How to increase dopamine

About dopamine

Dopamine is one of the important neurotransmitters in the human brain. Its main role is to transmit messages between nerve cells and it is therefore very important for various nerve functions. This particular neurotransmitter regulates movement, emotional responses, cognition, focus and attention, as well as the ability to feel pain and pleasure.

Low levels of dopamine were scientifically proven to be one of the factors for the development of Parkinson’s disease and of conditions and disorders affecting cognitive and emotional responses.

Low levels of dopamine affect a person in many ways, causing problems such as low energy levels, low libido, melancholy, depression, addiction, food cravings, low attention, focus and memory, increased obsession and compulsion and many other problems.

Since dopamine is so important for various functions, it is clear that its levels should be kept high. The question is, how does one achieve high dopamine levels?

Natural ways to increase dopamine

Several studies have confirmed that there is a strong link between physical workout and increased levels of dopamine. Basically even the simplest exercise of 30 minutes triggers increased production of this neurotransmitter. This is probably the reason why many people who work out a lot become quite addicted to exercise.

The importance of sleep is something that almost all medical experts agree upon. Sleep is absolutely vital for good health and for basic body functions, and one of its effects is its ability to relax the mind and to help the body to naturally produce more dopamine. In order to achieve this effect of sleep, it is necessary to get eight hours of undisturbed sleep per night. Sleeping only for a few hours at a time will not have a positive effect on dopamine levels.

Food can also be a factor that increases the production of dopamine. Certain foods have that ability, and those include apples, bananas, cheese, chicken, beets, eggs, legumes, milk, fish, berries, seafood, almonds, seeds, soybean, cucumbers and wheat germ.

Of course, there are foods and products that should be avoided because they hamper the production of dopamine. These include foods high in sugar and sodium, saturated fats, refined foods and alcohol.

Considering the role of dopamine not only for good physical health but also for the mood and the psychological status, every person should make sure to apply at least one of these natural ways to increase the production of dopamine. The effect of it the overall life quality will be more than satisfying.