Share This Article
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in many different functions. Dopamine maintains mood, reward, addiction and motor behavior. This blog post will discuss how dopamine affects these four things and what can be done to increase it! Title: What is Dopamine? As dopamine is a neurotransmitter, it cannot be seen. It helps maintain moods and rewards by sending signals to specific areas of the brain. Possible treatments for Parkinson’s disease are also being researched with respect to potential benefits from increased levels of dopamine in patients with low levels (See below). Evidence suggests that dopaminergic therapies may have some efficacy in treating addiction disorders as well*. Dopamine depletion has been implicated in schizophrenia*, depression* and anxiety.* As we now know where this chemical comes from, how it works within the body, what its purpose is and what problems can arise when there isn’t enough or too much – let’s look at ways you can increase dopamine. There are many different ways that we can help to boost the production of this chemical in our bodies. Firstly, it is important to make sure you get enough sleep every night and avoid prolonged periods without your body getting any shut eye – as a lack of sleep will lead to low levels of dopamine*. Secondly, eating foods rich in tyrosine (a precursor molecule for dopamine) such as bananas* or dairy products*, especially cheese*, which contain high amounts of tryptophan*, may be helpful.* Thirdly, taking part in regular exercise releases endorphins from within the brain leading to an overall feeling of happiness and increased energy along with higher levels of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin* and dopamine*. *See below for more information on these four factors. -Neurotransmitter that is involved in mood, reward, addiction and motor behavior -Dopamine maintains moods by sending signals to specific areas of the brain or dopamine depletion may be implicated in depression*, schizophrenia*, anxiety.* -Eating foods rich in tyrosine can help increase production of dopamine* such as bananas (a good source), dairy products (high levels of tryptophan). Taking part in regular exercise releases endorphins from within the brain leading to an overall feeling of happiness and increased energy along with higher levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin* and dopamine*. You should also make sure you get enough sleep every night because