Wellness Wednesday: Are You Struggling to Lose Those Extra Pounds? A Serotonin Imbalance Could Be The Problem

Are you following a diet and exercise routine but not seeing any changes in your size? The difficulty in losing weight could be due to a serotonin imbalance.

Serotonin may be best known as a neurotransmitter that fights anxiety and depression. However, it also plays a major role in digestive health. In fact, most of the serotonin in your body is in your gut, rather than in your brain.

If you're interested on how to utilise this natural appetite suppressant to your advantage, read on to discover more about how serotonin impacts weight loss and the lifestyle choices you can make to support its functions.

How Serotonin Affects Weight Loss

1.Supress your appetite.

Serotonin affects your brain’s melanocortin system, which helps regulate body weight. It activates some neurons that decrease appetite and blocks others that increase appetite.

2.Control cravings.

If you often crave snacks like biscuits and a bar of chocolate in the evenings, serotonin can be beneficial in reducing carbohydrate cravings. Remember that your body still requires some healthy carbohydrate intake, typically around 40% of your daily calories.

3. Boost calorie burning.

 Low levels of serotonin may lead to increased fat storage in your body. Correcting any imbalance can aid in weight loss, particularly around your midsection, which is very beneficial for your overall health.

4. Reduce emotional eating.

Do you find yourself reaching for comfort foods when you’re sad or frustrated?  By stabilising your moods, serotonin can help reduce the tendency to turn to comfort foods when you're feeling low.

How to Boost Serotonin Levels

1. Exercise regularly.

Physical activity boosts serotonin levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, focusing on cardio and strength training if weight loss is your goal.

2. Adjust your diet.

A nutritious diet rich in whole foods supports serotonin production. For a bigger boost, consume probiotics and foods high in tryptophan, like salmon and chia seeds.

3. Manage stress.

Stress hormones like cortisol can suppress serotonin. Incorporate relaxation practices into your daily routine to help maintain balanced serotonin levels.

4. Consider supplements.

While research findings are mixed, some adults report positive results using serotonin supplements. You can also find formulas with related substances like 5-HTP and vitamin D.

5. See your GP (General Practitoner/Doctor).

Difficulty in losing weight can have various underlying medical causes. Your doctor can provide insights into your serotonin requirements and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Other Natural Appetite Suppressants

1. Eat more fibre.

Along with serotonin and exercise, there are many more natural and safe ways to regulate hunger. One of the most effective is focusing on foods high in fibre that will fill you up with fewer calories. A healthy fibre intake for adults, is typically around 30g a day.

2. Stay hydrated.

Opt for beverages with minimal or no calories to help curb your appetite. Drink water or tea throughout the day. Beverages with little or no calories can quench your thirst and make food easier to resist. Sip water or tea throughout the day.

3. Eat mindfully.

Your brain needs about 20 minutes to register that it’s full. Allow your brain time to register fullness by eating slowly. Engage in conversation during meals to make them more enjoyable and less likely to lead to overeating.

4. Use spices.

Certain spices like ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon can help reduce your appetite. Flavour your meals with these spices to aid in appetite control.

5. Distract yourself.

Remember there’s a difference between true hunger and appetite. You may be eating for psychological reasons if you only want something specific, like ice cream or pizza.  Engage in non-food-related activities to divert your attention and allow cravings to subside.

When your serotonin levels are balanced, you'll experience increased energy, feel satiated with less food, and may also enjoy improved mood, better sleep, and relief from common conditions like headaches. Additionally, achieving weight loss can lead to overall well-being and happiness.

By|feelgoodvibesco @womenwhoslay