Summary
Serotonin is a chemical/neurotransmitter found in your body that helps transmit signals between various nerves. This chemical closely associated with mental health and is often referred to as the single most important component in mood improvement. It is also called the happy neurotransmitter. Deficiency in levels of serotonin leads to signs of depression, anxiety, disturbances in sleep patterns and restlessness, etc.
Taking serotonin pills can provide balance in your serotonin levels and provide solutions for the anxiety, depression and other mental health problems you might be experiencing. Though there are a lot of chemically synthesized serotonin pills available in the market, the recommended route is to take natural supplements that increase the levels of serotonin naturally to avoid any side effects.
What is Serotonin?
A popular neurotransmitter, Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine is commonly found in your central nervous system as well as in blood platelets, gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). The neurotransmitter is responsible for transmitting the signals between nerves and is known to the reason for causing happiness and feeling of good mental health. However, due to its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, there is a limitation on the chemical such that it needs to produce inside the brain for the chemical to be employed in neuro-signal transmissions in the brain.
Not only on the nervous system related disorders, Serotonin is believed to play a strong role in other body and psychological functions also. The chemical influences the brain cell activity both directly and indirectly and influences symptoms of nausea, mood fluctuations, and blood clotting, etc.
What are Serotonin Pills?
Serotonin is considered to one of the most neurotransmitters present in your body since it can naturally alleviate symptoms of stress, and combat mental health issues like depression, anxiety, etc. Serotonin also has the advantage of being naturally found in your body. However, of all the serotonin that is produced in your body, 90% of the same is produced in GI tract and only 10% in the brain.
Serotonin cannot cross over the blood brain barrier hence the chemical present in the brain is not sufficient for it to combat all mental health issues. The natural supplements like 5-HTP, L-tryptophan can be efficiently used to increase serotonin levels without any side effects that are commonly found in the usage of other SSRI drugs.
Best Serotonin Pills of 2017
Serotonin Pills | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
Capsules | ||
L-Tryptophan | Capsules | |
Capsules | ||
St John’s Wort | Capsules | |
Capsules | ||
Capsules | ||
Capsules | ||
Rhodiola Rosea | Capsules | |
Omega 3 essential fatty acids | Capsules | |
L-Theanine | Capsules |
Type of supplement that increases Serotonin naturally
It is a commonly known fact that the only way to increase the levels of serotonin permanently and effectively in your brain and central nervous systems to take proper food or supplements. These supplements should be in rich in amino acid, zinc, magnesium, folic acid, etc. Some of the natural supplements for serotonin levels are 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, Green tea, etc. Let us take a look at these products and as to which one of these supplements can be beneficial to you.
5-HTP
5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan is a naturally occurring substance. It is a by-product of tryptophan, an essential amino acid and is also found in the seed of an African plant.
Known to be one of the effective serotonin supplements and a nootropic, it can improve your mood, regulate your sleep patterns and relieve a lot of your stress also.
The functionality of 5-HTP is that acts as a precursor of serotonin as it is a by-product of tryptophan which means that it leads to the production of serotonin in the brain.
5-HTP restores serotonin levels in your brain and improves your mood, signs of anxiety, depression, headaches, etc. The advantage of using 5-HTP over other chemically synthesized drugs is that while other drugs will inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin, 5-HTP produces more serotonin in the brain which leads to the creation of stores of this neurotransmitter in the brain.
L-Tryptophan
L-Tryptophan is the precursor serotonin and can help improve the levels of serotonin in your body. It is easily found in most of the food that are rich in protein.
Tryptophan supplements can increase the serotonin levels in your brain since food containing tryptophan takes time to cross the blood barrier and get active in the brain.
The drug or chemical works by getting converted into serotonin and is found to be quite effective for the treatment of insomnia, depression, etc. and is quite a boon for people with allergies or low tolerance for 5-HTP.
Sometimes you can also take this for a better mood and motivation since this drug works in a gentle way to bring out a positive feeling in you. Additionally, this drug can also be used to improve the levels of protein, vitamins, and enzymes in your body.
SAM-e
A molecule or chemical formed naturally in the body, SAM-e (pronounced: Sammy) has the added advantage of being able to synthesized or produced in a laboratory also.
This supplement can be used as a dietary supplement as well as a prescription drug for depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, etc. SAM-e works by being involved in the breakdown of chemicals such as hormones, proteins, phospholipids in the body. Specifically, it is employed for the breakdown of bilirubin in your body.
This drug is used to treat the disorders such as ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, headache, etc. It is also found to be effective in the treatment of symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
The efficiency of Sam-e is often attributed to the fact that it is produced from a commonly found amino acid methionine, which is present in almost all your body cells and plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin.
St John’s Wort
Considered to be a herbal supplement and a natural treatment for the mental health disorders most importantly depression, St. John’s Wort is quite a popular production of Serotonin.
St. John’s wort is planted with yellow flowers that are found all over the United States of America and generally considered to be a weed. These plant extracts are considered to have antidepressant agents in them as they function as serotonin and dopamine reuptake inhibitors and ensures that enough of these chemicals are available in your brain.
The advantage of taking St. John’s wort is that it is equally effective in the production of serotonin without any withdrawal or other side effects.
The serotonin production and antidepressant effects of St. John’s wort are commonly attributed to the presence of cyclo pseudo-hypericin, hypericin, hyperforin, isohypericin, protohypericin, pseudohypericin and several other flavonoids which are its active ingredients.
