James Dixon examines dopamine in depth to discover what exactly it is, and its effects on us.
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is often used as a chemical messenger or hormone. It is important for our sense of well-being, reward, and pleasure. It is therefore also essential to our motivation, interest, enjoyment, and focus.
You need to make a specific amount. Too much, or not enough can lead to a variety of health problems.
Dopamine 101
Dopamine, chemically speaking is a monoamine neurotransmitter. The group of neurons in the hypothalamus creates it in the center of the brain. It then functions as a messenger chemical.
The process is simple.
First, the brain transforms an amino acid called tyrosine into dopa. Second, the dopa in this form is transformed into dopamine.
Dopamine is not just a neurotransmitter. This is because it’s a neurohormone. It also functions as a hormonal.
The adrenal gland produces it along with epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other catecholamines. Dopamine is the hormone that produces feelings of motivation, pleasure and satisfaction. Dopamine is largely responsible for the feeling of accomplishment we experience when we accomplish something.
Dopamine is also involved in addictive behaviors and addiction. Dopamine or rewards or pleasure can become a craving.
Dopamine is released by a variety of things, including sex and eating. It can also be released when people win, gamble, or earn more money. Many illegal drugs and alcohol can cause dopamine to be released in a greater amount.
Dopamine also plays a role in memory, learning and focus. It is important to sleep as well.
This substance can have a significant impact on your mood, kidney function, blood vessel function and health (in low doses it acts as a vasodilator, while in higher levels, it functions as a vasoconstrictor), attention, processing pain, and even breastfeeding. Even controlling nausea and vomiting as well as managing the fight-or flight response (your response to perceived danger and stress) are all affected by it.
The body can use dopamine to help remove sodium, reduce the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and protect the gastrointestinal lining. It will also minimize movement and the flow of GI contents.
Your mental health and dopamine
Dopamine plays a key role in mental health. Even though mental illnesses are often complex and without a single cause, they can all be attributed to low levels of dopamine in different brain areas. Schizophrenia, for example, has been long associated with low dopamine levels. Once, it was thought to be linked with hyperactivity of the dopamine systems.
There is now strong evidence to suggest that the symptoms of excessive dopamine levels are linked with delusions, hallucinations and other brain disorders. Lack of dopamine can also cause other symptoms, such as low motivation, lacklustre focus and a desire to engage in activities.
Research has also shown a link between dopamine and attention deficit hyperactivity (or ADHD – the exact cause is not known) that may be influenced by inherited genetics. Ritalin or methylphenidate is one of the most popular ADHD drugs. It works by increasing dopamine production.
Dopamine, as mentioned above is linked to addiction and addictive behaviors. Dopamine is a key component of addictive drugs such as cocaine. It releases large amounts quickly, which triggers the reward center and leads to instant satisfaction and wellbeing. Over time, however, drug abuse can lead to a greater desire for more drugs as the reward system becomes overloaded. To achieve the same effect, you will have to increase your dosage. You may also need to continue taking it to create dopamine. Drug use can reduce your body’s natural ability to make dopamine and leave you dependent.
Increased dopamine, whether due to natural causes or drug abuse, has been associated with increased aggression, competitiveness and low impulse control.
A low dopamine level can also lead to a lack of motivation. This is closely related to depression. It is closely linked with depression.
The dopaminergic nerve cells that produce the drug slowly die off in Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine, which is responsible for controlling muscles in part, can cause the spasms and stiffness we associate with Parkinson’s.
Dopamine: a good way to control your levels
If you know how to look for it, you can easily tell whether your body produces healthy amounts of dopamine. You can tell if your body is producing enough dopamine based on how you feel.
Dopamine Low?
Dopamine may be low if your levels are consistently low.
It can also be associated with sleep issues like insomnia or difficulty staying asleep. Other symptoms include mood swings and energy loss.
Dopamine and high levels of dopamine
As we’ve seen, high dopamine levels are just as dangerous as low ones.
The symptoms can be quite enjoyable. They include sustained feelings of euphoria and high energy. These symptoms can also be associated with sleep issues such as insomnia and poor impulse control.
Balancing your dopamine levels
There are a few ways to manage your dopamine level within a range.
You should first address the cause of any dopamine imbalance. Speak to your healthcare provider or doctor, as they will guide you on this journey.
Mental health issues or lifestyles factors can be the cause. These include excessive stress or drug use and dependency. Other causes are obesity or excessive sugar. Adrenal gland problems can affect levels.
In many cases, your doctor can prescribe medications that are very helpful. If low levels of dopamine are the cause of depression, schizophrenia or both, then common drugs like mood stabilizers and antidepressants can help.
Counseling and therapy can help break the vicious cycle and regain control over your dopamine and mental health.
Many people with Parkinson’s disease are prescribed medications to boost their dopamine production. Exogenous dopamine injected through an intravenous system can be used to reduce symptoms and even slow down the decline of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
You can also balance your output of dopamine with some lifestyle hacks, especially if it is low. You can start by addressing the factors of lifestyle listed above. Avoid stressful situations and try to reduce your stress level.
Maintain an active lifestyle, get enough sleep and avoid addictive substances. If necessary, get assistance to manage your dependency. This will benefit you in many ways, including helping to improve your sleep, your mood, and your body composition.
There are many activities that you can do to increase your levels of dopamine. You can include in this list anything that makes you happy (within reason – although cocaine may temporarily make you feel great, it is unhealthy).
The most important thing to do is exercise. This can be in any form that suits you best – running, walking, weight lifting, yoga, swimming or playing sports with a team.
Meditation can also improve dopamine production. This is also a great option when combined with other physical activities like yoga or tai-chi.
It has been proven that massages can improve the dopamine production. Socializing with loved ones and friends is also a good idea.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet for your entire health. This applies here as well. Maintaining dopamine levels can be achieved through diet. As a general rule, eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and lean proteins and fats.
Also, you should try to include a lot of l-tyrosine in your diet. This amino acid, as we’ve seen, is converted to dopamine. It is therefore crucial for maintaining healthy levels of dopamine. Eggs, chicken, beef lean, and avocado are great sources of animal protein. Some micronutrients and supplements as well as plant-based sources may also help with production. Included are vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 supplements, and turmeric.
Your dopamine production
It’s always good to discuss your concerns with your doctor if you suspect that your dopamine levels are off. Dopamine production is vital to both our physical and mental health.
You can dramatically improve the quality of your life by adjusting your blood levels. Healthy lifestyles and diet are a good place to begin.