Remember the lovely feelings you got when you fell in love or the rage you felt when someone insulted you? It’s all a result of chemical reactions taking place inside our bodies. Each time we experience a feeling, good or bad, our hormones are at work. Therefore, the more we know about our hormones, the better equipped we are to understand the way we feel.
Serotonin.
Also called the happiness hormone, serotonin helps regulate moods and prevents depression. Serotonin is released by sunlight exposure. Research shows that if you go for long periods of time without sunlight, you are likely to develop depression. So, bask out! However, remember to wear sunblock to prevent sun damage.
You can also trigger the serotonin hormone by eating food rich in carbohydrates. Now you know why you feel so good after eating a pizza or French fries! Nonetheless, everything in moderation, ladies! Additionally, exercising helps regulate the serotonin hormone. It could be a brisk evening walk, a 30-minute run or a complete gym workout.
Endorphins.
The feel-good hormone. Endorphins are naturally occurring neurotransmitters produced in the brain. They act as the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. They make you feel good, help reduce anxiety and dull your sensitivity to pain.
Endorphins are released in response to stress and pain. And also, during pleasurable activities like eating, sex and exercise. It seems you can’t run away from your daily 30-minute run! Endorphins work by binding to opioid receptors in the nervous system. Just like how drugs like morphine work. That’s why terms like ‘runner’s high’ exist.
Dopamine.
The brain’s reward system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects several bodily functions, including emotions and movement. It is produced in the body from the amino acid tyrosine, and plays a critical role in learning, pleasure and motivation.
Dopamine helps you feel mentally alert. The lack of it might cause a lack of attention, concentration and grumpiness. Dopamine is released when eating foods rich in protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish. However, it is best to keep the portions small and lean. A palm-sized one is just right.
Phenylethamine.
You meet a guy and he looks like ‘William Levy’, tall, handsome, and with a smile that could kill. Then your body starts to react, like butterflies in your stomach, and you think it is love at first sight; hold on, it could just be phenylethamine hormones.
Phenylethamine is the hormone that results in the mushy feelings you get in the early stages of a dating relationship. It provokes the giddy sensations some people feel when they are falling in love. Cocoa beans contain phenylethamine, so eating a small piece of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, a few times a week could make you feel deliciously loved up. Now isn’t that good news?
Ghrelin.
The hunger hormone. Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite and signals the brain to eat. Its levels rise when you are hungry and decrease after you eat. When you overeat, you stop this hormone from working. Therefore, always eat until you are just satisfied.
Ghrelin hormone also triggers the release of growth hormones. It also helps reduce stress and enables you to become more relaxed. It’s no wonder people turn to food for comfort. Ghrelin also plays a role in fat storage and contributes to cardiovascular and glucose metabolism. ❤️
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
