Why do you feel like having more junk food and sugar all the time even when you are full? Because it is addictive. They trigger the release of dopamine into your brain, which gives you the feeling that you’re on top of the world and you want to repeat that experience.
As humans, our brains are hard-wired to seek out behaviours that release dopamine in our reward system. When you’re doing something pleasurable, your brain releases a large amount of dopamine. You feel good and you seek more of that feeling.
This can be correlated with anything like winning a competition, pursuing any hobbies, and having your favorite food as well.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in your brain which plays a role as a “reward center”. It is responsible for many functions including memory, movement, motivation, mood, attention and more.
Little did you know, that many diseases are also associated with high or low levels of dopamine. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease, Restless legs syndrome, mania, obesity and addiction.
Thus there is a good and a bad side to dopamine. And people who suffer from these diseases, need to consume dopamine agonists and antagonist drugs.
However, it is normal for a healthy person to have dopamine imbalances as well. This can be witnessed through your food eating habits, and overall sleeping patterns and behaviour. And the solution to this, doesn’t require medication.
Hence there are natural ways in which you can optimise your dopamine levels for the better.
The first is through dietary changes. As we always mention, the food you eat will determine all aspects of your health.
Eating a diet that’s high in magnesium and tyrosine-rich foods will help produce dopamine naturally. Both these elements are the building blocks for dopamine production.
Tyrosine is an amino acid which is absorbed in your body and then goes to your brain, where it’s converted into dopamine. Foods known to increase dopamine include chicken, almonds, apples, avocados, bananas beets, chocolate, green leafy vegetables, green tea, lima beans, oatmeal, oranges, peas, sesame and pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, turmeric, watermelon and wheat germ.
And the other natural way is through exercise and recreational activities. Engaging in activities that make you happy or feel relaxed will increase dopamine levels. This includes exercise, meditation, yoga, massage, playing with a pet, walking in nature or even reading a book.
Thus your lifestyle plays a critical role in all aspects of your life and health. This will include mental, physical, social and occupational well-being as well!
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