A list of healthy foods that increase dopamine levels naturally.
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which is made by different parts of the brain. This Is known as the “happy hormone” which is a chemical messenger that keeps you feeling positive by controlling memory, focus, motivation, attention and even body movements. Nowadays however many people have a low amount of dopamine in the brain as we tend to eat too many junk foods. Low levels of dopamine can cause sluggishness, depression, anxiety, cold feet, low sex drive and cravings for sugary foods. The good news is that there are many natural ways to boost dopamine levels and make yourself feel excellent.
In this article, we will share with you a list of 15 foods that increase dopamine levels in the brain.
1. Eggs: Eggs contain all the building blocks of life and are an important source of tyrosine and all 9 of the essential amino acids. These amino acids are needed by the body to make neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
2. Oregano Oil: Oil of oregano is one of the best natural oils for your health. It contains an active ingredient called carvacrol which has been shown to boost dopamine levels naturally. This tends to make you more cheerful and happy.
3. Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut helps to feed the friendly bacteria which live in the gut and digestive system. Studies have shown that having more of these bacteria (known as probiotics) improves dopamine levels in the brain. Sauerkraut and other fermented foods will also help in releasing anxiety and stress.
4. Green Tea to boost dopamine levels: Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter, meaning that it helps electrical signals to move around the brain. For this reason, we highly recommend drinking green tea daily. This contains a substance known as L-theanine which boosts neurotransmission and dopamine levels naturally.
5. Turmeric: This eastern spice contains a unique compound called curcumin. Studies show that this is stronger than Prozac for improving mood and treating depression. It lowers inflammation in the brain allowing for more dopamine to be released.
6. Pumpkin Seeds: Over half the population is deficient in magnesium. This is an important electrolyte needed by the body for energy production by the nervous system. Pumpkin seeds are one of the highest sources of this, so get these into your diet if possible.
7. Spinach: This healthy leafy green is another superb source of magnesium for your body. Spinach is also rich in iron for building red blood cells, and glutathione a powerful antioxidant for slowing down the ageing process.
8. Avocados: These are one of the healthiest superfoods on the planet and are rich in potassium and folate which work together to boost dopamine in the brain. It’s healthy fats also balance the blood sugars which keeps your mood stable throughout the day.
9. Kombucha Tea: A fermented drink which reduces stress levels and is often used to replace alcoholic drinks. It has a low amount of alcohol and has a sedative effect which can help you to sleep better at night. Better sleep quality leads to higher dopamine levels.
10. Nutritional Yeast: Having a high amount of stress depletes dopamine so it’s important to find ways to reduce this. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of the B vitamin complex, which reduces stress, anxiety and calms the entire body.
11. Velvet Beans: Velvet beans grow in Africa, India and Southern China, and are also known as Mucuna Pruriens. Research shows that these are as strong as Parkinson’s medication for boosting dopamine in the brain. You can purchase this in a powdered form online or in health food stores.
12. Holy Basil: This delicious herb is known as an adaptogen. This means that it contains natural substances that helps your body to adapt to stress. This promotes mental balance, brain health and dopamine production.
13. Rhodiola: This is a herb which is usually taken as a supplement. It is especially useful for treating generalized anxiety disorder. Studies show that it increases the sensitivity of the neurons in the brain in relation to dopamine. This means that the brain works better with faster connections being made.
14. Beef: Grass feed meats such as Beef, Turkey, and chicken supply the body with the amino acids called tyrosine and phenylalanine. These are the raw materials used to make dopamine.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar: If you often have to bloat, gas or indigestion then you may have something called low stomach acid. Taking 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals will strengthen your stomach. This allows you to absorb more amino acids which are needed to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine.
As you can see there are many foods that you can eat which increase dopamine levels in the brain. We highly recommend getting more sunshine on your skin if possible, as this can boost vitamin D production and lower stress levels. Eating lots of raw leafy green vegetables is an excellent way to boost your overall health. These supply the complex vitamins and minerals needed to support the brain and lower the risk of mental disorders. Try not to drink too much coffee and caffeinated drinks as this can overstimulate the brain and cause you to crash. Improving your quality of sleep is very important for mental balance and dopamine production.