Dopamine often called the as Happy Hormone or Feel Good Hormone. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions.
As a hormone, dopamine is released into your bloodstream. It plays a small role in the “fight-or-flight” syndrome. The fight-or-flight response refers to your body’s response to a perceived or real stressful situation, such as needing to escape danger. Engage in activities that make you happy or feel relaxed. This is thought to increase dopamine levels.
Activities which can increase Dopamine levels include:
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Massage
- Playing with a pet
- Walking in nature or
- Reading a book
Many diseases are associated with high or low levels of dopamine.
Diseases associated with low levels of dopamine:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Restless legs syndrome.
Diseases associated with high levels of dopamine:
- Mania
- Obesity
- Addiction
Diseases associated with both high and low levels of dopamine: Schizophrenia, high dopamine symptoms include delusions and hallucinations whereas lack of motivation is a symptom of low dopamine.
FOODS FOR INCREASING DOPAMINE NATURALLY
Apples, Avocados, Beets, Chocolate, Coffee, Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, Dark chocolate, Eggs, Fava beans, Fruit and vegetables particularly bananas, Green leafy vegetables, Green tea, Kefir (a fermented dairy product), Lima beans, Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds, Oatmeal, Olive oil, Omega-3 rich fish such as salmon and mackerel, Oregano, Peanuts, Raw sauerkraut, Rosemary, Sesame and pumpkin seeds, Soy products, Turmeric, Unprocessed or lean meats like beef, chicken, and turkey, Watermelon, Wheat germ, Yogurt etc.
If you think you have symptoms of high or low levels of dopamine, see your healthcare provider. They’ll review your symptoms, conduct any needed tests and help determine a proper plan of care if a medical condition is found.
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