Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain that allows communication between nerve cells. Dopamine is released from the hypothalamus region of the brain. It helps regulate emotions, and also plays an important role in balancing mood and behavior. Dopamine is a brain chemical that affects the sensation of pleasure and the sensation of pain.
The functions of the dopamine hormone can be summarized in the following way: providing movement, enhancing memory, controlling behavior, attention (concentration), inhibiting prolactin production.
The consumption of foods that contain large amounts of sugar and in particular sweeteners, are considered unhealthy foods, where a decrease in the level of dopamine hormones in the body can be observed.
Low levels of dopamine can lead to a number of adverse situations such as: depression, feelings of dissatisfaction, addiction, weakness, mood swings, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, apathy and numbness, physical discomfort, sleep problems, despair.
Which foods increase dopamine secretion
1. Foods containing protein
The best way to increase dopamine release in the brain is to eat protein-based foods. These are the following: beef, white cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken, eggs, fish (especially salmon, flounder, trout, tuna, sardines, mackerel), turkey.
2. Some vegetables
Most vegetables contain vitamin B9 or folic acid and antioxidant components that support the increase of dopamine in the brain. Thanks to their antioxidant content, most vegetables help reduce free radicals. These are vegetables such as: avocado, beets (regulates neurotransmitter levels and helps improve mood), black beans, broccoli, cauliflower, chickpeas, lentils, spinach, broad beans, green leafy vegetables.
3. Some fruit
Most of the fruit are rich in the amino acid tyrosine. Some fruit, like some vegetables, increase the production of dopamine in the body. These are fruit such as: apples, bananas, blueberries, papaya, prunes, strawberries, watermelon.
4. Foods containing tyrosine
Various foods containing tyrosine can increase dopamine secretion. These are:
- chocolate (contains phenylethylamine, which causes the secretion of dopamine hormones);
- coffee;
- ginseng;
- green tea (which leads to the release of dopamine hormone, which is a type of polyphenol L theanine);
- nuts (the most important are almonds);
- edible seeds (especially sesame and pumpkin seeds);
- thyme oil (also called carvacrol);
- spirulina (blue-green algae);
- turmeric;
- wheat (contains phenylalanine, which is converted into dopamine);
- oatmeal;
- sauerkraut (a natural source of probiotics, which helps to increase the secretion of dopamine hormone).
Have a look at which are the foods for happiness and ways to increase motivation levels.
