Four Ways to Boost Your "Happy Hormone".

More and more people are talking about the "happy hormone" called serotonin. This naturally produced bodily chemical has become so popular in some groups that memes and other pop culture references have been created.

Notes Vikki Petersen, certified clinical nutritionist, chiropractor, and functional medicine practitioner: "Serotonin is a chemical produced by your nerves and is found mostly in your digestive tract, but also in your central nervous system.

"It sends signals between nerve cells and is known to affect mood, memory, and cognition. The concept of the brain-gut connection is explained by where serotonin is produced and the fact that it affects brain and mood function. When serotonin levels are ideal, happiness, focus, and calm are the results.

"Since serotonin is primarily produced in the digestive tract, this means it's directly connected to what you eat. Food plays a major role in serotonin production."

Here are four ways individuals can boost their body's production of serotonin:

Stay hydrated. "Dehydration can deplete your body's ability to get tryptophan, the amino acid that converts to serotonin, from arriving in your brain. Make sure to get plenty of water to boost your odds of feeling happy and well."

Regular exercise. "Research has shown that regular exercise that raises your heart rate boosts...