Dopamine is a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body and transmits signals from the body to the brain. It is very important for both mental and physical health of the person. It provides control of emotional reactions and actions. There may be a decrease in the amount of dopamine due to any problem in the brain receptors and these decreases can lead to many mental disorders, especially depression. Its deficiency can also be treated with some lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and consuming plenty of protein. Just like its deficiency, its excessive secretion is also harmful.
When we are interested in an activity that we love, when we remember any activity or information that gives us pleasure, it triggers the release of dopamine in our brain. Also it determines focus and attention, works by responding to the optic nerves which allows you to focus yourself on a certain subject or object. A high amount of dopamine is released when we encounter situations and events that excite us or cause immediate stress. Therefore, excessive dopamine secretion can bring about stress, anxiety and tension in the person. Dopamine, which is released more during the day, is secreted in lesser amounts late in the evening. This causes the person to sleep at night. The reason why Parkinson’s patients tend to sleep all the time is the insufficient secretion of dopamine by their brain.
Dopamine deficiency symptoms
Weight loss or weight gain
worry and anxiety
Tremors and loss of balance
muscle cramps
Spasm and stiffness in the muscles
Eating and swallowing difficulties
Inability to focus and low energy
feeling tired and sluggish
unexplained sadness
moving slower than usual
Despair
Suicidal thoughts and feelings of guilt
hallucinating
Lack of self-awareness
Diseases caused by dopamine deficiency
Depression
Social phobia and Psychosis
hallucinating
anhedonia
Parkinson’s disease
Reflux and ADHD
Insomnia
How to increase dopamine level
get enough sleep
listen to music
meditate
Consume protein-rich foods
Consume prebiotic foods
exercise regularly
Reduce consumption of foods containing saturated fat
Use vitamin and mineral supplements when necessary
Get enough sunlight
