Serotonin deficiency can be very harmful to our body and mental health. It is commonly associated with illnesses like anxiety, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, and many others. When our body doesn't get the proper amount of it, we can feel like there is something wrong with us, our self-esteem can be lowered, resulting in social and work problems, but there are few ways to prevent that.
By some, serotonin is called “the molecule of happiness”.
It’s a naturally occurring substance that works as a neurotransmitter to carry information all across the nervous system. In the brain, it helps regulate our mood and memory, but it also helps with sleep, bone health, sexual functions, and anxiety levels.
Not many people are aware that most serotonin is found in the digestive system. It is made from a particular kind of amino acid that has to be provided to the body. It’s not that difficult, as it can be found in various foods like nuts, cheeses, and red meat.
Serotonin deficiency can be very harmful to our body and mental health. It is commonly associated with illnesses like anxiety, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, and many others. When our body doesn’t get the proper amount of it, we can feel like there is something wrong with us, our self-esteem can be lowered, resulting in social and work problems, but there are few ways to prevent that.
Supplements
Some herbs and plants can help activate the receptors that affect serotonin production; however, you have to be sure which one to use safely. Research suggests that some herbal supplements, such as those that contain Rhodiola Rosea or Ashwagandha, can even reduce the symptoms of mild depression.
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CBD
Scientists have recognised the positive impact that CBD can have only recently, which is one of the factors that led to it becoming legal in the UK. It was discovered that CBD could attach itself to the 5-HT1A receptor and cause the improvement of sleep and appetite while reducing nausea and anxiety. You can buy CBD in numerous forms like CBD gum, oil, gummy bears, etc.
Kava
Kava-Kava is a plant that grows commonly in Polynesia. It is proven that Kava has a positive effect on our mind, as it makes it less worried. The extracts bind the dopamine, serotonin, and opiate receptors. Kava also helps with good sleep, and it’s used as a supplement in cancer treatments. The effects vary depending on the strain, but all of them will help manage the anxiety and sleep.
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Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t like chocolate? It’s sweet, tasty, and has a beautiful smell. Aside from that, chocolate contains serotonin and some of its precursors like L-tryptophan. Regular consumption of small amounts can lower stress levels and blood pressure.
Diet
In order to regulate serotonin levels, you have to consume an amino acid called tryptophan. It is found primarily in high-protein foods like turkey or salmon. This amino acid needs to be consumed with carbohydrates that can be found in pasta, potatoes, bread, and pastries to enter the brain. That’s one reason why carbs can be so addictive – they can simply make you happy. Too much of them may result in weight gain, which can be bad for your health, but there are ways to do it the healthy way. More complex carbohydrates can be found in apples, carrots, and beans, and it’s best to mix them with ingredients like spinach, eggs, nuts, soy, or poultry. Like chocolate, all of them contain L-tryptophan.
Exercise
Regular exercise can be the serotonin booster you need to live your life better. Multiple studies show that sport is the best way to prevent certain types of mental illnesses and make your life easier. Even as little as five minutes outside can improve your mood for a whole day, as sunlight triggers serotonin synthesis. Just find something you like, it could be anything from running to yoga or basketball.
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Massage
Massages are a great way to relieve your body of stress. Cortisol is a hormone that your body produces when you are stressed. It works with certain parts of the brain and has an impact on your mood and motivation. After the threat has passed, cortisol levels will lower gradually, but nowadays, a lot of people live in constant stress. That’s why we need more things that can reduce it. When cortisol levels decline, serotonin’s increase; and as a result, you are helping your body fight off pain, anxiety, and sadness.
Meditation
It’s another natural way to reduce stress. Meditation and mindfulness can help you calm down and turn your thoughts to a more happy direction. It’s commonly practiced with some breathing exercises that can lower the heartbeat and blood pressure. Evidence has shown that it can boost dopamine and serotonin levels, so you will feel much more peaceful.
When you start meditating, try to do some mental exercises as well. Thinking about good things and remembering positive memories can help increase serotonin levels. Think about positive experiences with your friends and family, visualize a happy moment and go with the flow.
The Bottom Line
Serotonin matters a great deal for our body. It regulates so much, from proper bowel movement to our mood. Keeping it on a proper level is crucial for the life we want to have.
Unfortunately, due to the times we live in and the sedentary lifestyle, more and more people struggle with mental health each year.
Remember that you are not alone and if you see any signs of depression in yourself, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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Salford City manager delivers X-rated, fiery and inspiring speech in new behind-the-scenes series
Danny Jones
Salford City FC manager Karl Robinson delivered an extremely passionate and X-rated dressing room speech to his players in a recent clip taken from the club’s new behind-the-scenes series.
