This is the neurotransmitter responsible for your Power, your Physical and Mental strength.
Dopamine affects your confidence and motivation. Your Goals Vision and Focus
Your metabolism is affected by Dopamine and especially your Thyroid function. Dopamine levels are implicated in ADD and Addictive Behaviour such as gambling & alcoholism.
Increases in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) has a profound effect on the production of Dopamine Activating the Nrf2 system is the most effective way to lower ROS
The amino acid Tyrosine is used to create Dopamine, and also Thyroid hormones. Tyrosine is found in in many high-protein food products such as chicken, turkey, fish, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soy products and lima beans, but also in avocados and bananas. Obviously good Digestion will be important to break down all that protein so if you are struggling with your tummy, supporting effective digestion will be critical
Dopamine can be converted into Adrenaline and Noradrenaline when the body requires it, so Long Term Stress Depletes Dopamine levels. This can lead to addictions due to a need to recharge. Caffeine, Nicotine, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Heroin all increase Dopamine levels.
If someone has elevated Dopamine levels they can become a bully or a tyrant. An overbearing workaholic, an alcoholic, a gambler or perhaps even an exercise junkie. These people need to choose playful exercise and learn the joy of pleasure, without being driven to achieve something .
When your Dopamine levels are low you become indecisive or stuck, a Paralysis of Will occurs where you are filled with self-doubt. Indecision and hesitancy can create a lack of ambition, reducing your drive and leading to depression. If you find yourself feeling this way, choose activities which require extended focus. Choose and commit to even something small. Try taking on minor leadership roles. Large muscle movement affects Dopamine. So powerful exercise such as boxing , lifting weights or jogging, will increase dopamine and can be used to keep the “Black Dog” at bay.
The key is to have enough motivation to get up and move. Energy comes from the right balance of hormones, nutrients and oxygen. However even if you get that all in the right balance. Our energy is produced in the Mitochondria of the cell and if its function is not efficient we will have LOW Energy …
There a two Neurodegenerative disease associated with chronic low Dopamine function Parkinson’s Disease & Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimers - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22020111/
Parkinson’s - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31415806/
On a final note, I want to talk about technology & Dopamine. All our apps, games and social media channels, create massive Dopamine surges in our brains. Don’t forget this stuff can get really addictive. We all need to be aware of the dark side of these tools we have been given in the modern world, especially with children. Gaining likes and advancing in games can create a chemical storm in our brains similar to substances like cocaine. Young minds are especially vulnerable here, and we all need a healthy daily detox from being online. My favourite way is to ground myself by placing my bare feet on the earth, to dig in the soil with my hands, to walk in nature slowly, and swim in the sea.