What Are the Causes of Low Dopamine Level?

Dopamine levels are important for many human emotions.

Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced by the body. It functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a major role in the feelings of addiction and excitement, memory, and motor control. When levels are low, it causes health issues.

The Facts

Dopamine levels drop due to stress, certain antidepressants, drug/alcohol use, poor nutrition, poor sleep, caffeine, and sugar.

Significance

Low dopamine levels may be implicated in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease.

Identification

Symptoms of low dopamine levels include apathy, depression, low mental and physical energy, difficulty focusing on tasks, and feeling cold.

Prevention/Solution

Dopamine levels can be increased through diet. This can be done with almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Exercise

Studies have shown that exercise can increase the release of dopamine and raise the number of dopamine receptors.

References

• Integrative Psychiatry
• Medpage Today
• Brookhaven National Laboratory