Dopamine - supplements for well-being
Neurotransmitters and hormones are the real key to success. Taking care of their proper levels and correct secretion supports mental functions and physical performance, protects against various threats, and also contributes to improved everyday well-being. Dopamine plays an important role, namely a compound that we most often associate with motivation to act in pursuit of change for the better. It is also responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and the experience of pleasure… Sounds good, right? What should interest you is the fact that you are able to raise the level of this compound, which will translate, for example, into improved mood, better focus and learning ability.
How to do it? Help comes from supplements.
What is dopamine and what is it used for?
Dopamine is a compound characteristic primarily of the nervous system. Like adrenaline and noradrenaline, for example, it is classified as a catecholamine. It also functions as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system (similarly to serotonin, adrenaline or noradrenaline, for example). Of course, the functions of dopamine can vary depending on where it is active. An important element in its natural production is the amino acid called tyrosine. Put simply, it is from this that L-DOPA is formed, from which dopamine can then be produced. The latter can be produced both by special nerve cells and by the adrenal medulla. As a neurotransmitter, dopamine is most active in the limbic system, where it influences, among other things, mood, emotional state and processes, as well as motivation. It is worth mentioning that it is also extremely useful when it comes to the efficiency of mental functions – concentration, learning, memory, or thought processes. Its activity in the hypothalamus affects the hormonal system, e.g. the production of GH or prolactin. In the digestive system, on the other hand, it serves a neuromodulatory role and is involved, among other things, in sodium transport, and also supports the system's motor functions.
Too little dopamine in the body…
The fact is that dopamine is naturally produced within our body and plays key roles as an element that supports the functioning of the nervous system. This does not mean, however, that we will always produce adequate amounts of it, and that the availability of the compound will be at a satisfactory level. The most common cause of reduced production of this neurotransmitter is an improper, careless lifestyle. Certain diseases can also contribute to this. The first sign of low dopamine is usually a deterioration in well-being and an inability to feel pleasure from things that until now have constantly given us joy and satisfaction.
A dopamine deficiency can result in:
- worsened motor coordination,
- reduced concentration,
- a decrease in motivation / willingness to act,
- reduced alertness,
- inner tension,
- fatigue,
- depressive states.
Moreover, scientists emphasize the correlation between long-term low levels of this neurotransmitter and, for example, Parkinson's disease.
Dopamine - check out these supplements
What supplements should be used?
Probiotics
Probiotics are absolutely essential if you care about improving or maintaining the body's health. Good preparations provide real support for the intestines (bacterial flora), and thus for the immune system, digestive functions, mental functions and mood. Scientists suggest that regular use of probiotics may contribute to stabilizing dopamine production. They have also observed a correlation between the deterioration of bacterial flora and an excess of harmful bacteria, and lower levels of the neurotransmitter. In addition to probiotics, it is also a good idea to include prebiotic products in the diet, i.e. fermented foods (e.g. sauerkraut or pickles).
Berberine
Researchers emphasize that berberine shows a similar effect to antidepressant drugs, i.e. so-called MAO inhibitors. The role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) as an enzyme is to break down, for example, serotonin and dopamine in our nervous tissue. As mentioned earlier, a deficiency of dopamine promotes depressive states and contributes to the development of the disease. According to studies, berberine inhibits monoamine oxidase, while at the same time alleviating depressive symptoms. Taking the supplement may result in increased levels in the brain and better use of the neurotransmitter we are interested in.
Magnesium
Many studies on the effect of magnesium on dopamine levels were conducted on an animal model. However, this does not change the fact that magnesium is an element of enormous importance for the nervous system. Experts attribute antidepressant properties to it.
NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
Many studies on the effect of magnesium on dopamine levels were conducted on an animal model. However, this does not change the fact that magnesium is an element of enormous importance for the nervous system. Experts attribute antidepressant properties to it.
What else can help raise dopamine?
- curcumin,
- vitamin D3,
- caffeine,
- L-DOPA (levodopa),
- L-theanine,
- Ginkgo biloba,
- Korean ginseng.