Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that is involved in many functions of the human body. Its lack can indicate from trivial to very serious problems. Fortunately, there are natural ways to increase it.
It is incredible that sometimes you can suffer multiple symptoms, do all the tests without finding what is wrong and, finally, the cause is found in the lack of some substance, a vitamin for example, or in the poor absorption of the components needed by the body. your body. I made this observation while reading about his important role. dopaminea neurotransmitter-chemical compound of the brain that participates in many functions of the body and not only in good humor, as you may have heard
Dopamine has been identified with the pleasure and has been associated with prize. Until very recently, scientists thought that it functioned as the reward system of our neurons.
But now it has become clear that dopamine is not the chemical that gives us pleasure, it is the chemical that it gives us the pleasure of wanting more. Result; When we get what we want, we start wanting more..
What are the symptoms of dopamine deficiency?
Beyond this more or less known function, dopamine also plays a role in controlling movement, sleep, memory, learning, and concentration. HE Parkinson’s diseasehe depression and Attention Deficit Syndrome (ADHD), are also related to its deficiency.
Dopamine is linked to many mental health disorders, including major depressive disorders and schizophrenia. Excessively high levels cause symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, while its deficiency causes depression and lack of motivation.
However, scientists are still investigating the role that dopamine plays in the above conditions. It is not clear if the low dopamine itself is the cause or if something else leads to the malfunction of dopamine in different areas of the brain. Others neurotransmitters they may also be involved in the development of these problems.
Some (most common) symptoms that may be due to a lack of dopamine are:
- chronic low back pain
- Constipation
- weight gains
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Difficulty to sleep
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating and brain fog
- Decreased desire to have sex
- Lack of motivation
- Bad mood
What can affect your levels?
– Diets
Extreme dietary changes and significant deprivation can affect dopamine levels. HE lack of protein in a person’s diet, in fact, it leads to a lack of I-tyrosine, an amino acid that helps generate dopamine in the body.
– Obesity
In the human body there is a gene that researchers call “cfat mass and onidium associated with obesity (FTO)». People with variants of this gene are more likely to develop obesity. Some scientists report that the FTO gene affects dopamine and brain reward system.
Also, according to research, saturated fats can increase inflammation, which disrupts the dopamine system.
– Drug use
A 2017 review found that repeated use of stimulants could alter dopamine cell activation and signaling.
People who use drugs regularly also have significant reductions in dopamine D2 receptors and dopamine release, making it difficult for a person to experience the positive effects of dopamine.
– Lack of sleep and stress.
The “usual suspects” of any disease are sleep and chronic stress. While we sleep, dopamine sends corresponding messages to the body that we are resting. Consequently, lack of sleep creates disturbances in its production and action.
How was the diagnosis made?
The complet neurotransmitter control consists of measuring the molecules of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, adrenaline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid in a urine sample, while measuring dopamine is also done with a blood test.
In any case, it is the doctor who will indicate the appropriate examination and will suspect its need based on the clinical examination and the anamnesis. Consult all your doubts with him and avoid self-diagnosis.
Are there medications?
There are drugs with dopaminergic action. They are called dopamine agonists and imitate his action. They are prescribed to treat different symptoms and conditions and mainly for Parkinson’s disease rather than the common symptoms.
Increase dopamine levels naturally
If you suspect, or discover, that your body’s dopamine levels are low, there are some natural ways to increase them that are sure to greatly benefit you:
- Consume coffee, which keeps dopamine levels high.
- Exercise daily.
- Prefer foods rich in protein.
- Foods like banana, avocado, apple, tomato, eggplant, and spinach can also help.
- Develop a good sleep routine.
- Listen to music that you like.