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How does exercise stimulate serotonin?

Updated: 8/17/2019
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13y ago

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There are two effects.

The first is an increase in circulation results in an increase of metabolism. Especially the short term reactions. These include serotonin. An increased heart rate adds to this effect.

Because serotonin is such a powerful neurotransmitter, its levels take a while to return to normal, thus the "feeling good" afterwards since other metabolic processes are slowing down, yet you still have a high supply of serotonin.

Intense periodic exercise (even just 30 minutes a day), causes the brain to become "used" to serotonin, thus producing more serotonin receptors on the neurons to counter the "addiction". Thus, periodically raising your temporal serotonin levels through daily exercise, results an increase in "happiness" (although this evens out eventually), and a mild "depression" (caused by addiction to your own brain chemical) when you miss a few exercise sessions in a row. People who train often can attest to this.

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13y ago
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Q: How does exercise stimulate serotonin?
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