Grouchiness or irritability as it may be called, is often expected of elderly people. They apparently become self-centered and object to any changes in routine or their lives. The antics of younger more active people (especially children) just rub them the wrong way.

But often some of us feel a little grouchiness creep in when we aren't even elderly. It can begin at middle age or even before. Are we just too beat up by life and the world?

Look it up on the internet sometime. The myriad of causes and cures for irritability is mind boggling. Enough to make you grouchy! It is classified as a psychiatric disease, or as a symptom of all kinds of physical diseases. And some people just figure that's how it is when you get old.

Psychiatric drugs are really not a solution. Their damaging side effects are well documented. It's a case of the cure being worse than the disease. The only ones who benefit are psychiatrists and drugs companies, who make a lot of money.

Other cures for grouchiness might do a bit of good if you can do them. Keep your mind on the positive. Think good thoughts. Get lots of exercise. Reconnect with your divine essence. Get more sleep. There are many more remedies.

But there actually are some physical conditions that do cause a lowering of mood. As a person ages, the level of neurotransmitter serotonin dwindles in the brain. It can lead to a "grouchy old man" (or woman).

Serotonin is a chemical and a lack of it can make one feel depressed. It is naturally produced by the body, but since production decreases as one ages, it needs to be replenished. St. John's wort, SAMe and 5-HIP are natural supplements which can increase the body's production of serotonin. As a bonus, since serotonin relates to perception of pain, pain will decrease as serotonin increases.

There are other things that happen to a body as it ages, which can cause grouchiness. A lot of people have food allergies that do not begin until they are middle aged or past, and these allergies cause grouchiness and other negative symptoms. A doctor trained in alternative medicine would be able to determine if you have such allergies. Refined foods and foods high in saturated fats can bring on a gloomy mood even if you aren't allergic. And contrarily slow burning carbohydrates will alleviate it, ad well as alleviate pain and increase energy.

A doctor trained in natural medicine can determine allergies and also test for serotonin levels and prescribe a natural remedy. Get help, not side effects. You can be the cheerful person you were when you were 23.