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Hormones of joy: how hormonal levels affect mood and energy levels. Mechanisms of the influence of hormones on human mood Hormone of laughter and joy name

How often do we catch ourselves feeling that the feeling of happiness is too fleeting, and after happy and joyful moments, sadness or even disappointment sets in! This process is explained by the chemical breakdown of the so-called “happiness hormones”, and we have four such “happy” hormones in our body: dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin and serotonin.

If you understand how hormones control brain function, you can try to control hormones.

Hormones of happiness - Dopamine

How is Dopamine released? Dopamine is produced after the successful completion of any of our tasks, regardless of its objective value: it could be the completion of a difficult work project or a beautifully set table. This is where the problem lies, because we often rejoice only in significant victories and do not notice our small daily achievements. This is also the key to hormone management - do not devalue your small victories.

How to maintain a constant release of Dopamine in the body? Very simple! Praise yourself for any small job well done: for cleaning the house, for repairing your bicycle, for not being late for a meeting. Observe yourself, notice every little thing in your daily activities that can become a source of satisfaction.

Hormones of happiness - Endorphin

The hormone of joy Endorphin is released when the usual rhythm of life changes and emotional background. For example, endorphin is released in athletes, actors, and those who have a good sense of humor. Hence the conclusion: daily physical activity, more smiles, jokes and healthy laughter - and now, you have already begun to synthesize Endorphin! Endorphin helps you move in the direction opposite to depression and boredom.

Hormones of happiness -Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone responsible for feelings of trust, reliability and security. Oxytocin is produced in those moments when we feel bad good relationship with other people. Sociable, friendly people receive a constant surge of oxytocin into the blood. People who are unsociable almost certainly have an oxytocin “starvation.” In order not to suffer from anxiety and restlessness, communicate with friends, make new acquaintances, collect friends, not enemies.

Hormones of happiness - Serotonin

Serotonin is the hormone of the notorious “positivity” and pleasure. If you tend to see first negative aspects and focus on failures - you have a clear serotonin “starvation”. Only a conscious effort can help here - look at the situation from a different angle, come from the other side, find and formulate the positive side. Any situation is ambiguous: you were fired from your job, but there is a chance to start new career; got sick, but now had time to read and watch movies; quarreled with a friend - there is a reason to delve into yourself and the depths of psychology, etc. etc. Serotonin is in your hands!

Human sensations are inextricably linked with the chemical processes occurring in the brain, where complex mechanism production various substances. Happiness, joy, pleasure are provided by neurohormones of the brain - dopamine and serotonin. Endorphins compensate for stress and pain. If various disorders lead to the loss of a harmonious spectrum of feelings, life becomes incomplete. To return brain function to normal condition you need to understand exactly what disorders have arisen and try to restore the full production of happiness hormones using various means help the body, including pills.

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Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical related to catecholamines. It is a neurotransmitter that transmits signals from nerve cells to the limbic system of the brain. Dopamine released by neurons activates it, and emotions of pleasure are released. A person experiences a feeling of comfort, increased mood and sensuality. The intensity of pleasure is directly dependent on the concentration of dopamine.

The natural production of the hormone can be stimulated by activities that bring pleasure - drinking your favorite food and drinks, alcohol; having sex, smoking, etc. The more often these actions are repeated, the faster you can get pleasure. Moreover, the process begins at the preparation stage, so dopamine acts as a motivator.

The emergence of addictions is caused by uncontrolled stimulation of dopamine production. In the absence of pleasure, the condition is characterized by worsening mood and depression. To maintain mood balance, a person must independently set limits in the activation of dopamine. Habits need to be formed not only in the sensory sphere (food, sex, alcohol), but also in the sphere of physical activity and creativity. These actions, performed with pleasure, bring, in addition to satisfaction, a visible result.

If for some reason the production of dopamine in the human body is reduced, the part of the brain responsible for motor activity, the following symptoms appear:

muscle stiffness;
lack of facial expressions;
delayed movements.

Often this condition precedes Parkinson's disease.

With age, the number of dopamine receptors, as well as the brain's sensitivity to its effects, decreases. Irreversible consequences arise:

deterioration of abstract thinking;
decreased attention;
frequent depression.

