Did you know that your brain can naturally create chemicals that boost happiness? With a little help from natural supplements, you can stimulate the production of various chemicals in the brain to improve mood and have a more positive outlook.

So, what can you take to achieve a happy brain and how do you use it? Let’s take a look at some natural ways that you can improve your mental health.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

If you grew up in the 80’s or 90’s, you may remember the word “tryptophan” from the infamous Seinfeld episode where turkey is strategically fed to George’s girlfriend so that George and Jerry can play with her collection of novelty toys. Creepy? You bet.

While the effects of tryptophan on the brain were slightly exaggerated in that episode, it cannot be denied that it naturally promotes relaxation and has stress-reducing effects that can increase your level of happiness. This is due to the fact that the consumption of l-tryptophan converts to the amino acid 5-HTP, which contributes to the increased production of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for regulating mood. That's why you feel so relaxed with less stress and anxiety.

How do you use it?

While l-tryptophan can be found in foods such as turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes and pumpkin, 5-HTP itself cannot  – this is a bit of a bummer, considering that 5-HTP has been thought to be more effective than l-tryptophan when it comes to the effects on the brain and increased happiness. So, how can you consume 5-HTP directly you ask if not through food? Well, RaveAid is a great place to start! RaveAid contains 100 mg of 5-HTP per serving, the same as one 5-HTP vitamin capsule. This is a fantastic way to get in your daily dose of 5-HTP, along with a ton of other stress-reducing, happiness-boosting ingredients all in one!

Vitamin C

I’m sure your parents have told you at various points in your life to make sure you get enough vitamin C. Vitamin C has many health benefits including being an antioxidant and strengthening your immune system for better physical health. However, did you know that it also contributes to brain health and your ability to feel happy and positive? Vitamin C is essential to the production of adequate serotonin levels, which again, are responsible for improving your mood. In fact, Vitamin C is responsible for your brain’s ability to convert l-tryptophan to 5-HTP, which I don’t have to tell you, is huge.

How do you use it?

Vitamin C can be consumed in many different ways – such as in fruits like oranges, mango, kiwi and pineapple, in capsule form, or in supplement drinks. Each serving of RaveAid contains 700 mg, which is nearly 8 times the amount of the recommended daily levels for fully grown, male adults – talk about powerful! Keep in mind RaveAid is not meant to be taken as a daily supplement, but rather to protect your body and keep your brain cells intact before and after a night of raving to keep you feeling good the next day.

Vitamin B6

While there are eight different types of Vitamin B, Vitamin B6 is best known for its contribution to increasing serotonin levels and contributing to brain health and happiness. In fact, 5-HTP has been proven to be much more effective in the release of serotonin in the brain if accompanied by Vitamin B6. Using the two together can really have an impact on brain chemicals and your emotional response.

Your body does not produce Vitamin B6 naturally so making sure you have a healthy diet rich in foods that contain Vitamin B such as whole grains, eggs, vegetables, fish, etc. is essential to getting adequate levels. Some additional health benefits of Vitamin B6 besides improving mood and reducing depression may include:

• Promoting brain health and the prevention of cognitive diseases, including Parkinson's disease
• Maintaining a healthy immune system
• Increasing energy, focus, and motivation
• Treating and preventing anemia

How do you use it?

Vitamin B can also be taken as a supplement, although it is rarely necessary, as an adequate amount of Vitamin B is usually consumed in food. When it comes to mental and physical health and recovery, extra intake of Vitamin B is certainly beneficial to make sure that you're receiving an adequate amount at that particular time. While the recommended daily dosage of Vitamin B6 is 1.3 milligrams for a fully grown adult, RaveAid contains 25 mg of Vitamin B6 - boosting your prevention and potential for recovery that much more.

Vitamin D

Making sure you’re receiving enough Vitamin D is not only necessary to make sure you don’t get depressive symptoms, but it can naturally increase serotonin in the brain to elicit that feeling of happiness. Plus, it prevents bone decay when combined with calcium and helps maintain your immune system.

How do you use it?

As you may be aware, one way to ensure you’re receiving an adequate supply of vitamin D is to get enough sunlight. Spending time outside is great for your mood and physical health. It's is certainly not uncommon for people who spend most of their time indoors to be deficient in vitamin D, especially if they’re not consuming enough vitamin D rich foods. These include cheese, tuna, egg yolks, and foods and drinks that contain added Vitamin D (Vitamin D enriched orange juice anyone?).  Vitamin D can also be consumed in capsules and through multivitamins.

Chromium

Chromium is already found as a trace mineral in the body, and contains many health benefits, including metabolizing food and regulating insulin. It’s also been known to be used to suppress food cravings, thereby reducing the temptation to binge eat. However, did you know that it also plays a role in the production of serotonin in the brain? Not only does it help increase serotonin levels, but it also helps in the production of norepinephrine and melatonin, which all play a role in regulating your mood and emotions.

How do you use it?

Chromium can be found in certain foods, such as broccoli, potatoes, turkey and grape juice of all things, as well as in supplements. 

While a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any new vitamins or supplements, especially if you’re already taking medication, there is no denying that these vitamins and minerals can naturally increase brain chemicals to make you feel happy. When combining them in a powerful supplement like RaveAid, they can also help protect and prevent your body from feeling the depleting effects of a night of raving, on top of the potential (okay, probable) dip in your mood or changes in emotions that will occur. Check out our special offers on RaveAid here, and let our natural supplements work their magic.