Next in the series of hormones that affect us!
Why is it that the sun really does have a positive effect on us? Now we are in August the sunshine and holiday month let’s take a look at this.
Have you noticed that being in the sunlight naturally makes us feel great? Well, there is a very good reason and that is it has a positive effect on our hormones!
People that suffer in the winter with the SAD syndrome(Seasonal Affective Disorder) really relish when the days become longer and lighter. This phenomenon is because exposure to sunlight gives increases the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin.
Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. So other than being in the sun how do we get Serotonin? Well first of all we need to have serotonin in the body for it to be released and used.
Serotonin is a chemical that is produced in nerve cells. Its prime job is to send signals between all your nerve cells. It is mostly found in the digestive system and also in blood platelets and throughout the nervous system.
It is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan? Essential meaning that it must come from our foods or supplements as our body does not make it.
Foods that are high in tryptophan include:
Eggs
Nuts and Seeds
Turkey
Milk
Cheese
Salmon
Tofu
Pineapples
What does Serotonin do for us?
Serotonin actually impacts the whole body, from our fine motor skills to our emotions. It is also known as a natural mood stabiliser. Helping with sleep, eating, and also digestion of food. It also helps us reduce depression and anxiety, helps heals wounds, and helps bone health.
So quite an important chemical that our body needs to regulate our mood naturally. When you are in balance you will feel happier, calmer, and more focused to do what you need to get done. You feel less anxious and you also become emotionally stable.
This is just one of the hormones that is not only necessary but essential for our bodies to function effectively.
With regards to fertility, I think it is pretty obvious, that having our body relaxed will have a positive impact on other hormones and therefore fertility in general.
Keep your eyes lifted upon the sun ….. and you will see the best light in everyone…
Tess Guinery