Helping the body with insufficient hormone production

Insufficient production of dopamine deprives a person of intense pleasures. Return to full life The following rules will help:

1. Inclusion in the diet of foods rich in tyrosine, a substance that affects hormone production. These are fruits, vegetables - beets and greens, protein products, herbal teas from ginseng.
2. Physical activity. Exercise helps activate hormonal levels and dopamine levels increase. The pleasure received after training compensates for the negative focus that accompanies dopamine deficiency. At the same time, a useful habit is formed.
3. Quit alcohol and smoking. A state of euphoria provided by alcohol, tobacco, narcotic substances, is achieved by a process in the brain that blocks the natural formation of dopamine.
4. Sexual activity. Regular sex has a beneficial effect positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of a person, stimulating the production of dopamine and strengthening neural connections limbic system and pleasure center of the brain.
5. Falling in love. The feeling of falling in love has a beneficial effect on the production of dopamine. Anticipation of pleasure mutual love improves all areas of life, stimulates success and achievement.
6. Avoid coffee. Excessive use Caffeine-containing drinks have an inhibitory effect on the production of dopamine.

Drug treatment

If hormone production is reduced, treatment with the following drugs is prescribed:

1. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that provides the synthesis of tyrosine into dopamine. Tyrosine stimulates the production of the hormone when its secretion is impaired; it is often included in vitamin complexes.
2. Ginkgo Biloba – herbal preparation, improving blood circulation. With its help, the oxygen concentration increases and the transmission of impulses by neurons is stimulated.
3. Herbal infusions and decoctions containing nettle, ginseng, dandelion.

In case deep depression caused by dopamine deficiency, courses of antidepressants are prescribed in addition to stimulating hormone production.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Its function is to transmit impulses between nerve cells. Its transformation into a hormone occurs only after it enters the blood.

A sufficient level of serotonin provides a person with a high social rank associated with self-perception. A decrease in serotonin in the brain manifests itself:

bad mood;
increased anxiety;
loss of strength;
absent-mindedness;
decreased analytical abilities and libido;
depression;
obsessive or frightening thoughts.

Ways to increase hormone levels

The relationship between serotonin levels and mood is two-way. Knowing and applying this rule helps to significantly improve the quality of life:

Expose yourself to the bright rays of the sun more often. On cloudy days, use bright artificial lighting.
Watch your posture. Slouching leads to constant feeling shame or guilt, which lowers serotonin levels. A straight back provides enough high level self-esteem and mood.
manifest physical activity. Exercising for 20 minutes every day will help improve your mood, and the choice of a specific sport does not make much difference. You can also use walking, 3 km per day - sufficient load to maintain tone.
Set up healthy sleep. Eight hours of sleep in a ventilated room will ensure the production of serotonin throughout the day.
Use activities that bring pleasant sensations: communicating with pleasant people, doing creative work, listening to your favorite music.
Eat foods rich in substances actively involved in the synthesis of serotonin.

Among them are the following:

1.Contains tryptophan:

lean meat;
chicken eggs;
lentils;
oyster mushrooms;
beans;
cottage cheese;
millet;
buckwheat;
chocolate.

2.Sources of B vitamins:

liver;
oatmeal;
lettuce leaves;
beans.

3.Magnesium-rich foods:

prunes;
dried apricots;
bran;
sea kale.

4. Fruits and vegetables:

bananas;
melon;
dates;
pumpkin;
oranges.

Endorphins

These are substances that are not hormones, unlike dopamine and serotonin, which are produced by the pituitary gland. Their function is to regulate the functioning of the glands of the endocrine system.

Endorphins are similar in their effect to opiates; large amounts of them can cause a state of bliss and euphoria in a person. Endorphin is released by the body in response to external influences to alleviate their consequences and speed up recovery.

The provocateurs are:

pain;
stress, shock;
mental stress.

With the help of the production of these substances, the body regulates a person’s psycho-emotional states, determining his behavior and emotions in response to a stimulus: crying, anger, joy.

If the level of endorphins is reduced, this is expressed not only by a depressed mood, but also by inappropriate reactions in ordinary situations, such as:

frequent depression;
inadequate response to criticism;
conflict;
weakened ability to remember;
problems concentrating.

A decrease in the production of endorphins can occur with excessive consumption of foods that contain alcohol and sugar. The result is addiction with a loss of joy.

Increased synthesis of substances

The synthesis of endorphins occurs with the participation large quantity chemicals. You can stimulate their production by eating the following foods:

1. Fruits:

oranges;
bananas;
mango;
strawberry;
red currant.

