UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT HORMONES, THEIR FUNCTION AND WAYS TO BOOST THEM

Hormones are chemical messengers that manage hundreds of bodily processes. They are responsible for coordinating different functions in our body. Several glands, organs and tissues make and release hormones, which further build the endocrine system. Hormones are essential for life and your health as these signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.

As of now, scientists have identified 50 hormones in the human body so far. While some of these are essential for your body to function properly, others are not that significant. Here are a few key hormones which are essential for your overall well-being.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for making you feel happy and essential for your well-being. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. Serotonin also plays a key role in body functions as sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire. To boost your serotonin levels, you should consume foods rich in tryptophan. For instance, eggs, cheese, nuts, and seeds. Regular exposure to sunlight also helps increasing the serotonin levels.

Dopamine

Your nervous system uses dopamine to send messages between nerve cells. It plays a key role in how we feel pleasure. It is essential for motivation, focus, and pleasure. Imbalances in dopamine levels can often lead to reduced motivation, fatigue, and mood swings. To boost your dopamine levels, consume foods high in tyrosine, such as almonds, bananas, eggs, beans, fish, and chicken. Engaging in physical activity also increases dopamine levels.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin manages the key aspects of the female and male reproductive systems, including labor, delivery, and lactation. It also manages multiple aspects of human behavior. The two main functions of this hormone as to stimulate uterine contractions in labor and childbirth and to stimulate contractions of breast tissue to aid in lactation after childbirth. Different forms of physical affection boosts oxytocin levels, including hugs, cuddling, and spending quality times with loved ones.

Cortisol

Cortisol is your body's main stress hormone. You can think of it as nature's built-in alarm system which works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear. Your adrenal glands make cortisol. It plays an important role in a couple of things that your body does. For instance, regulating blood pressure, keeping inflammation low, increasing glucose, controlling your sleep cycle, boosting energy, and more.

Endorphins

Endorphins are hormones which are released when your body feels pain or stress. They are produced in your brain. These hormones are produced to help relieve pain and improve mood. You can think of them as body's natural painkillers. Some ways to boost your endorphin levels are high-intensity workouts, watching comedy shows, spending time with your friends, listening to your favourite music. Sometimes consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can also boost your endorphin levels.

2024-06-25T09:59:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd