Optimizing Dopamine Levels 101: The Neurotransmitter You Want More Of

Health ⯀  

When we’re talking about brain health, it’s often assumed that it all comes down to genetics and social conditioning. However, what’s not commonly known is that we can influence the chemicals that flow within it. One of these chemicals is dopamine – and here, you’ll find out why you should keep it at optimal levels. 

Why Dopamine is Important

Different parts of your body communicate with signals and chemicals to get various jobs done. In particular, neurotransmitters are among the chemicals used by the body. It’s used by our neurons to pass on messages to each other. When a corresponding receptor is triggered, it sends out a signal in the other cell to either trigger or inhibit an action.

Dopamine is one of these neurotransmitters. With the brain being crucial in maintaining proper bodily functions, how does dopamine influence our day-to-day activities?

1. Memory

In the prefrontal cortex, secretions of dopamine improve working memory. This function of the brain chemical also has an effect on how well you can retain information when learning. The amount of dopamine needed is crucial as a little difference can cause difficulties in retaining and recalling information. 

2. Motivation

Due to its function in our memory, dopamine also plays a role in reminding our brain which activities are rewarding for us. This is evident in the way that we easily improve in activities we find interesting or fun. For this reason, teachers, specifically those whose lessons are exciting and rewarding, find it easier to instill information in students.

Other than this, dopamine also functions as the regulator of pain and pleasure. Whenever you experience an event or activity that’s pleasurable, dopamine is released in your brain. This causes the brain to seek and look forward to these activities. This whole phenomenon gives the brain an instinctive understanding of risk and reward, which can be seen in the building of habits.

3. Movement

In the part of the brain known as basal ganglia, dopamine is crucial in the initiation of movement. When the prefrontal cortex sends out a signal for movement, dopamine is used by neurons to trigger signals in the nucleus accumbens found in the basal ganglia. This signal is what triggers voluntary movement in our body like walking and talking.

4. Triggers Release of Hormones

Dopamine and testosterone have a bidirectional relationship. This means that both could trigger the release of the other. Tests have shown that artificially increasing one of these two causes an increased release of the other in the body.

Another hormone influenced by dopamine is the hormone responsible for the release of growth hormone or GHRH. Through GHRH secretion, the pituitary gland secretes more growth hormones. This improves bone remineralization, muscle strength, and cognitive function.

Signs of Low Dopamine

Given how important it is for your health and life, dopamine should really be kept at ideal levels. So, how do you know that the brain chemical is running low? Well, here are signs that indicate that you might not have the optimal amount of dopamine in your system:

• Unmotivated 
• Memory loss 
• Procrastinating tendencies 
• Difficulty having fun 
• Loss of sexual drive 
• Feelings of lethargy 

Keep in mind that these signs can also indicate desensitized dopamine receptors. This comes about when the receptors are flooded with dopamine for a long period. Usually, this occurs in individuals who have addictions of any form: porn, drugs, food, gaming, etc.

Moreover, low dopamine could be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease or Tourette’s syndrome. If you’re also suffering from memory loss or decreased responsiveness in movement, it would be wise to have yourself checked by a medical professional to rule out the possibility.

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How to Boost Dopamine

Eat Foods Rich in Tyrosine

Dopamine is produced in the ventral tegmental area of the brain. Of course, the body needs precursors – compounds that would be converted into the neurotransmitter. One of these precursors is the amino acid tyrosine. So, to ensure that the neurons can produce sufficient amounts of dopamine, you simply have to make sure that you’re getting enough tyrosine – such as by making smarter dietary choices. include seeds, avocados, lean meat, eggs, fish, chocolate, cheese, beans, lentils, bananas, and whole dairy products.

Mucuna Pruriens

Another precursor to the production of dopamine is L-Dopa. This can be abundantly found in velvet bean or Mucuna pruriens. In traditional medicine, Mucuna pruriens has been used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Traditionally, it’s made into powder for ingestion. But, with modern technology, it’s now also available in extract form which is among the most popular dopamine supplements on the market today.

Cold Exposure

Cold immersions that last for an hour at a temperature of 14 degrees Celsius have been found to stimulate dopamine release. The increase of dopamine during cold immersion can be up to 250% of average levels. This particular approach is currently seen as a promising way to help those who have depression. It’s essentially a cost-free solution to a serious concern.

Caffeine

Tea and coffee is loaded with caffeine, which prevents a neurotransmitter called adenosine from reaching its receptor. When this happens, the brain produces more catecholamines. One of these catecholamines is dopamine. 

Quit Pornography

Research about this is still limited and some findings are somewhat conflicting. Some studies say that frequently watching porn desensitizes dopamine receptors, which leads us to forego delayed gratification. On the other hand, there are studies that indicate that this is not at all true. However, what is confirmed by studies is that abstaining from porn and masturbation leads to an increase in testosterone levels. And, as we have previously covered, testosterone can increase dopamine release in the brain.

Keeping an Optimal Balance

Knowing the benefits of optimal dopamine levels, it can be quite tempting to keep these levels at its highest. However, too much dopamine is a real danger. Addictions with food, drugs, and other activities are actually linked with having excessively high levels of the brain chemical. Like anything that involves our health, the key is moderation.

By  Alex Eriksson

Author Bio - Alex Eriksson is the founder of AnabolicHealth.com, a men’s health blog dedicated to providing honest and research-backed advice for optimal male hormonal health. Anabolic Health aspires to become a trusted resource where men can come and learn how to fix their hormonal problems naturally, without pharmaceuticals. Check out his guide on guide on foods that boost testosterone or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.