2. Spices:

cinnamon;
red pepper.

3. Seafood:

mussels;
shrimps.

4. Drinks:

natural coffee;
black tea;
bitter chocolate.

Any exciting activity that brings a feeling of joy helps the body produce endorphins:

listening to your favorite music;
physical activity;
positive memories;
contact with loved ones;
sex with a loved one;
communication with friends;
a fascinating book or video;
self-hypnosis;
aromatherapy;
sunbathing.

The optimal effect is achieved by the combination various types influences selected based on individual preferences.

All our feelings and emotions are the result chemical reactions, occurring in the body. And hormones and neurotransmitters play a decisive role in these processes. Today the site will tell you about the main hormones of joy, why they make us feel happy and how you can increase their production in the body. We will look at how these molecules affect a person’s mood and well-being, and also suggest a few effective ways, which will allow you to be a little happier every day by increasing the level of joy hormones in your body.

What hormones and neurotransmitters of joy are produced in the body

Hormones are chemical substances that are secreted by endocrine glands and, once released into the bloodstream, regulate many physiological processes: digestion, metabolism, growth and even mood.

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances produced by neurons and transmitting impulses from nerve cells to various tissues and organs, that is, they transmit signals from one cell to another.

Many of the chemicals that make people feel happy act as both hormones and neurotransmitters. These include:

acetylcholine (responsible for memory, sexual function, appetite control, growth hormone production;
dopamine (allows us to feel euphoria, pleasure, controls appetite, motor movements, increases concentration);
endorphins (natural painkillers);
enkephalins (limit the transmission of pain, suppress depression);
GABA (has an anti-stress, calming, analgesic effect, increases control and concentration);
melatonin (responsible for rest and recovery, slows down aging, regulates the biological clock);
norepinephrine (participates in the control of appetite, sexual arousal, suppresses depression, gives energy);
oxytocin (promotes sexual arousal and strengthens feelings of affection);
phenylethylamine (responsible for the feeling of falling in love);
serotonin (improves sleep, increases self-esteem, improves mood and makes us more sociable).

In this article, the site will tell you about the main four “hormones of joy”, as well as how to stimulate their production natural ways. We will talk about:

endorphins;
serotonin;
dopamine;
oxytocin.

Joy hormones endorphins: natural pain relievers

How to increase oxytocin levels:

Get a massage: in addition to physical muscle relaxation, massage helps improve emotional well-being due to prolonged physical contact and the production of the joy hormone oxytocin.
Hug: Hug your friends, loved ones, relatives and loved ones every day - it is useful and pleasant.

Despite the fact that joy hormones make us feel better, it is important to understand that their possibilities are not limitless. Thus, endorphins mask pain, which is only useful in the short term, since constant hidden pain can lead to serious injuries, if we are unable to stop in time when the activity is too intense.

Excess dopamine not only leads to the development of addiction, but also makes us strive for every goal, reducing the ability to sensibly set priorities and manage time.

Remember: constant happiness is impossible, but we are quite capable of increasing the production of joy hormones in natural ways, so we can safely say that happiness is in our hands.

Is everything around gray and sad? Feeling low for no reason? It doesn’t matter, we are not robots, and the body periodically exhausts its reserves of optimism. The hormone of joy, lost in the bustle of everyday life and everyday worries, is responsible for everything. How to color your life bright colors, give the body the strength to rejoice? Overcome depression and “not wanting anything”? Movement, delicious food, pleasure, positive emotions, sports, love, sex, finally. So what do we periodically lose and gain again?

What is it?

Mood swings and periods of apathy are not always harbingers of impending depression. The main thing is that you don’t get sucked into the swamp of life... Then depression is definitely not far off. Hormones of joy help you feel the taste of happiness and experience a natural “high”. What is this?

The group of such hormones is a relative concept, combining several biological substances. In response to the central command nervous system they change the tone of the body from “minus” to “plus”, elevate mood, and increase the body’s immunity.

A hormone is a biologically active substance produced internal organs– glands. The impulse of joy from our brain is transmitted through a chain of cells of the nervous system (neurons) to the corresponding organ. The decision to put into effect the order of the “commander in chief” or not depends on the presence of certain hormones in the body. They also have another name - neurotransmitters. Some are responsible for mood and pleasure, others for immune system, others - for feelings and sensations.

