What are the Happiness Chemicals in the Brain?

Happiness chemicals in the brain, as the name suggests, can make people feel happy. They mainly include serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. Serotonin can relax the mood and relieve anxiety. Dopamine can bring temporary pleasure. Endorphins can relieve pain, relieve stress, and bring a sense of happiness and pleasure. These three substances need to be at normal levels, and anyone missing will cause problems, such as dopamine deficiency leading to Parkinson’s disease. Do you know what they are all? Let’s explore together.

Introduction of Happiness Chemicals In The Brain

1.Serotonin

The brain is the largest and most complex structure in the central nervous system and is an organ that regulates bodily functions. The billions of neurons contained in the central nervous system communicate and interact with each other through the transmission of neurotransmitters. Human emotions are regulated by various neurotransmitters and hormones, and the impact of these small metabolites is much greater than we imagine. Serotonin, also known as happiness hormone, was first discovered in serum.

It is widely present in mammalian tissues, especially in the cerebral cortex and synapses, with high content. It is also a widely studied inhibitory neurotransmitter. Scientists have found through research that people with lower serotonin levels are more prone to depression, impulsiveness, chronic pain, suicide, and violent behavior. One type of antidepressant specifically works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.

It is synthesized from tryptophan and vitamin B6 as raw materials, starting in the morning and becoming vigorous with the rise of the sun, but decreasing from the afternoon. It is completely non-secreted in deep sleep. The methods to enhance serotonin vitality include but are not limited to sunbathing, exercise, chewing, etc. Empathy is also closely related to serotonin. A study by the University of Texas in the United States has found that serotonin can increase satiety and help improve obesity.

2.Dopamine

Dopamine is the most abundant catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter used to assist cells in transmitting pulses. This type of brain secretion is related to human desires and sensations, and it transmits information of excitement and excitement.

The first step in dopamine synthesis is the absorption of tyrosine in food, and the second step is the transport of tyrosine to dopamine neurons in the brain, where it forms levodopa under the catalysis of tyrosine hydroxylase. The third step is to complete the transformation of levodopa to dopamine under the action of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase.

Dopamine is a reward mechanism, an immediate reward for completing a task, and it is also produced when experiencing new and exciting things, but it is also related to various addictive behaviors. Because it is more about making us “want” rather than experiencing the true happiness we have gained. If we constantly want but cannot enjoy it, we will fall into the addictive behavior trap of “desire dissatisfaction”.

3.Enforphins

Endorphins are morphine-like hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. It can bind to opioid receptors and produce pain and pleasure similar to morphine, equivalent to natural painkillers. In addition to helping the body relieve pain, it also has other physiological benefits, such as regulating respiratory function and improving mood.

The production of endorphins can only be achieved through pain, followed by pain relief by inhibiting protein activity and pleasure through dopamine secretion. High-intensity exercise can produce endorphins. When the amount of exercise exceeds a certain stage, the body will secrete endorphins, producing a “bitter first, sweet later” effect. Moderate to high-intensity exercise usually lasts for more than 30 minutes to stimulate the secretion of endorphins. It can improve brain functions such as memory, imagination, and concentration. It has a sobering effect, but if it is too strong, it can cause hallucinations.

Happiness chemicals in the brain can promote mood pleasure and reduce the possibility of depression by exercising, eating soy or dairy products, and engaging in high-intensity exercise secretion.

Conclusion

To sum up, happiness chemicals in the brain mainly include serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. If you want to promote serotonin secretion, you can take a 5-15 minute walk in the morning sunlight; If you want to promote dopamine secretion, you can do things that are easy to achieve or stimulate new things, but be careful of addiction; As a natural analgesic, endorphins are secreted when you soak your feet in hot water or eat spicy food, but it should also be moderate.