Have you ever heard of dopamine? Are you familiar with this term? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter(like serotonin), that is, a biochemical moleculeproduced by neurons. This network of neurons organizes communication in the nervous system.
Dopamine is therefore a chemical messenger to the brain through nerve cells.
Dopamine and Health
Dopamine is generally held responsible for our behavioral attitudes and mood disorders. Therefore, our emotions are sometimes the result of an imbalance in the level of molecules in the blood, especially when they are reduced or in excess in the body.
- The sleep and fatigue
· The mood depression, bipolar disorder, euphoria, hyperactivity
- The memory: memory loss
- Lack of motivation: Lack of drive and energy, no longer feel like taking action, getting up in the morning, etc.
When dopamine is in excess or deficiency in our bodies, it can also lead to health disorders of varying severity. Parkinson's disease, part of the neurodegenerative diseases, is a perfect example, as are some conditions related to substance abuse or eating disorders.
Decreased activity of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra may cause :
- Stiffness in the body
- Some tremors
- A decrease in reflexes
This is the case for Parkinson's disease. As the disease progresses, the body becomes exhausted, the heart rate decreases, neurological faculties disappear...
Tyrosine, a dopamine precursor
A non-essential amino acid (protein constituent), tyrosine is precursor to dopamine and thus participates in its synthesis. It is also a precursor of other molecules such as adrenaline, noradrenaline or DOPA. Melatonin is also closely related to tyrosine.
In case of dopaminergic deficiencyprovoking health disorders, tyrosine supplementation should be considered to stimulate its production. Although it is present in some foods (almond, avocado, banana, soy and proteins), the concentration is not sufficient.
Nevertheless, to maintain a good life balance, opt for a varied diet.
Dopamine, pleasure hormone or reward circuit?
Like endorphin, an influx of dopamine into the body produces a prior reward effect. For example, the simple idea of performing an action that activates pleasure will trigger the secretion of this hormone.
For example:
- Sexual desire
- Positive thinking
- The sight of a pack of nicotine cigarettes
One could deduce then that the symptoms of addiction are closely linked with the production of dopamine. Obviously, drugs(amphetamines, cocaine, ...) activate the stimulation and therefore the release of dopamine. Producing then a feeling of satisfaction, a general well being. People who suffer addiction certainly have an imbalance in dopamine function.
Pleasure" food is also a stimulant for the release of dopamine. From then on, many TCA(eating disorders) see their origin in a dopaminergic deficiency. The hormonal balance is no longer achieved.
Dopamine and symptoms.
When you suffer from decreases in attention, the beginnings of depression or depression, melancholy, pain, impatience in the legs, lack of daily motivation for several months, take advice from your doctor. Indeed, a simple analysis allows us to check the body's chemical substances as well as the neuromediators. If your problems can be solved by a supplement to boost dopamine synthesis (Tyrosine), don't deprive yourself!
Nevertheless, be careful with certain medications (L-Dopa) or drugs (amphet) that increase dopamine in the body. They can provoke states of aggression and sexual urges that are sometimes uncontrollable. Do not consume without medical advice.
Boost your dopamine naturally.
Sometimes, by simply changing one's lifestyle, one recovers vitality lost through deficiency in dopamine. The balance can easily be filled with new habits that are healthier for you.
Some tips to boost your dopamine levels:
- Outdoor sports in daylight
- Sleeping properly
– Meditate and practice conscious breathing exercises
- Healthy eating
- Avoiding dependencies
- Treat yourself to a healthy treat
- Listening to music
- Create a creative project
Take care of yourself and your dopamine!