As a result chemical processes the production of happiness hormones is stimulated. Then questions arise:

If it's so simple, why do people suffer from depression?
Where do suicides come from?
Is it possible to give happiness with a pill?
Why have scientists still not learned how to stimulate happiness hormones?

In the 80s of the 20th century, humanity received a gift from American pharmacists - the “magic” pill “Prozac”, the most famous antidepressant in the world. No one found happiness, but psychological happiness, and after it physiological dependence drug addiction was detected by narcologists. The huge danger is that by artificially stimulating the production of endorphins, the “joy pill” blocks the body’s natural mood-lifting processes. A drug addict's syndrome occurs: there is no drug - happy hormones are not formed. Withdrawal sets in.

Some historians put forward versions that the mystery of disappeared civilizations is directly related to the presence of pleasure hormones in the body. Thus, the ancient Aztecs and Mayans consumed foods low in tryptophan, an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin (the hormone of joy). Smoking opium briefly increased mood, creating a happy effect in the body. The brain was unable to produce the hormone of happiness, to give joy to its owners. The consequences are sad: cannibalism, aggression, depression, extinction of peoples.

Chinese and Tibetan spiritual practices are aimed at stimulating happiness hormones, obtaining joy and pleasure through meditation. Philosophical teachings They say: “Find happiness within yourself - the world around you will be happy.” The pleasure of contemplation stimulates a feeling of joy. Products containing tryptophan are required in the diet. Calmness and balance put the nervous system in order, and the production of endorphins improves. The latter are powerful painkillers. Hormones of happiness reveal unknown possibilities of the body.

What is the name of the hormone of joy?

A whole series biological substances in the body are called the joy hormone:

everyone knows – endorphin, serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine;
less popular are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, thyroxine.

The most powerful hormone of happiness is endorphin. The principle of action is similar to morphine. The part of the brain, the pituitary gland, is responsible for the production of this substance: “chief among equals,” as it controls the functioning of all glands internal secretion, stimulates the immune system, increases pain threshold for wounds and injuries. IN emergency situations it helps to trigger protective functions through sleep, post-traumatic coma. If you want to cheer up, eat chocolate, find something you enjoy, and enjoy life.

Do you know the feeling of euphoria? Does a smile, joy, harmony not leave you all day? Are you glowing with happiness? Congratulations, neurotransmitters are working great in the body required quantity serotonin. It improves mood and stimulates physical activity. Its lack leads to loss of strength, depression, especially in winter time. Serotonin is found in bananas, fish, seasonal fruits, and sweets.

Oxytocin is responsible for the pleasure of communication. Do you want to increase hormone production? So do it! Chat with a friend, call your family. The feeling of joy will remain for a long time, charging you with vigor and lifting your spirits. This hormone is intensively produced during pregnancy. A gentle massage of the body and head stimulates its production. Lack of the hormone makes a person withdrawn and triggers depression.

Flying gait? Dopamine will help you! It neutralizes painful feelings in the muscles after exercise, makes movements graceful, and trains the brain's memory of sensations. The hormone is produced after sex, enjoy your massage, delicious food. One recollection of the pleasure received is enough to increase its level. A man's body rarely experiences a lack of dopamine, but women often suffer from this. Dancing, working out, enjoying sex, going for a massage - everything will do.

Decided difficult task Have you achieved your goal? Is euphoria in full swing? The reason is acetylcholine, the hormone of mental activity and creativity. Experienced happiness and the joy of victory raise the level of acetylcholine. Yoga, logic games, puzzles, math problems train memory, causing the release of the hormone again and again.

In contrast to adrenaline, norepinephrine normalizes blood pressure, restores breathing, and relieves spasms. This is a hormone of peace and contemplation. Pleasant music, sounds of nature, seascapes will lift your spirits and at the same time increase hormone production. The deficiency leads to increased content adrenaline, the body working in peak mode.

How many hours do you spend in front of the mirror? Pleasure from one’s own attractiveness, feelings of joy from one’s beauty stimulate the production of the hormone vasopressin. Getting into the blood, it normalizes the water-salt balance of the body. Thyroxine is a movement hormone. Producing these substances naturally, the body will give you youth, health and beauty for for many years. Pills and drugs introduce necessary hormones from outside, causing addiction. This is an ineffective way to achieve happiness.

