How to Produce Dopamine
Proneness to depression, lack of energy and poor coordination are results of a low dopamine level. Dopamine is a hormone produced by the body to transmit nerve impulses to brain cells. When dopamine supplies are running low or fail to remain therapeutic, the body will respond in several ways. Richard Depue, Ph.D., a Cornell Clinical psychologist, says that low dopamine levels contribute to the desire to partake in certain street drugs and activities. For various reasons, dopamine supplies in the brain run low, altering the mental state and nervous system. Fortunately, there are ways to increase levels of dopamine conveyed to the brain.
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Instructions
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Avoid drugs and alcohol. Engaging in the recreational use of drugs and alcohol limits the body's ability to produce dopamine on its own. This is due to the body becoming dependent on the artificial dopamine created by the drugs and alcohol. Refraining from such substances will allow your body to naturally produce dopamine for the brain.
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Choose the right foods. Dopamine and other neurotransmitters are greatly affected by the foods you eat. Fruits and high-protein foods assist in producing dopamine for the brain. Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates have a negative effect on serotonin, which in return decreases dopamine levels. According to TheThinkingBusiness.com, amino acids are needed to produce dopamine; therefore, foods rich in amino acids should assist with dopamine production.
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Use the powers of the mind. Meditation is believed to be the "brain's own medicine." Both spiritually and culturally, meditation has been known to calm and regulate acts of the mind. Meditation is associated with increased dopamine levels in the body. As per "Psychiatry 2009," this is why one becomes energized and happy shortly after yoga or meditating.
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Most supplements that help relieve symptoms of depression usually assist with increasing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are produced more naturally when certain supplements are in your system. Amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, sam-e and folic acid help prevent dopamine deficiency.
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For women, estrogen plays a major part in dopamine deficiency. Lack of estrogen can lead to damage to the dopamine cells in the brain. Csaba Leranth, M.D., professor of OB/GYN and neurobiology, says that 30 percent of all dopamines are no longer produced in the brain without estrogen. This can cause menopausal women to develop Parkinson's disease and other disorders. Enhancing the body's ability to produce more estrogen will in return produce more dopamine, preventing a deficiency of any kind.
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