The Salford City boss has divided opinion among the supporters during his time in charge at the Peninsula Stadium, but it’s fair to say this no-holds-barred clip will have at least won over a few.
Robinson has been the head coach of The Ammies since January 2024 and missed out on playoff places by just a single point last term, but the Greater Manchester side has made a strong start to the new League Two campaign.
Claiming 16 points from their first eight fixtures, with only Swindon Town and Gillingham having notched more thus far, it seems a fire has been lit under his squad. It would certainly seem to be the case – at least judging by this new footage, anyway…
Looks really good so far lads absolutely love this
What you see above is a snippet from just the second episode of SCFC’s new ‘This Is Salford’ online show, which debuted this season and lifts the lid on City, Robinson, co-owner Gary Neville (who has helped produce the digital series) and more.
Although it’s not quite on the scale of the famous Class of ’92: Out of Their League programme and Full Time spin-off special aired on television over the past decade, the recurring YouTube documentary will chronicle matchdays and much more.
The club have also explained that the digital-only show will also be split into two sub-sections; one is the kind of matchday coverage already shared, with the promise that it will always be released within “36 hours of the final whistle”.
Secondly, there will be This Is Salford: ‘Our Story‘ episodes, which they describe as sharing “a deeper level of storytelling, following players, coaches and club staff on everything from transfers to causes they’re passionate about.” Think Welcome to Wrexham, perhaps.
It just so happens the latest instalment caught the 45-year-old’s fuming rant following comments made by a player on the way back into the dugout.
While some fans have responded by commenting, “I’m pretty sure they didn’t want this kind of changing room” – citing past straight-talking managers who went on to be dismissed – the reception has been largely positive, with another replying: “I love the way Robbo commands the dressing room.”
Speaking via club media this week, Neville teased the series as going further in the amount they intend to reveal compared to the likes of Manchester City’s All Or Nothing or Together: Treble Winners docuseries, for instance.
Admittedly, not everyone has been convinced by the reaction from Robinson captured during their away trip to Notts County back on 9 August, going on to win the game 2-1.
One person accused him of ‘blagging’ and possibly playing up his anger towards the camera, while others have already seen it as evidence backing up why they have performed well thus far. Either way, they were victorious on the night and are currently third in the table.
Neville reiterated that “We need to get this out there as it happens. It needs to be in real time. It’s their Salford, it’s the fans’ Salford, and we want to show it.”
You can watch the episode in full and see what exactly sparked the fiery speech by Karl Robinson on the Salford City YouTube channel down below.
Featured Images — Salford City FC (screenshots via YouTube)
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Didsbury favourite Rustik has confirmed its will sadly be closing this month
Danny Jones
West Didsbury favourite Rustik has sadly announced it will be closing for food after a decade at the end of this month.
The beloved Burton cafe and bar has been a staple of the tight-knit foodie neighbourhood since 2015, but now the independent Irish eatery has confirmed that the business will be shutting down permanently in less than a fortnight.
Confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September, the casual Manc restaurant and hangout informed their loyal followers of the unfortunate news.
Unsurprisingly, their social media has been awash with condolences, collective sadness and support for the local institution.
Posting across all of their accounts, Rustik wrote: “After an unforgettable 10 years on Burton Road, the time has come to close our doors. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — never in a million years did we imagine Rustik would grow into what it became.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every single one of you who walked through our doors and supported us along the way. We poured everything we had — our time, our energy, our lives into making Rustik a space for everyone. And what a ride it’s been.
“From the chaotic, beautiful brunch shifts to late nights dancing on tables to ‘Wagon Wheel’, pushing through the challenges of COVID and helping our community with meals during hard times— we’ve done it all, together.
“To our amazing staff, past and present: thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the love you brought every single day. You helped build something truly special, and we’ll never be able to thank you enough.
“To the incredible musicians who filled our space with life — keep doing what you do. The noise complaints? 100% worth the unforgettable nights.”
The team go on to detail that the official closing date is Tuesday, 30 September, reiterating that it is “business running as usual until then” and urging fans to “come down, grab your last Rustik fix, and raise a glass with us one final time.”
Signing off with an emotional farewell, they add: “Lastly, a message close to our hearts: please support your local cafes, bars, and independents. Hospitality is tough right now, and they need your support more than ever.
“Thank you for the most incredible decade of our lives. It’s over and out from us.”
It goes without saying that we’re gutted to see Rustik go and know how much it meant not only to the Burton Road community, but also to the Didsbury community, Chorlton and many other Greater Manchester natives.
The Manc -
16th February 2021 