Products containing

There is a common belief about foods containing serotonin. The production of the happiness hormone is stimulated by foods containing tryptophan. Artificial blockers of the breakdown of pleasure hormones - tablets, drugs that stimulate an increase in serotonin - do not enter the brain through the blood. Hormonal imbalance occurs. Stimulating your pleasure centers with delicious food will relieve depression and give you a feeling of happiness. What foods will lift your spirits?

Fish rich in omega acids. B vitamins and omega-3 fats are preserved with any cooking method.
Sea kale. Improves the activity of the adrenal glands, increases adrenaline and norepinephrine.
Bananas. The alkaloid harman will increase endorphin levels, causing a feeling of euphoria.
Sunny fruits: citrus fruits, pineapples, peaches, apricots, persimmons. The result is a smile on your face, a feeling of joy, pleasure from the taste.
Broths made from poultry meat. Contains tryptophan, which stimulates the pleasure hormone serotonin.
Hard cheeses.
Eggs. A piece of sunshine in a frying pan will dispel the blues, and a soft-boiled egg for breakfast will relieve the feeling of hunger for a long time.
Cereals: buckwheat, oatmeal. Regulate sugar levels and promote the formation of serotonin.
Chocolate. Who hasn't eaten problems, fatigue, stress with chocolate? Phenylethylamine stimulates the production of endorphins, magnesium relieves stress.

Alcohol and sweets also contribute to a short-term mood lift by releasing endorphins into the blood. But the mechanisms of their action are such that even a slight overdose will cause the opposite effect: it will increase depression, Bad mood. There are many ways to have fun. Food will not replace most of them, but amino acids and vitamins improve immunity and give a feeling of joy and happiness. The main thing is to know when to stop.

How to increase the joy hormone?

By training muscles, we get slim figure; By engaging in mental activity, we develop logic, thought processes. It is also possible to teach the body to develop a feeling of joy and happiness. There are several ways:

food, especially sweets;
sports and training;
strong emotions, feelings, pleasure;
sunlight, fresh air;
active lifestyle;
laughter, smile.

Any physically active actions increase the frequency heart rate, increase blood pressure. Within a few minutes, endorphins begin to enter the blood, and adrenaline levels rise. Choose a sport that brings pleasure only to you: roller skating, ice skating; cycling; swimming; aerobics Exercising will increase the production of hormones, give you a feeling of joy and a slim figure. Serotonin will bring a feeling of happiness.

Visit more fresh air. Enjoy your walks, come up with joint activities with your children outside. Add foods containing vitamin D to your diet, which increase serotonin in the body. After consulting with your doctor, drink necessary medications, pills. Eat something sweet: Chocolate is one way to lift your mood.

To make up for the lack of thrills (endorphins), ride an extreme swing, skydive, or go rock climbing. After stressful situations, meditate and get the sensations from yoga. Finally, go to a museum, philharmonic, or theater. The pleasure of pleasant activities will give the body joy and an excellent mood.

Here are some more recipes:

Give smiles to friends and strangers.
Watch a comedy with the whole family.
Think about your loved one, arrange a romantic meeting with a massage and erotic pleasures.
Do what you love.

You will not notice how joy and pleasure will become your constant companions, and a feeling of happiness will fill every cell of your body. Depression, even seasonal, will disappear, then the body will learn to produce the hormones serotonin, endorphin, etc. in natural ways.

Where is serotonin found?

Our brain produces serotonin during moments of ecstasy. How more joy, good mood, the more hormones of happiness we receive. And so on in a vicious circle: they, in turn, stimulate feelings of happiness and cure depression. Scientists argue whether a lack of serotonin causes depression or vice versa. Be that as it may, sunlight, movement, doing what you love, a little chocolate and bananas, the sensations of falling in love give a feeling of euphoria and happiness.

More than 90% of serotonin is synthesized in the stomach and then absorbed into the blood. “Correct” foods contained in chocolate, bananas, cheeses, dairy products, seasonal vegetables and fruits, poultry meat will increase the level of endorphins. Workouts for men and acceptable sports for women will certainly lift your spirits.

Endorphins

Heal almost any disease in the body, heal wounds - both mental and physical, increase mental activity, endorphins can develop creative abilities and lift your mood. We owe the feeling of happiness and joy to them. Being an internal stimulant of the entire body, this substance has the ability to reduce sensitivity to pain. Chemical analogue are opiate drugs morphine.

