5 Natural Ways To Raise Dopamine Levels without Drugs

Following these natural ways to raise dopamine levels may be beneficial for treating depression, improving memory, enhancing movement, staying motivated and improving productivity.

Dopamine is a brain chemical called a neurotransmitter which helps to accommodate neuronal signaling in the brain and throughout the CNS (central nervous system).

Dopamine is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, positivity, drive, focus, euphoria and uplifted moods. Increasing levels of this chemical can boost energy, concentration, mental clarity and ambition.

There are a number of different ways to naturally increase dopamine synthesis in the brain. From following a healthy diet, abstaining from certain drugs, exercising, using supplements, reducing stress and sleeping well, you can significantly boost your mood and improve your Executive Function.

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5 Natural Ways to Raise Dopamine Levels

Low dopamine levels can cause serious health problems and negatively impact your quality of life.

In animal research, mice with excessively low dopamine levels lacked motivation so much that they wouldn’t even eat. They remained this apathetic until they starved to death.

People with low dopamine levels may suffer from lacking aspiration, lethargy and/or depression. They may seem unmotivated and chronically lack physical and/or mental energy.

They may depend on substances like sugar, caffeine, cocaine and others that stimulate the central nervous system for short-term periods.

If you think dopamine deficiency is causing negative effects on your health and mood, it is best to check with a doctor to determine whether you have an underlying health condition.

You can then follow these steps to safely and naturally boost your dopamine levels in the brain and experience the positive effects for your mood and mental performance.

Step #1: Limit Sugar Intake:

Sugary foods and beverages have a disruptive effect on dopamine homeostasis. Like caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines and various other substances, sugar alters dopamine stores. It stimulates the same excitatory pathways affected by certain drugs and alcohol.

Like many illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, sugary foods have proven to be very addictive to many. The brain craves dopamine release, which triggers eating sugary foods, which releases dopamine stores, which depletes dopamine levels in the brain.

Limiting or ceasing consumption of sugar-based foods can help to stop the sugar-craving, dopamine-depleting cycle and restore proper dopamine balance.

Some people use chromium picolinate supplements to help them suppress sugar cravings.

Step #2: Restore proper magnesium levels:

One of the best natural ways to increase dopamine levels is to take quality magnesium supplement. They are not expensive and can benefit health in various ways.

Deficiencies in magnesium can deplete dopamine concentrations. It is estimated that more than 50% of the US population is deficient in magnesium to some degree. Magnesium is often associated with the capacity to relax and unwind.

You might have a magnesium deficiency if you chronically experience salt cravings, carbohydrate cravings, headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, mood swings, depression, irritability and/or constipation.

If you think you may be deficient in magnesium, then you can ask your doctor to perform a sublingual epithelial test to determine your levels.

As stated, magnesium deficiencies are quite common, especially in those who eat fast foods, processed foods and other poor food sources frequently.

The supplement Magnesium L-Threonate has been recommended as one of the best formulations for penetrating the blood-brain-barrier and improving mood.

Step #3: Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Supplements:

Another natural way to raise dopamine levels is to increase availability of its precursors – the components that your body needs in order to manufacture this neurotransmitter.

L-DOPA is the direct precursor of dopamine. L-DOPA can be produced directly from L-tyrosine, and indirectly by L-phenylalanine. Both of these amino acids are common in various high-protein foods.

Increasing consumption of foods rich in these amino acids can help to increase dopamine concentrations. Some foods to consider are bananas, beans, cherries, eggs, meat, almonds and apples.

Note that it can be difficult to raise levels significant via the diet alone. Many people also use tyrosine and/or phenylalanine supplements.

Step #4: Reducing Stress and Dopamine:

Chronic stress is associated with nearly all disease. It can be caused by daily stressors that we all face and/or by adrenal dysfunction. Stress is correlated with decreased dopamine levels because this neurotransmitter can be depleted when you are experiencing stress.

When stress is not handled effectively, its effects over time can cause very serious health issues. It is important for all people to learn to cope with the stress that affects them.

Proper nutrition, daily exercise, meditation, adequate hydration, fresh air and sunshine are all known to help ease stress effects. By effectively managing your stress levels, you help to naturally balance all body and brain chemicals.

Step #5: Use Mucuna Pruriens Supplements:

Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) is a plant that is comprised of roughly 5% L-DOPA. Adding this to your diet is one natural way to raise dopamine levels significantly.

This supplement is more effective as a dopamine-booster than taking tyrosine or phenylalanine because its effects are more immediate.

Be careful with this supplement and do not use it for more than 20 weeks consecutively. Possible side effects of improper usage include headaches, bloating, vomiting, insomnia, involuntary body movements, confusion and irritability.

Conclusions

Slight alterations in dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels can yield significant improvements in mood, energy levels, health and mental drive.

Not all natural ways to raise dopamine are safe for all people equally. If you have any pre-existing medical or mental conditions, or if you take prescribed medications, then it is best to speak with your doctor before attempting to alter your dopamine levels.

There are multiple safe and effective ways to increase dopamine levels without drugs or medications. Most of them are based on common sense lifestyle habits.

Adhering to a diet focused on water-rich foods, exercising each day, drinking plenty of fresh water, taking appropriate supplements and coping with your stress are all very important. These lifestyle modifications are also warranted for improving whole-body health on various levels.

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