What Is Dopamine Deficiency? | Ways To Increase Dopamine Naturally

Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps us feel pleasure and happiness. It plays a big part in our ability to think, motivate, and act. The proper balance of dopamine is important for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Our moods, sleep patterns, memory, and concentration are all influenced by the dopamine in our system. A dopamine deficiency can be linked to certain medical conditions such as depression and Parkinson’s disease.

Also Read: Know Your Happiness Hormones | Learn Natural Ways to Boost Them

Symptoms Of Dopamine Deficiency

The symptoms of dopamine deficiency can be:

• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Tremors and shaking
• The slow movement of muscles
• Muscle stiffness
• Constipation
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Difficulty with speaking
• Problems with body postures
• Difficulty with body balancing

Along with these symptoms, a person might develop gastro-related diseases, sleep disorders and pneumonia. Dopamine deficiency not only affects the mental well-being of a person but it also causes physical sickness as well. Dopamine is involved in everything- from mood and cognitive functions to muscle movements and body control.

Dopamine is also a treatment option for people with; Low blood pressure and poor blood flow to the heart. There are some complications and side effects of taking prescribed dopamine supplements:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Chest pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

Consult a doctor before taking any drug that claims to increase dopamine levels.

Also Read: How Mindful Calligraphy Works As a Stress Reliever

Ways To Increase Dopamine Naturally

Dopamine in large quantities makes us feel happy and motivated but low dopamine levels can make us feel less motivated and enthusiastic towards everything. Maintaining a balance of dopamine in our bodies is important.

Here are some ways you can increase dopamine naturally:

1. More Protein Intake

Dopamine is produced with the help of amino acids that are found in protein-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, soy, and legumes. To increase dopamine levels, you can start by increasing the level of protein in your diet. Protein-rich foods help in improving your cognitive function and memory power.

Also Read: 5 Herbs and Spices that are Beneficial for Brain Health

2. Velvet Beans

Velvet bean (scientific name Mucuna pruriens) also known as “cowitch” or “lacuna bean” is a tropical legume native to Asia and Africa which can help raise dopamine levels naturally. Velvet beans are rich in L-dopa (a precursor to dopamine). Research has shown that consuming velvet beans can help people with Parkinson’s disease. It is important to keep in mind that a high amount of velvet beans can be toxic. Please consult your doctor before taking these beans.

3. Exercising Regularly

Exercising regularly can boost endorphins and improve mood. Practicing yoga and aerobic exercises quite frequently can help increase your dopamine levels. Research shows that regular moderate to intense exercises several times a week can improve body movements in people with Parkinson’s.

Also Read: 17 Best Stress Relieving Exercises For You To Try

4. Getting A Good Sleep

Lack of sleep lessens the dopamine responsiveness in the brain. Getting a good night’s sleep can help you maintain your dopamine levels. Dopamine promotes feelings of alertness and activity hence getting proper sleep can help you stay active and productive during the day.

Also Read: How to Fall Asleep Fast In 10, 60, Or 120 Seconds

5. Listening To Music

Music is a very good indicator of boosting your dopamine levels and improving your mood. Listening to music can help people, especially patients with Parkinson’s, to improve their muscle movements.

According to research, instrumental music is more effective than music with lyrics.

6. Meditation

Meditation helps us clear our minds and focus on our inner selves. Regular meditation can improve our mental and physical health as well as increase dopamine level, improve positive thoughts, and keep us motivated.

7. Spending Time Outdoors

Low sunlight exposure can make you feel depressed, sad, and can reduce dopamine. Sunlight and spending time outdoors can help boost dopamine and improve mood but too much sunlight exposure can be harmful to your health.

8. Natural Supplements

Dopamine is produced with the help of vitamins and minerals in our body. If you have a nutrient deficiency, your dopamine level would be less. Natural supplements such as vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin D, and green tea can help you raise dopamine levels and improve your health.

Final Words

Dopamine is the chemical that makes us feel good, improve mood, and increase motivation. Dopamine deficiency can have a negative effect on a person’s quality of life. Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are connected to dopamine deficiency along with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s.

There are certain medications that can help with increasing dopamine but you should always consult a physician before taking any kind of prescribed medication.

Making some diet and lifestyle changes can help you boost your dopamine naturally. More protein intake, less fat intake, and exercising (aerobic, meditation, etc) can help you increase dopamine.

Stay well, stay healthy, stay happy!