Dopamine What’s it, how does it affect us and how do we increase it?
Dopamine is a chemical that is also a neurotransmitter in the brain, linked to addictive states and depression. Then is everything you need to know about dopamine.
The effects of dopamine in the body vary greatly, and it is associated with a wide range of symptoms and diseases, so we will discuss in this article what is dopamine?
What’s the effect of dopamine on the body?
What is the effect of dopamine?
Dopamine is a chemical or hormone naturally found in the human body, which enhances feelings of happiness, in addition to being a neurotransmitter, meaning that it sends signals between the body and the brain.
The right balance of dopamine in the human body is extremely important and vital, as it plays a role in controlling motor skills and emotional responses, making it essential for physical and mental health.
The effect of dopamine lies in the vital areas of the brain, as it affects mood, sleep, study, focus, and learning, so its deficiency may lead to certain diseases, including; Parkinson’s and depression.
Dopamine deficiency may be due to either a low level of production in the body or a problem with the nerve receptors in the brain, and this is the main effect of dopamine on the body.
How is dopamine secreted in the body?
We mentioned earlier about the effect of dopamine in the body, but it should also be noted where it is produced. Various neurotransmitters are synthesized in different parts of the brain, while dopamine is produced in two main areas:
Substantia nigra:
It is a region located in the midbrain, where dopamine that is produced in the substantia nigra works to generate movement in the body, so when its cells die or become defective, this may translate into difficulties controlling movement and the incidence of Parkinson’s disease, for example.
The ventral tegmental:
Dopamine from this area does not stimulate motor skills, but it is released when a reward is received. So what do we mean by reward?
When we do certain activities that we love, eat certain foods we like, or even do something we are addicted to, this area of the brain is stimulated, leading to feelings of euphoria and joy, i.e. reward.
Dopamine from this area tells the brain that it deserves more of its stimuli, which leads to addiction.
Low level of dopamine
Although the areas responsible for producing dopamine in the brain are tiny and tiny, the dopamine they produce sends signals throughout the entire brain.
What effect does dopamine have on the body if it is low?
Symptoms of low dopamine level
Symptoms of dopamine deficiency in the body are very wide and vary greatly, as they are primarily related to the deficiency, for example, the symptoms of dopamine deficiency due to a lack of production differ from the symptoms caused by damage to neurotransmitters due to drug abuse.
Some symptoms and conditions that may be associated with a dopamine deficiency:
- Muscle spasms and tremors.
- General aches and pains.
- loss of balance.
- constipation;
- difficulty swallowing;
- Weight loss or rapid weight gain.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Recurrent lung infections.
- Sleep disturbances and difficulties.
- Fatigue and low body energy.
- Movement and speech.
- negative feelings; Despair, depression, guilt, and anxiety.
- Mood Swings.
- Underestimation of self-worth and lack of self-awareness.
- suicidal thoughts
- hallucinations and delusions;
- Low sex drive.
Causes of low dopamine level
The level of dopamine in the body is related to a different set of health factors: diseases
Some diseases are associated with a lack of dopamine, but it is not the main cause:
depression.
Schizophrenia.
Psychosis, including hallucinations or delusions.
Parkinson’s disease.
drugs
Drug abuse can also affect dopamine levels, as studies have shown that frequent use of it can reduce the ability of the nerve receptors that receive it.
food
A diet that is high in sugar and saturated fat will suppress dopamine, in addition to a lack of protein in the diet.
obesity
Some studies have found that people who are obese are more likely to suffer from a lack of dopamine in the body.
Natural ways to increase dopamine in the body
If you think that you suffer from a lack of dopamine production, you should stop consuming drugs if it is the cause, and if it is caused by a disease, you should see a doctor, but if the reasons are not organic, you may be a few steps away from solving the problem:
Eat protein:
Amino acids (Tyrosine) and (Phenylalanine) are compounds that make dopamine and are found in proteins, so eating foods rich in protein may boost dopamine production.
Ingesting lustful mycoplasma: It appears that lustrous mycoplasm is a natural source of L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, and studies indicate that this herb may be effective as; Parkinson’s drugs increase dopamine levels.
Exercising:
It will improve and increase dopamine levels, while there is still a need to research which exercises will lead to this effect.
Sleeping enough:
Lack of sleep seems to reduce the sensitivity of dopamine in the brain, which leads to excessive sleepiness and fatigue, so maintain a good sleep regime.
Listening to music tracks:
Research shows that instrumental music may increase the level of dopamine production in the brain. However, there is still a need to study the effect of sung music.
Meditation:
Research confirms that people who are accustomed to meditation have higher levels of dopamine production, but the same has not been confirmed with beginners.
Exposure to sunlight:
There are many studies that have confirmed the effect of sunlight It affects people’s psychological state, so it appears that exposure to sunlight actually improves the extent of dopamine production.
