Top 6 Vitamin D Supplements That Boost Serotonin
We all have mood swings, and this is normal for ALL people.
We can feel on top of the world one day and down in the dumps the next. Our emotions are rather conditional and are greatly affected as we go through life.
However, there are times when we go through alarmingly long bouts of sadness. Something that worsens gradually as time passes. This kind of feeling can last at least a week and only go longer from there.
When these kinds of negative emotions build, it tends to eat up every drop of sunshine and happiness we have. It intensifies in such a way that nullifies all efforts to cheer you up, making your default setting gloomy and grey.
This, my friend, is depression.
Depression as a condition
It’s so easy for people to say they are depressed without understanding the implications or the real meaning of depression.
The truth is depression is more than just feeling sad or lonely. When depression is severe, it can affect your everyday life negatively and that includes the people around you.
It may or may not come as a surprise to you, but depression is actually a pretty common condition. Symptoms differ from one to another but some of the most common include feeling tired and unhappy, losing confidence and having suicidal thoughts.
It’s imperative to consult a doctor immediately once the indicators have been lingering for more than a week.
Depression can be triggered by major life experiences and illnesses.
Individual situations may also be a factor especially when a person has no constructive outlet to vent negative emotions or is undergoing high levels of stress.
The link between depression, serotonin, and vitamin D
Our brain has neurotransmitters which are responsible for a number of functions.
One such neurotransmitter is serotonin, also known as the “happy hormone” because of its role in positively impacting our mood. Serotonin greatly affects lots of the brain’s activities and functions.
Research shows that it is significantly related to depression as diagnosed people were consistently found to have low levels of serotonin. People with depression or anxiety are frequently on the hunt for more ways to increase their serotonin levels.
Studies also suggest that Vitamin D deficiency is connected to depression. Receptors for Vitamin D can be found in the brain, making them integral to how the brain works. These very same receptors are located in the areas associated with depression.
Numerous studies in different countries have found out that those with low Vitamin D levels have symptoms associated with depression. Studies on the relation of Vitamin D to depression are continuously increasing.
A popular theory is that Vitamin D affects the serotonin levels in the brain, similar to the way that a number of anti-depressants work by increasing the amount of serotonin and other essential components.
Researchers have recommended increasing Vitamin D as this may also increase serotonin and will hopefully aid in the treatment of depression.
Picking the right supplement for you
Being a popular supplement, Vitamin D is easy enough to find. Actually, there are lots of available and accessible brands you can choose from. Before buying, however, you must take some factors into consideration.
Check for reviews of the brands available to you. Alarmingly, some have more Vitamin D compared to what is stated on the labels and may lead to overdose.
Make sure to check the label for indicators that its manufacturing has gone through necessary tests and procedures.
Choose the form that is better for you: Vitamin D2 or D3. D3 is the type that is naturally produced by the skin, making it easier for the body to absorb. D2 is ideal for vegetarians because it is developed using either yeast or mushroom.
Regarding the optimal D dosage, it is best to ask your doctor for a recommendation. The dose you need depends on different health factors.
Those with underlying conditions – particularly vitamin D deficiency – and folks living in gray climates may require taking a bit more than the standard dose.
Top 6 Vitamin D Supplements
Brand | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | This product is being used to help relieve pain, improve bone support, and promote skin care. It is deemed essential for calcium absorption which supports the bones and teeth and likewise strengthens the immune system. This brand comes in 1000 IU and 5000 IU variants.Reviews are generally positive with no reports of severe side effects. GNC remains to be a popular choice. However, it is also not recommended for women who are either pregnant or nursing. |  |
 | As the name suggests, this brand prides itself in being 100% all natural. It has no artificial preservatives, coloring or flavoring. It also boasts a USP approval, meaning, you will be getting the exact dosage as stated on the label—no more, no less. These capsules are one of the easiest to swallow, making it a popular choice aside from its positive effects on teeth and bone health. There are bottles available in 1000 IU, 2000 IU, and 5000 IU variants. These supplements also come in various forms to better address the different preferences of consumers. There are also adult gummies for those who are not comfortable swallowing capsules. |  |
 | This is perfect for those with lots of allergies and sensitivities. While it is not necessarily vegetarian, Country Life does not contain yeast, wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar, salt, and corn among others. It also boasts of having no preservatives and artificial coloring and flavoring. Made from a non-fish liver source, Country Life Vitamin D3 supports the immune and nervous systems while protecting the bones.It offers a wide range of variants that range between 400 to 10,000IU. | |
 | NOW comes in drops and softgels that range between 100 to 10,000IU. This well-known dietary supplement promises dental health support and strong bones.It is absorbable and has high potency. Its ingredients include olive oil. It doesn’t contain sugar, starch, salt, gluten, yeast, egg, milk, or any sort of preservatives as well. Its price is also a plus considering its multiple benefits. | |
 | Blue Bonnet has vegetable softgels, chewable raspberry tablets, vegetarian, capsules, and even liquid drops. Made from natural fish oil, Blue Bonnet helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus from your stomach in order to keep your bones healthy and strong. It is made from natural lanolin or sheep wool. It is available in 1,000IU that comes in various types.Its capsules are easy to swallow to ensure maximum benefits. Reviews report that this product has been a tremendous help when it comes to body aches and achieving a general feeling of well-being. | |
 | Not one to let their customers take just any 'ole Vitamin D supplement, Natural Stacks goes above and beyond. Try D3 mixed with organic Coconut Oil to maximize the rate of absorption of the vitamin D into your blood and organs. | |
How to Naturally Boost Serotonin
Aside from taking supplements, you can also start exploring other natural ways of boosting your serotonin levels.
Exercise as simple as walking helps tremendously in increasing serotonin. It is also important to lessen your feelings of stress by changing your lifestyle and adding more time for relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation.
Reduce your intake of sugar. Low serotonin results in cravings for sweets.
If you really can’t help yourself, take sugar in moderation or try natural sweeteners such as Stevia. There are also food that are rich in Vitamin D such as milk and mushrooms.
Soak up some Vitamin D by exposing yourself to natural sunlight. Do this during the early morning hours in order to avoid the harsh and damaging rays of afternoon sun.
If you’re the forgettable type (like myself), use a Vitamin-D tracking app. I recommend D-minder. You can take a short walk while you are at it.
Sleep earlier and better so that you will feel more energized in the morning.
Vitamin D is Essential To All
Further studies about the relationship between Vitamin D and serotonin are continuously being conducted.
Although it is not clear if Vitamin D deficiency is the cause of depression or vice versa, it is already a commonplace for people diagnosed with depression to be prescribed with Vitamin D supplements.
Since depression is can be aggravated by lots of other factors not limited to Vitamin D deficiency, there is also no 100% assurance that bouncing back to ideal levels will treat the condition.
However, taking supplements is unlikely to harm you especially if you are taking the proper doses, so it’s actually for your gain to take them.
Just remember that supplements should not be taken as replacements for any kind of treatment or medication, especially without the consent of a doctor.
Whether you are depressed or not, taking Vitamin D supplements will greatly improve your state of health and well-being.
Who knows, by its keeping serotonin levels in check, it “might” even help you curb getting depressed.
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