Understanding dopamine
Dopamine is a natural chemical produced in the areas of the brain known as the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental.4 Dopamine not only affects the brain’s reward center, but when you walk and talk, it is the proper balance of dopamine levels in your brain that also controls these functions. An imbalance of dopamine can result in disorders where, for example, patients with the neurological disorder Parkinson’s Disease do not have enough, meanwhile scientists hypothesize excess dopamine can cause schizophrenia.5 Research has also shown an association between drugs that increase dopamine, and addictive behaviors like an increased appetite for food and alcohol.2
Pleasure controls
Research shows the presence of dopamine during an imagined event, affects the brain’s expectation of how enjoyable that event will be in the future.5 In order words, make sure your dopamine levels are in check when you’re planning out your next workout or healthy meal. You’ll be pumped for the fun ahead!
Paleo foods to boost dopamine production
Interestingly enough, research has also shown there are decreased dopamine receptors in overweight individuals.6 Paleo followers can attest that many who adopt a Paleo diet not only see the pounds fall away, but the robust volume of scientific literature also shows how it decreases the risk for the many chronic diseases that plague western civilizations.
There are foods that help in naturally increasing dopamine levels in our brain. Dopamine comes from the amino acid tyrosine. Foods rich in tyrosine include avocados and almonds.7 These foods also contain high levels of antioxidants, are great sources of natural fat, and are no stranger to Paleo dieters. Other foods include eggs, pork, fish, nuts and seeds.8 Just when you thought you knew all the benefits of eating Paleo!
Summary
When you eat right, you win. Stick to Paleo foods rich in tyrosine, lead an active lifestyle, and keep your happiness and health in check. Keep the brain active by solving puzzles, painting, or crafting; all shown to increase dopamine levels.9 While there is no magic solution, there is a scientific backing which works.
References
[1] Cloud, J. (2009, November 27). Can Dopamine Make Your Future Look Brighter? Retrieved September 15, 2015, from Time: //content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1943224,00.html
[2] Rutledge, R., Skandali, N., Dayan, P., & Dolan, R. (2015). Dopaminergic modulation of decision making and subjective well-being. Journal of Neuroscience, 35, 9811-9822.
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2015). Retrieved Sep 15, 2015, from Carbidopa, Entacapone, And Levodopa (Oral Route): //mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/carbidopa-entacapone-andl-levodopa-oral-route/before-using/drg-20061604
[4] Rutledge, R., Skandali, N., Dayan, P., & Dolan, R. (2015). Dopaminergic modulation of decision making and subjective well-being. Journal of Neuroscience, 35, 9811-9822.
[5] Cloud, J. (2009, November 27). Can Dopamine Make Your Future Look Brighter? Retrieved September 15, 2015, from Time: //content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1943224,00.html
[6] DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory. (2007). Retrieved September 15, 2015, from ScienceDaily: //sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071025091036.htm
[7] University of Maryland Medical Center. (2013, July 16). Tyrosine. Retrieved September 15, 2015, from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/tyrosine
[8] //nutritiondata.self.com/
[9] Wilson, J. (2015, January 5). This is your brain on crafting. Retrieved September 15, 2015, from CNN: //www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/
