Happiness hormones : what are they and how do they work?

How to boost your happy hormones?

You’ve probably already heard of them: the hormones of happiness and motivation! In a more scientific context, we’re actually talking about dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin, neurotransmitters involved in numerous behaviors including mood and motivation.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical compound whose purpose is to send a message to a neuron and so on. It has a number of roles, such as helping the kidneys and heart to function properly, but also has more “intimate” benefits… In fact, it provides immediate pleasures, notably sexual energy and motivation.

How to boost dopamine?

There are various ways to boost your dopamine, here are just a few:

Eat less saturated fat and more protein
Get enough sleep
Play sports
Listen to music
Enjoying the sun
Meditation exercises
Stroking an animal (yes, yes, it’s been proven!)

Endorphins

Neuropeptides synthesized by the brain, like dopamine, endorphins provoke pleasure and act as analgesics and anxiolytics. In particular, they reduce stress and physical pain and, like dopamine, can provoke immediate pleasure.

How to boost endorphins?

Practising sport
Sexual stimulation
Laughing
Taking a hot bath
Playing or listening to music
Drinking a small glass of wine (in moderation, of course)
Massages
Sunbathing
Yoga or meditation

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide whose primary role is to transmit information to a multitude of receptors simultaneously. For women, it ensures uterine tone and triggers contractions during childbirth.

It is massively produced during :

Moments spent with friends
Moments of kindness and gratitude
Intimate or affectionate relationships

It’s the hormone of attachment and love.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter, serotonin regulates mood, sleep, food cravings and hunger pangs. Like other hormones, serotonin is a natural antidepressant. If serotonin production is too low, the individual is at risk of stress, which can even lead to depression, as well as sexual, eating and mood disorders.

How can I boost my serotonin levels?

By practising sport
Enjoying the sun
Meditation
Eat a healthy diet rich in L-tryptophan (milk, chocolate, bananas, oilseeds, etc.).

Can we boost our happy hormones?

There are a number of plants that play a direct role in the synthesis of happy hormones and are excellent natural alternatives to antidepressants (but not compatible): Griffonia: This adaptogenic plant comes to us from Africa, mainly from Ghana and the Ivory Coast, and is known for its therapeutic benefits.

Find out more on the Griffonia ingredient sheet.

It is an invaluable ally against insomnia, periods of stress and depression, headaches and bulimia. Its benefits are similar to those of serotonin, as it contains 5-HTP (also known as Oxitriptan), which, like serotonin, acts directly on the mind and mood by activating neurotransmitters, helping to balance the nervous system.

Rhodiola: An adaptogenic plant native to cold climates (North America, Scandinavia, Siberia…), Rhodiola promotes the proliferation of dopamine and serotonin in the nervous system, resulting in a feeling of calm and serenity. In addition to bringing peace of mind, it enhances physical, intellectual and sexual performance.

Find out more about Rhodiola in our ingredient fact sheet.

Saffron: an adaptogen originally from the Middle East, but first cultivated in Greece, saffron is a well-known spice, widely used in cooking for its intoxicating fragrance and flavor, but it also has many surprises in store for us: it has been shown to have therapeutic benefits. In fact, saffron is a natural alternative to antidepressants, as it also acts on the formation of serotonin and dopamine molecules, thus acting on several levels of our nervous system.

Find out more on the Saffron ingredient sheet.

Tryptophan from milk: Tryptophan is an amino acid found in milk. It plays a role in the production of serotonin, the sleep hormone, so consuming tryptophan helps you fall asleep. However, tryptophan is not only found in milk: it can also be found in eggs, soy, chicken, dark chocolate…

Coffee: Coffee also acts directly on dopamine, which is a mood regulator. In fact, when we drink a cup of coffee, the brain secretes the happy hormone of reward (dopamine), and half an hour after drinking our cup of coffee, the effect of dopamine will be felt! However, as with all excesses, you mustn’t overdo it!

Which MiYé product can boost your happy hormones?

MiYé offers you a dietary supplement based on 3 plants: griffonia, rhodiola and saffron, which act on the happiness hormones dopamine and serotonin. This dietary supplement helps you overcome mental and physical fatigue, as well as the mood swings associated with menstrual cycles. A synergy of a complex of 3 highly-assimilable magnesiums, 3 adaptogenic plants that are precursors of dopamine and serotonin, and group B and D vitamins to combat stress and cravings, and promote concentration and serenity.

This dietary supplement against physical and mental fatigue acts on several levels:

Promotes a good mood
Stimulates mental energy, motivation and concentration
Helps control impulsive eating behaviour (food cravings)
Boosts motivation and concentration
Improves sleep quality
Promotes good hormonal and nervous balance

Find here our dietary supplement “[MY] essential serenity”.