Do you want to teach your body to produce a natural drug? Create a cozy atmosphere at home. Surround yourself and your loved ones with objects that please the eye. Listen often good music. Get out into nature and involve family members. Enjoy an extraordinary activity: ride a motorcycle, fly hot air balloon. Again, eat chocolate, sweets, or get in the mood for creative activities. The feeling of boundless happiness will always be with you.

People tend to experience a wide variety of feelings: love and hostility, joy, happiness and sadness. They arise in response to influence external factors. The body produces special substances - hormones, which regulate the course of biochemical reactions in its various parts and the transmission of impulses to the centers of the brain. Each person has his own set of these substances that affect his health, mood and temperament. An important role is played by the so-called joy hormones, which are responsible for positive emotions that make people cheerful and energetic.

Content:

What are hormones and neurotransmitters

Hormones and neurotransmitters are called biologically active substances, stimulating the functioning of various organs when exposed to cell receptors. Hormones are produced in endocrine glands and by blood vessels spread throughout the body. They stimulate cells of various tissues to produce chemicals necessary for the occurrence of biochemical processes and organ functioning.

Neurotransmitters are produced in nerve cells. These substances transmit impulses directly to the brain, from where a response signal comes, forcing a person to make certain movements, think, digest food, and so on. There are biologically active substances mixed type, which manifest themselves in the body both as hormones and as neurotransmitters (for example, dopamine, norepinephrine).

Hormonal background and its features

A certain set of hormones is formed in the body, and their normal ratio is such that all organs work correctly and a person feels healthy. This does not mean that the combination of hormones should always be constant. The background changes within certain limits throughout life as one grows older and changes in physical and mental stress. The ratio of such substances depends on the gender of the person, his physiological state, age.

In men, the ratio is more stable. In women, due to the peculiarities of functioning reproductive system and monthly fluctuations in the level of sex hormones, it is constantly changing. It is thanks to this that representatives of the fairer sex are more excitable, capricious, and are characterized by frequent mood swings. Hormonal imbalance can lead to tumor diseases, sexual disorders, developmental pathologies, as well as depression.

Organs that produce happiness hormones

The main center that regulates the production of hormones of joy and happiness in the body is the hypothalamus. According to its signal, hormones are produced in the pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, as well as in the ovary in women and testicles in men.

Cells that produce hormonal substances are also found in organs unrelated to endocrine system such as liver, kidneys, placenta, gastrointestinal tract and others. So, for example, when there is a lack of estrogen in the body, it begins to produce adipose tissue. In pregnant women, the placenta becomes the organ that produces hormones.

What substances are considered hormones of joy and pleasure?

There is a relationship between the production of various hormones and a person’s mood. His feelings and actions largely depend on how he slept, what he ate, with whom he communicated, and what new things he learned. The impressions he receives are reflected in the brain. And here signals are immediately produced that regulate the production of the corresponding hormones. There is a response feeling of pleasure or disappointment, peace or angry indignation.

The main hormones of joy, satisfaction, pleasure and happiness are called:

endorphin;
dopamine;
serotonin;
oxytocin.

Substances such as adrenaline and norepinephrine directly affect a person’s behavior and mood.

Endorphin

Reduces the impact of negative factors.

This substance is produced in the pituitary gland at the moment when a person enters the stressful situation. Sharp increase endorphin concentrations in the blood lead to weakening painful sensations, mental trauma is more easily tolerated, and strength appears to overcome stress. Endorphin acts like opiates, bringing a person into a state of peace and happiness, mobilizing him, giving him a chance to think about the situation and make an adequate decision.

Improving the condition of the nervous system has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and helps strengthen the immune system. The level of endorphin in the blood increases sharply in women last weeks pregnancy. In this way, the body prepares to overcome the fear of childbirth and relieve pain. Endorphin “jumps” in athletes during competitions. It has been noticed that it is the surge of this hormone in soldiers that makes them brave and decisive during battle.

Its similarity to opiates, however, also plays a negative role, since this substance, like drugs, is addictive. If a person tries to artificially increase its content in the blood, he takes special means, then the production of your own endorphin decreases. To obtain pleasure and joyful emotions, an increasingly larger dose of the drug is required. In addition, an overdose easily occurs.

With a lack of the hormone of happiness, a person is apathetic, suffers from depression, and experiences anxiety. An overdose makes him aggressive, inadequate, and forces him to take unnecessary risks.

Dopamine

The hormone of satisfaction and joy.