Green Tea
Loaded with anti-oxidants and nutrients, Green Tea is considered to the healthiest beverage of all. Green tea is the category of tea that is made from the tea leaves that have not been withered and oxidized as the other form of tea leaves.
They are known to be efficient in improving brain functions, body metabolism, lowering the risk of cancer, etc. Since it contains loads of polyphenols, it works as an oxidant, and the presence of caffeine brings out the stimulant properties in it.
Though Green tea can be consumed directly, you can also try taking a green tea extract supplement if you do not have the habit or schedule of consuming tea on a regular basis.
One of the most popular Green Tea Extract Supplement is Zenwise Labs Advanced Green tea extract. Their unique capsules aid in weight loss and energy boost with a vegan formula hence you don’t risk of getting too much caffeine in your system.
The extract contains Vitamin C, EGCG, etc. Vitamin C helps protect against aging signs by fighting free radicals in the system while EGCG helps you feel and look younger and more energetic.
Probiotics
Your system especially the digestive system runs on the presence and timely action of the various microorganisms such as friendly bacteria, virus present in your body. Sometimes the necessary levels of these microorganism dip and you are required to take additional supplements. This is especially true in the case of children or adults who have recently been a victim of an infection. These external supplements are known as Probiotics, and they keep the count of good microorganisms up in your systems.
A common and famous probiotic that is used to improve the immunity levels is Dr. TOBIAS- Optimum Probiotics: Deep Immune System Support - with Patented Probiotic Booster.
A proven formula known to effectively increase the level of friendly micro-organisms, Dr. Tobias probiotic is found to be quite efficient in small doses as well. Since it delivers directly into the intestine, you will find it to be a strong protector of the acids present in your stomach.
This probiotic contains Vegetable cellulose (DRcaps), maltodextrin and medium chain triglycerides among other supplements such as DE111 which is known for its spore-forming tendency and is one of the main reasons for Dr. Tobias probiotic’s efficacy.
Garcinia Cambogia
A fruit found in the tropical regions, Garcinia Cambogia, is also known as Malabar Tamarind. Traditionally, this is used as a weight loss supplement as it reduces the fat storing or producing ability of your body. Other uses of this product include keeping blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control.
The hydroxycitric acid which is the active ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia’s rind boosts fat-burning metabolisms and reduces appetites. Another way of reducing appetite is for the fruit to boost serotonin levels which give you a sense of feeling satisfied and less hungry.
One of the most commercially available products of Garcinia Cambogia extract is Quality’s Garcinia Cambogia’s strength supplement.
This supplement contains milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, along with sufficient levels of arsenic, cadmium, yeast, E-coli, salmonella, etc.
Rhodiola Rosea
A naturally occurring nootropic, Rhodiola is taken from a herb that is called Rhodiola Rosea. This herb can be used to reduce signs of fatigue, exhaustion by increasing the glucose update and activation of corresponding muscle cells in your body.
This is most generally referred to as the supplement that should be taken to calm you after a long tiring day and also to avoid burnout by reducing stress. Rhodiola Rosea contains a compound called Salidroside that is responsible for this soothing effect.
Though there are a lot of supplements available in the market that contain Rhodiola Rosea, Supernova Naturals supplement takes the cake.
Considered to be the most potent of all, the product contains Rhodiola Rosea that is harvested from Siberia which is a premium source.
A herbal supplement this is one of the purest and strongest supplements available in the market today.
Omega 3 essential fatty acids
Fats generally as a principle have a very shady reputation. They are cited as reasons for heart disease, obesity, backaches, etc. However, there are some fatty acids that are essential to your well-being.
One such fatty acid is the Omega 3 fatty acid. They help lower blood fat or triglyceride levels along with treating arthritis, depression, ADHD, asthma, mood improvement, etc. They are found naturally in a lot of food such as fishes like trout, bluefish, sardines, salmonella, etc. as well as vegetarian options like walnuts, flaxseed oil, etc.
Though all these dietary sources are great for increasing the level of Omega 3 fatty acid, sometimes your personal food choices can stop you from taking them regularly. Commercial Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are one way to surmount this challenge. Also, Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil Triple Strength can be a good choice among all other supplements.
This supplement comes in various dosages hence can be taken as per your requirement.
It is third party tested and certified for its purity and efficiency levels. This supplement contains Fish Oil Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement, Triple Strength Non-GMO Formula as well as vegetable glycerine and natural vitamin E and is known to be very good if you are suffering from heart ailments and symptoms of reduced serotonin levels.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is more famous as a nootropic than it is a producer or improver of serotonin levels in your body. The drug is basically taken from tea leaves that are found in eastern parts of the Asian subcontinent. L-theanine has a calming effect on your nerves and is considered to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. The drug crosses the blood-brain barrier to elevate the levels of serotonin in your brain and improve your mood, reduce depression and also calm your nerves.
This compound can be exclusively found in black, and green tea hence is not easily accessible to all. On the other hand, there are various L-Theanine supplements available in the market that can do the same job at a good efficiency.
Suntheanine, a commercially available L-Theanine supplement is the most popular and efficient of all.
A potent and pure form of L-theanine, this supplement is found to be good at reducing stress levels and producing relaxation state in you.
It's an effective way of increasing alpha brain waves is attributed to the presence of Suntheanine l-theanine, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Yellow Beeswax, Softgel Capsule and other such active ingredients in the compound.
This supplement is also tested by an external agency and has been found to be safe and effective in various studies.