
trouble concentrating.

A decrease in the production of endorphins can occur with the abuse of food that contains alcohol and sugar. As a result, addiction occurs with a loss of a sense of joy.

Increasing the synthesis of substances

Synthesis of endorphins occurs with the participation of a large number of chemicals. You can stimulate their production by eating the following foods:

1. Fruits:

oranges;
bananas;
mango;
Strawberry;
Red currants.

2. Spices:

cinnamon;
Red pepper.

3. Seafood:

mussels;
shrimps.

4. Drinks:

natural coffe;
Black tea;
bitter chocolate.

Any exciting activities that bring a feeling of joy help the body produce endorphins:

listening to your favorite music;
physical activity;
positive memories;
contact with loved ones;
sex with a loved one;
communication with friends;
a captivating book or video;
self-hypnosis;
aromatherapy;
sunbathing.

The combination works best various kinds influences selected on the basis of individual preferences of the person.