INDEX
• Low Dopamine Affects Quality of Life.
• Increase Your Dopamine, Foods that ... Naturally!
• Increase Dopamine Levels, Natural ways to.

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Low Dopamine Affects Quality of Life
http://www.simplyvital.com/story.php?NewsID=22&TypeID=1
By J Wilson MRPharmS
Published: Sunday, 17 January 2010

Dopamine receptors
At least five different dopamine receptors (D1-D5) have been identified across the nervous system and it seems that the density and variety of receptors we each have can vary considerably depending on our genetic tendency and our development in the womb and during childhood.

Dopamine levels and functioning reflect our individual receptor repertoire and are reduced by stress, lack of the right nutrients, ageing and certain medications. Additionally, from mid-life, dopamine levels start declining at a rate of approximately 13% each decade, which accounts for many of the general symptoms of ageing such as fatigue, poor sleep quality, reduced emotional activity, depression, reduced motor activity, loss of muscle tone and cognitive function etc.

In women, low dopamine levels in mid-life exacerbate the physiological and psychological effects of declining oestrogen, producing more severe hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood swings.

For men, the effects of falling testosterone such as; decreasing muscle mass, increasing body fat, reduced physical energy/endurance, gradually decreasing libido, loss of bone density, increasing cholesterol etc are all exacerbated by declining dopamine.

The adult brain is formed from our experiences in childhood and it has been shown that early social deprivation or stress can lead to permanent reduction in dopaminergic neurones especially in the prefrontal cortex of the brain where they are usually very densely present, affecting the capacity for positive emotionality. An unhappy early relationship between mother and child for example, results in fewer dopamine receptors and a constricted capacity for pleasure and reward in later life.

In summary

... The conventional treatment of low dopamine levels is with drugs that mimic dopamine and stimulate the dopamine receptors. Unfortunately over time, this leads to desensitisation of the dopamine receptors and increasingly higher doses need to be given to achieve the same effect. Of course, this means that the risks of side effects increases too, creating a very bleak picture for the patient.

The natural alternative to drug therapy

Dopamine is made in the body from the amino acid tyrosine which is derived from the proteins we eat or from the amino acid phenylalanine. Unfortunately, eating more tyrosine-rich foods does not automatically confer higher dopamine levels. However, a proven dietary way to improve dopamine levels and functioning is with phenylethylamine (PEA).

PEA is an endogenous (made in the body) amine with specific neuro-regenerating properties. We produce PEA when we feel happy, joyous and calm. People in love have particularly high levels (hence it has been coined the "love molecule") as do long-distance runners - partly explaining the anti-depressant effect of exercise.

In nature PEA is found in significant concentration in only two foods;
raw cocoa and the wild blue-green algae, AFA, from Klamath Lake.

When eaten, PEA directly contributes to raising the level of freely circulating dopamine in the nervous system offering a drug-free alternative for people who have low levels of dopamine as well as those experiencing its age-related decline.

The following supplements contain particularly high levels of PEA and are recommended for raising dopamine levels naturally:

vitalCALM - capsules delivering a very high concentration of PEA/Phycocyanin from AFA and supported by Grape extract, Anise seed, Ginger root and organic minerals

vitalMAX - capsules of AFA potentiated with a concentrated extract of PEA/Phycocyanin and Vegimineral 77: a powerful tonic for body and mind

WILDBARS - superfood bars with a very high concentration of PEA/Phycocyanin made with organic raw foods; AFA, raw Cocoa, Agave syrup, Macadamia nuts, Mesquite, Hemp seed, Maca and natural flavours

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Foods That Increase Your Dopamine
And Norepinephrine Naturally!
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/14818/..
Jun 26, 2008

... While many other factors influence the level of these chemicals, such as hormones, heredity, drugs, and alcohol, three neurotransmitters --- dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin --- have been studied in relation to food, and this research has shown that neurotransmitters are produced in the brain from components of certain foods.

When our body has enough Dopamine we're blessed with feelings of bliss and pleasure, euphoric, appetite control, controlled motor movements, and we feel focused.

When we are low in Dopamine we feel no pleasure, our world looks colorless, we have an inability to "love", and we have no remorse about personal behavior.

The brain cells which "manufacture" dopamine use l-phenylalanine as a "raw material" (precursor.) Phenylanine is an essential amino acid found in the brain and blood plasma that can convert in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize dopamine. Sources of phenylanine are high-protein foods such as meat, cottage cheese, and wheat germ.

