Dopamine also plays a role in learning, working memory, motivation, and decision-making. It controls movement too – and its deficiency may be one of the causes of Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (2). The anticipation of a reward increases brain dopamine levels. Many addictive drugs also increase its release from the neurons. This is one reason most addicts have a hard time quitting drugs. Hence, dopamine plays a critical function in brain health. But how can you increase dopamine levels naturally? Well, the best way is to eat foods that boost dopamine levels.
Which Foods Boost Dopamine Levels?
1. Dairy Products
These include everyday foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt. Cheese contains tyramine, which is converted into dopamine in the human body (3). Foods containing probiotics, like yogurt, also boost dopamine levels (4).
2. Nuts
Nuts rich in vitamin B6 help as this vitamin helps your brain produce dopamine (5). Walnuts and hazelnuts are good sources of vitamin B6. Walnuts also contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, which is responsible for the modulation of dopamine concentrations (6). Walnuts and almonds are good sources of folate, which also helps produce dopamine (7).
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In rat studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to normalize dopamine levels and reduce the development of anxiety-like behaviors (8). In another study, oral fish oil treatment was found to restore dopamine release after traumatic brain injury (9). Foods rich in omega-3 include fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, and other foods, such as walnuts and chia seeds.
4. Dark Chocolate
Studies show that chocolate may interact with a number of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Dopamine is released after eating dark chocolate and imparts a pleasurable sensory experience (10).
5. Fruits And Vegetables
In a study, rats supplemented with strawberry and spinach showed a significant enhancement in dopamine release. The study suggests that in addition to the antioxidants, the other nutrients in fruits and veggies may also contribute to dopamine release (11). Even bananas were found to have high levels of dopamine – more so in the peel and pulp. Avocados and velvet beans also contain dopamine. Other fruits and veggies containing dopamine include oranges, apples, peas, tomatoes, and aubergines (12).
6. Coffee
Like most other wake-promoting drugs, the caffeine in coffee enhances dopamine signaling in the brain (13). Caffeine’s main targets in the brain are the adenosine (a brain chemical that dampens brain activity) receptors. It works on these receptors and sets off a chain of events, which eventually affects dopamine levels and lights up the areas of the brain associated with pleasure and thinking (14). These are the top foods that can boost your dopamine levels. But hold on – is there anything like too much dopamine?
What Are The Effects Of Excess Dopamine?
Excess dopamine levels in the system can lead to paranoia and withdrawal from social situations. They can even lead to overly intense and impulsive behaviors. Dopamine also plays a role in inhibiting prolactin (a hormone) secretion by the pituitary gland – which may otherwise cause menstrual disorders and infertility (15). Excess dopamine may not be able to effectively inhibit prolactin, leading to these issues. But worry not – dopamine overdose is likely to happen only if you take the hormone intravenously (which is often the case with individuals who are deficient in dopamine). The normal dopamine ranges are 0 to 30 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter). What if your dopamine levels go below these ranges? Well, that causes problems too.
What Are The Effects Of Dopamine Deficiency?
Dopamine deficiency is linked to certain mental disorders, though they are not found to cause the condition directly. Some of these mental disorders include Parkinson’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Following are the symptoms of dopamine deficiency: (16) What do you think about this article? Any suggestions? Do let us know by leaving a comment in the box below. Blood sugar instability Bone density loss Carbohydrate binges Digestive problems Food cravings High blood pressure Kidney problems Low sex drive Muscle cramps or tremors Obesity Thyroid disorders Trouble swallowing Depression Hopelessness Inability to handle stress Isolating oneself Mood swings Procrastination Self-destructive thoughts Forgetfulness Poor abstract thinking Slow processing speed Hyperactivity Impulse behavior Poor concentration Does vitamin D increase dopamine? No. Nevertheless, vitamin D serves as a protective agent and helps prevent inflammation and oxidative stress that may occur in the dopamine-releasing areas of the brain (17). Does alcohol release dopamine? Yes. Alcohol can increase dopamine release even at low doses, which may explain the effect of alcohol dependence in some individuals (18). Does peanut butter increase dopamine? Yes. Research has shown that peanut butter acts as a dopamine-rewarding food in mice (19).