It is produced in neurons of the brain and in adrenal cells. An increase in his concentration occurs even at the moment of planning something pleasant: a desired meeting, an interesting trip or a very necessary purchase. Dopamine levels reach a maximum when the result is achieved. This inspires him, makes him set new goals and strive to achieve them.

Thanks to the production of dopamine, people develop conditioned reflexes, food addictions.

Thanks to a surge in the content of this substance in the body, a person experiences satisfaction and happiness when listening to his favorite music. He is happy if his favorite team wins a football match. Dopamine levels rise sharply during sexual intimacy.

If there is not enough dopamine in the body, people are inactive, indifferent to studies, career growth, and prone to depression.

However, exceeding its content in the body is far from safe. This substance increases the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle and raises blood pressure. Long-term excessive use of dopamine drugs can lead to schizophrenia (auditory and visual hallucinations).

Note: The level of dopamine in the blood increases significantly with the consumption of alcohol, nicotine and cocaine, which increase its production several times. That is why drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs allows a person to experience a temporary feeling of joy and happiness, enhanced artificially. But the fact is that each time more and more of this “stimulant” is required to get pleasure, and stopping its use leads to the appearance of “withdrawal” syndrome.

Serotonin

Hormone of happiness, antidepressant.

This substance affects the centers of the cerebral cortex, promoting optimism, a feeling of happiness, euphoria, and intoxication with one’s achievements. The centers responsible for memory are also activated, cognitive ability. Action of serotonin on receptors spinal cord leads to improved coordination of movements and increased muscle tone.

The production of the substance in the body is enhanced by exposure to ultraviolet rays, so in the autumn-winter period, when the days are shorter and the lighting is mostly artificial, people often experience seasonal depression.

As you know, there are synthetic antidepressant drugs. Their action is based on an artificial increase in the blood levels of neurotransmitter hormones, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. When treating depression and neuroses, they are taken for a long time. There is a great risk side effects(effects of hormonal substances on the heart, kidneys). If used incorrectly, eye pressure increases and worsens mental abilities, sexual disorders arise.

Video: How to increase the production of endorphin and serotonin in the body

Oxytocin

Enhances pleasure from communication and intimacy.

Produced in the hypothalamus. Once in the blood, it spreads throughout the cells of the entire body. This hormone strengthens a person’s attachment to his loved ones, as well as the desire to feel like “belonging” in a group. He enjoys a handshake from a friend he trusts. To be happy, a child needs his mother to hug him, stroke his back and head. The massage has a calming effect on him.

This substance plays a special role in female body. Increasing levels stimulate the onset of contractions as it increases uterine contractility. Thanks to oxytocin, the mother feels a sense of reverence for her painfully born child, and he instantly calms down as he latch onto the nipple and pull out the first portions of colostrum. This is how the mother’s hormone gets to him, and mutual affection arises.

Video: Oxytocin and its role in the body

Adrenaline is an anti-stress hormone

It is produced in moments of extreme danger. At the same time, a person is able to instantly mobilize, forget about pain and fear, and take risks for the sake of his salvation. His pulse increases sharply, that is, his blood circulation accelerates. The pupils dilate, so he sees better, and his hearing sharpens.

Norepinephrine – the hormone of peace and tranquility

Formed from adrenaline and helps reduce blood pressure, relieving spasms and normalizing breathing. The person calms down and his mood improves. The formation of the hormone is promoted by listening to quiet, pleasant music, being in nature, and contemplating the seascape. The less norepinephrine, the more adrenaline and anxiety associated with its presence.

The role of sex hormones

The most important role in the body is played by the sex hormones estrogens and testosterone, thanks to which men and women develop external distinctive features. These substances are produced in individuals of both sexes. But the female body contains tens of times more estrogen, and the male body contains tens of times more testosterone, which explains the behavioral characteristics of men, their physical endurance, and sexual activity.

Estrogens

In women, estrogens are produced in the ovaries after the onset of puberty. If there are enough of them, the girl develops correctly, her breasts form, her hips increase. Beautiful figure good hair and skin, a gentle voice bring pleasure to any woman. Thanks to estrogen, she is sexually active, capable of childbearing, and arouses interest in men.

If there is little estrogen, it worsens appearance, rapid aging of the body occurs, and menstrual disorders occur.

Wanting to prolong youth and enhance sexuality, some women take synthetic estrogens, risking their health. Hyperestrogenism causes infertility, tumors of the genital organs and mammary glands.