10 Foods That Help To Increase
Dopamine And Norepinephrine Naturally!

Apples:
A compound found in apples called "quercetin' is an antioxidant that studies have shown may not only help in the prevention of cancer but may also play an important role in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

Banana:
A banana is a good source of tyrosine. Tyrosine is the amino acid neurons turn into norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine and dopamine are excitatory neurotransmitters that are important in motivation, alertness, concentration and memory.

Beets:
Betaine, an amino acid naturally present in certain vegetables, particularly beetroot (beets), is an antidepressant of the first order. Betaine acts as a stimulant for the production of SAM-e (S-adenoslmethionine). The body cannot do without SAM-e, which it produces.

Chicken:
Chicken, like eggs, contains complete protein that increases levels of the excitatory neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Chicken is also a good source of coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10), which increases the energy generating potential of neurons.

Cheese: Cheese is a well known protein food . . .
Protein provides amino acids, which help produce dopamine and norepinephrine.

Cottage Cheese:
.. provides the protein that can help boost mood and energy levels, without some of the fat of hard cheeses.

Eggs:
Research from the University of California, Berkeley suggests that people who suffer from depression have low amount of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in their brains. One natural antidepressant is to increase dopamine by eating protein-rich foods. such as eggs for this purpose, because they are versatile and appeal to some people who choose not to eat meat.

Fish:
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass, rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines. ...

Watermelon:
Watermelon juice is fat free and loaded with vitamins A, B6, and C! Vitamin B6 is used by the body to manufacture neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Vitamin C also enhances the immune system while protecting the body from free radicals.

Wheat Germ:
Wheat Germ is a good source of Phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid found in the brain and blood plasma that can convert in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize dopamine. ..

Beans and legumes are rich in protein and are healthful boosters of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Also, Protein Meat, Milk, Eggs, Cheese, fish and other seafood are very healthy, high-protein, dopamine-and-norepinephrine-booster food.

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Dopamine : Natural ways to Increase Dopamine Levels
http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/dopamine.html
Integrative Psychiatry
3392 Magic Oak Lane
Sarasota FL 34232

Toll Free:(800) 385-7863

Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter, depending on the dopamine receptor it binds to. It is derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Dopamine is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are all catecholamines. The function of dopamine is diverse but plays a large role in the pleasure/reward pathway (addiction and thrills), memory, and motor control. Dopamine, like norepinephrine and epinephrine, is stored in vesicles in the axon terminal.

Symptoms of Dopamine Deficiency

Low dopamine levels can cause depression, loss of motor control, loss of satisfaction, addictions, cravings, compulsions, low sex drive, poor attention and focus. When dopamine levels are elevated symptoms may manifest in the form of anxiety, paranoia, or hyperactivity.

• Do you often feel depressed, flat, bored, and apathetic?
• Are you low on physical or mental energy? Do you feel tired a lot; have to push yourself to exercise?
• Is your drive, enthusiasm, and motivation on the low side?
• Do you have difficulty focusing or concentrating?
• Are you easily chilled? Do you have cold hands or feet?
• Do you tend to put on weight too easily?
• Do you feel the need to get more alert and motivated by consuming a lot of coffee or other "uppers" like sugar, diet soda, ephedra, or cocaine?

If you answered yes to any of the above you could have low dopmine levels.

Test dopamine levels with the NeuroScreen neurotransmitter test.
A simple urine test can determine your dopamine levels.

What causes low dopamine levels?

Dopamine levels are depleted by stress, certain antidepressants, drug use, poor nutrition, and poor sleep.
Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar all seem to decrease dopamine activity in the brain.

Foods that increase Dopamine

Food sources of dopamine increasing tyrosine include
almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Dopamine is easily oxidized.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables may help protect dopamine-using neurons from free radical damage. Many healthcare professionals recommend supplementing with vitamins C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.

Foods such as sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined foods interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine. Consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol should also be reduced because they can clog the arteries to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Caffeine must also be avoided by persons with depression.
Caffeine is a stimulant which initially speeds up neurotransmission, raises the amount of serotonin, and temporarily elevates mood.

Dopamine precursors are specific amino acids that our brains utilize to manufacture dopamine.
Neurotransmitters are frequently not supplied in great enough levels by our modern diet or in the way our brain best utilizes them. As stress further depletes supplies it is difficult, if not impossible, for the brain to restore necessary amounts to proper levels. Dopamine supplements are required to increase dopamine and other neurotransmitter supplies. Dopamine supplements increase dopamine naturally with little to no side effects.