Serotonin, endorphin, dopamine, oxytocin… The secretion of these neurotransmitters causes us to experience feelings of euphoria that are almost addictive ! Without them, we would not be able to experience positive feelings of well-being, security, or accomplishment.
Dopamine
Called the reward or pleasure hormone, dopamine is involved in many motor, psychological , and behavioral functions . It guides many of our behaviors, including the sensation of pleasure. Its appearance relies on a neural network called the “ reward circuit, ” which is fundamental to the normal functioning of our body. It is this network that is at the origin of “addiction” to pleasure and the desire to always seek it, whether in our relationships or in the practice of physical or moral activities.
Endorphins
Also called “endomorphins”, these are neuropeptides synthesized by the brain, regulating functions such as physical pain (muscles, aches, etc.) and mental pain : stress, arousal, reward, and vigilance. Similar to morphine , the production of endorphins allows it to act on the body thanks to its analgesic effect , all without the side effects that can be experienced by consuming morphine.
This neurotransmitter regulates blood pressure , muscle tone and blood flow , and can be accelerated in stressful situations, for example, in order to regain a sense of calm and return to normal as quickly as possible.
Serotonin
Serotonin is one of the most studied neurotransmitters . The body produces it indirectly through food by providing tryptophan , an essential amino acid. It affects mood, appetite, libido , and alertness, and its involvement in emotions is undeniable. A deficiency in serotonin can, unfortunately, lead to depression.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a multifaceted hormone that, beyond its connection to maternal behavior, also shows its importance for other physiological functions such as social and prosocial behaviors like attachment. Also called the trust hormone, it encourages empathy and generosity, making it indispensable for humans .
How are these hormones triggered in our body?
Many activities will allow the body to find resources capable of producing these hormones: doing sport, meditation, walking in nature, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, etc. In short, all the activities that contribute to our physical and mental balance will help to synthesize these hormones and make us happy and in a good mood .
The importance of diet in the production of happy hormones
Leave behind ultra-processed foods , often too sweet or too fatty, which will only bring you a feeling of fleeting satisfaction , quickly replaced by major remorse! A healthy and balanced diet will bring you more vitality, happiness and gratitude in the long term.
To produce dopamine, choose foods rich in tyrosine, such as eggs, spinach, or fish, to give you positive feelings that influence your behavior. Serotonin can be produced from tryptophan, an amino acid that can be provided by foods such as brown rice, legumes (lentils, peas, beans, etc.), meat, fish, oilseeds, or even dark chocolate, which is an excellent source of this amino acid, while also inducing the synthesis of endorphins .
Generally speaking, all foods rich in omega-3 are likely to help us trigger them: rapeseed, flax, pumpkin, walnut or hazelnut oils or even all small oily fish (sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel).
On the other hand, oxytocin is not found and cannot be provided by any particular food . It is the relationship, whether friendly or romantic, that will trigger the attachment hormone and produce in us the feeling of trust . A true feeling of happiness that acts directly on the brain!
Addicted to dreams, hugs, laughter, and success? Your hormones are a real therapy in your daily life and are essential for your well-being. Don't neglect them!
