How to Increase the Body’s Dopamine Levels

CEBU, Philippines -  Dopamine is the brain’s feel good chemical, sending feelings of wellbeing and pleasure into the body. In addition to simply making one feel good, dopamine helps control weight, energy levels, and supports brain and heart health. Without it, a person would be fatter, unhappy, and tired. But with knowledge on how to increase dopamine levels, one can take advantage of this feel-good chemical on command. The best part? Dopamine levels may be increased just by eating certain foods.

Fat, unhappy, and tired – those words seem to fit many people today. Fortunately, boosting dopamine production levels could help. The right amount of dopamine could lift a person from depression, help him lose weight, and put some life back into his life.

But, how can one boost dopamine levels naturally? Since dopamine is synthesized from tyrosine, it can simply be obtained from foods rich in tyrosine to boost dopamine production. Certain foods help balance dopamine levels, including:

Fish – Evidence suggest Omega 3 fats may be linked to dopamine production

Eggs – Contains tyrosine

Spirulina – Contains tyrosine

Red beets – Contain betaine, acting as an antidepressant, and tyrosine

Apples – Contain quercetin, to prevent neuro-degeneration and boost dopamine

Kale – Rich in folate, to trigger dopamine production

Oregano Oil – Has promising effects on mood swings and cravings by increasing dopamine levels

Bananas – Including the amino acid tyrosine, which boosts dopamine

Strawberries and blueberries – Include tyrosine, like bananas

Green tea – Contains polyphenols, good for brain and heart function, as well as dopamine production

Herbs like ginkgo biloba, nettles, dandelion, and ginseng

Another solution for how to increase dopamine levels and flood the brain with this feel-good chemical is exercise. When one exercises, the cells in the brain (and the rest of the body) start firing, becoming more energized. One also produces more serotonin and dopamine – both crucial in mood elevation. Some credit these chemicals with what’s known as the “runner’s high,” common in endurance athletes.  But it is also known these make you feel good, and a sense of wellbeing and happiness can increase your physical health in turn.

Alternatively, one could also take supplements to boost dopamine, although foods and exercise may be the two best and most beneficial options. Some of the supplements options to increase dopamine levels are:

Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo can increase dopamine while enhancing oxygen flow and blood flow to the brain – promoting healthy transmission of nerve impulses.

Phenylalnine – This essential amino acid can convert in the body to tyrosine, which is found to synthesize dopamine.

Tyrosine – What people often want in food to boost dopamine, tyrosine can also be taken as a supplement. Tyrosine is converted from phenylalnine.    

What is put in the body and how one uses the body determines how he feels. While a medical doctor would be quick to prescribe an anti-depressant if he felt the patient had a depression chemical imbalance (which some experts say doesn’t exist) like dopamine deficiency, that prescription would likely be completely unnecessary. Instead, through a healthy, whole-foods diet and regular exercise, a person can boost his mood and attain overall wellness. (www.naturalsociety.com)  (FREEMAN)