Testosterone

Presence small quantity The male hormone in a woman’s body makes her independent, confident in her righteousness and uniqueness. At the same time, a “strong” woman remains fragile, tender and easily vulnerable.

There is a saying: “The world is ruled by men, men are ruled by women, and women are ruled by hormones.” Loving man He will take this into account and be lenient towards small “female weaknesses.” Excess testosterone leads to changes in appearance, voice and character male type, is a pathology that requires serious treatment.

Other hormones needed to enhance feelings of joy and happiness

Other substances can also be named hormonal action that can enhance feelings of pleasure and happiness:

Vasopressin. It is involved in the regulation of water-salt balance, which directly affects the condition of hair and skin, the presence of signs of external attractiveness and health, pleasing to the eye.
Acetylcholine. Promotes development creativity, intelligence and memory. Thanks to him, a person is able to rejoice and experience a feeling of pride and happiness when he manages to cope with difficult task. Helps maintain dignity and mental balance.
Melatonin is a regulator of biological rhythm. Normalizes night sleep, helping you to fully relax after a hard day.
Somatotropin is a growth hormone. Increases muscle elasticity, improves joint condition, prolongs youth. It is important to prevent its overdose in the body, as this can lead to pathology such as gigantism. If a child is deficient in the hormone, he may remain a dwarf.

Video: X-Files. What factors influence the production of joy hormones?

How to increase the level of joy hormones in the body and feel happiness

There are many drugs available that contain synthetic hormones of happiness. Sometimes it is simply impossible to do without them. For example, estrogen-based products help in the treatment of infertility, and also improve the quality of life by alleviating the symptoms of menopause.

However, we must never forget about harmful consequences overdose. There is much more safe ways increasing the content of hormones of joy and happiness in the body and enjoying life.

The importance of proper nutrition

With food, the body receives substances containing either hormones directly or substances that stimulate their production. Delicious and healthy food always improves your mood. For example, to get rid of autumn-winter depression, you need to eat dark chocolate, fruits (especially leaning on bananas, pineapples, apples), and drink coffee. They contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in the formation of serotonin, melatonin and others. useful substances. Tryptophan is also found in foods such as avocados, coconuts, figs, strawberries, and beans.

Foods that need to be consumed to increase the content of joy hormones in the body also include tomatoes, kiwi, nuts, plums, eggs, meat, and milk. Everyone knows how candy, baked goods, honey and other sweets have a beneficial effect on the mood.

While comforting yourself with food, we must not forget that overeating is no less harmful than a lack of joy hormones. A person who tries to suppress despondency with the help of sweets or cakes may develop obesity. The circle closes: eating sweets improves your mood, but spoils your figure, which adds worry and stress.

Physical activity

This is probably the safest and most useful way improving mood and achieving happiness. Vigor of body and spirit are inextricably linked. It has long been known that if feelings of anger and indignation are bursting, it is useful to chop wood, do major cleaning, or load yourself with other work.

Long walk physical exercise, jogging is an excellent way to escape from worries. In addition, when exposed to the sun, the body produces vitamin D, which accelerates the synthesis of happiness hormones.

Sound sleep

Dream - best medicine from all diseases, including mental trauma. It gives strength, radically changes the mood in better side. It’s not for nothing that they say that “the morning is wiser than the evening.” A person who sleeps soundly increases the level of serotonin, melatonin and other hormones in the body that are necessary for restoration of strength.

Doing what you love

Mental stress and achieving set goals also require the body to increase the production of dopamine and other hormonal substances. Receiving moral (and material) satisfaction is no less important for a person than other joys of life.

Sex and pregnancy

Sexual satisfaction, explosion positive emotions caused by intimacy, like nothing else, stimulate the production of substances necessary for the emergence of feelings of pleasure, happiness and love. The level of sex hormones, oxytocin, serotonin at this time is unusually high.

Nothing makes a woman as happy as the feeling of future motherhood. All experiences recede into the background. Main goal is conservation own health and peace of mind necessary for normal development baby. During this period there is abrupt change hormonal levels, increased production of substances necessary to maintain positive attitude. Pregnancy and love for a child gives a woman such strength that allows her to survive any sorrows.

To feel calmer, to feel the joy of life and happiness, you need to make every effort to experience the love of loved ones and the respect of others. It is necessary to set realistic goals and strive to achieve them.