(NaturalHealth365) The brain is run through an electrical circuitry that depends upon key neurotransmitters. Dopamine is associated with the ‘pleasure system’ of the brain and allows us to feel enjoyment and a sense of reward in order to motivate performance. It also helps with focus and attention and the ability to feel pleasure.
There are key lifestyle strategies and superfoods that help enhance our dopaminergic system.
Individuals with low dopamine levels often experience hopelessness, worthlessness and an inability to handle stress. They often isolate themselves from others and they have self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Being easily distracted and unable to focus and having a hard time finishing tasks can also be a sign of early dopamine deficiencies.
Diseases and lifestyle behaviors associated with low dopamine
Dopamine is involved with modulating mood, attention and ability to learn. It is known as the pleasure system of the brain which is evidenced in animal studies where animals will choose dopamine over food and water until their death. We see this same behavior in humans who are addicted to drugs, gambling, alcohol, sex, food and extreme sports. All of us get surges of dopamine from different activities that give us pleasure.
The most common lifestyle factors that alter dopamine signaling include poor blood sugar balance, alcohol or drug abuse, poor gut function, adrenal fatigue and brain inflammation. These things must be addressed for optimal brain function.
If you feel that you have signs and signals of low dopamine be sure to follow an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan with high quality supplements targeted at improving gut function and reducing oxidative stress levels in the body.
Key nutrients our body needs to produce adequate dopamine levels include D,L phenylalanine, beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) and N-acetyl L-tyrosine, vitamin B6, folate, selenium, glutathione, zinc and magnesium. Here are some of the richest food sources of the following:
Raw chocolate, also called cacao, this superfood is loaded with dopamine boosting nutrients. It is one of the best sources of PEA’s which are natural compounds that cross over the blood brain barrier and stimulate and modulate the release of dopamine in the brain. Cacao is also very rich in magnesium and zinc and chromium which help to balance and stabilize blood sugar.
Cacao also helps to boost serotonin and contains the endorphin anandamide – which is considered the ‘bliss chemical’. This combination of ingredients makes raw chocolate the best mood boosting superfood. Be careful not to overdo the chocolate though as the body may develop a sensitivity to some of the compounds in the chocolate and create adrenal stress.
Blueberries are rich in the flavonoid antioxidants anthocyanin which has been shown to protect some of the major regions in the brain that control dopamine secretions. A 2006 study, published in Nutritional Neuroscience demonstrated that blueberry extract prevented oxidative stress associated stress to the substantia nigra and striatum regions of the brain. This is particularly important for Parkinson’s disease prevention but also for general improvement in motor coordination and dopamine signaling patterns.
Don’t forget to eat plenty of almonds, Brazil nuts, chia, hemp and pumpkin seeds
Brazil nuts are extremely high in selenium which is a critical nutrient needed for healthy dopamine production. Almonds are high in tyrosine and pumpkin seeds are rich in B vitamins such as B6, folate and the trace mineral zinc which are all necessary for healthy dopamine production. Chia and hemp seeds supply a perfect ratio of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and gamma linoleic acid – necessary for healthy hormones and neurotransmitters.
Be sure to have the majority of your nut intake from soaked, steamed or sprouted nuts and seeds. You can simply put these nuts/seeds into some clean water and let sit overnight and then drain, rinse and dry. This will wash away phytic acids, enzyme inhibitors and many of the lectins and other anti-nutrients that these nuts and seeds contain.
You can also stick them in your steamer with veggies you may be steaming such as brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. This removes many of the anti-nutrients and makes them softer and easier to consume and digest.
What is the best kind of dairy food?
Raw dairy from 100% grass-fed cows, goats and sheep is extraordinarily rich in omega 3 fatty acids, choline and CLA – which all enhance hormone and neurotransmitter function. Additionally, the fermentation process produces enzymes and probiotics that improve gut function and reduce inflammatory stress in the body. These enzymes and healthy microbes also enhance amino acid bioavailability – making it easier for the body to synthesize the alanine, tyrosine and phenylalanine necessary for healthy dopamine production.
Fermented raw dairy from grass-fed animals is also rich in glutathione precursers such as cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. They are also very rich in L-glutamine which is critical for a healthy gut membrane. Damage to the gut is one of the leading causes of neurological stress and reduced neurotransmitter activity. Using fermented raw dairy from 100% grass-fed animals is one of the best ways to enhance gut function and neurotransmitter activity.
What are the health benefits of ‘pasture-raised’ or ‘wild-caught’ animal foods?
These foods are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that are necessary for reducing inflammatory conditions in the brain and supporting healthy neuron and neurotransmitter connections. The more grass and sea vegetable or algae (in the case of fish) the animals consume the more nutrient dense they are.
Why should I eat cruciferous vegetables?
Cruciferous vegetables like kale, collards, brussel sprouts, chard, cabbage and cauliflower are extremely rich in sulfur compounds, B vitamins and other key anti-oxidants and trace minerals. The alium family which includes garlic, onions, chives and scallions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds. Sulfur compounds boost glutathione levels – which are the key for a healthy brain and optimal dopamine release.
Cruciferous veggies are best when they are juiced, steamed or fermented in order to break down anti-nutrients and enhance the bioavailability of the nutrients. You can juice kale, steam broccoli and make fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) for optimal nutrition.
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About the author: Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information – visit: DrJockers.com. Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals.
References:
http://www.naturalnews.com/040537_brain_foods_dopamine_production.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17263092
http://www.drjockers.com/2013/09/gluten-sensitivity-and-your-brain/
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