Hormones are chemicals produced by endocrine glands throughout our body. They travel through the bloodstream, acting as messengers, transmitting chemical signals to tissues and organs, helping them function properly and play an important role in many bodily processes.
One of their most important functions is mood regulation.
Certain hormones are known to help boost positive emotions, including those of happiness and pleasure.
So, which are the happiness hormones?
Dopamine: Also known as the "good mood" hormone, dopamine acts both as a hormone and as a neurotransmitter and is an important part of our brain's reward system. Dopamine is associated with pleasant sensations, along with learning, memory, motor function, etc. Dopamine levels increase through exercise, your favorite music, quality sleep, and the consumption of tyrosine-rich foods.
Serotonin: It acts both as a hormone and as a neurotransmitter. It is produced through tryptophan, an amino acid obtained through diet and found in foods such as nuts, cheese and red meat. It helps regulate mood by enhancing joy, calmness, concentration and emotional stability. It also contributes to the proper function of our sleep cycle, our appetite, our digestion, our learning ability and our memory. In addition to diet, serotonin levels are increased through exercise, meditation and safe exposure to sunlight.
Oxytocin: Often referred to as the "love hormone", oxytocin is a hormone produced in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, at the base of our brain. It is necessary in childbirth, breastfeeding and strengthens the emotional bond between parent and child. This hormone can also help promote trust, empathy and emotional bonding in relationships, as oxytocin levels increase with physical contact and the expression of affectionate feelings (kisses, hugs, etc.).
Endorphins: Endorphins are small groups of proteins produced in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus of the brain, released through the spinal cord and channeled into the bloodstream. They are a natural analgesic, which our body produces in response to stress or discomfort by neutralizing high levels of adrenaline and they are considered the best medicine against bad mood. Endorphin levels also tend to increase through some activities such as exercise, sex, laughter and chocolate consumption.