Natural Ways to Lower Dopamine

Dopamine is one of the four major neurotransmitters in the brain, the other three being serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA. Dopamine is involved with the regulation of mood and also with pleasure-seeking activities. For example, using illegal drugs increases dopamine availability in the brain and is implicated in addictive behaviors. There are several ways to boost dopamine, but there are also a few natural ways to lower dopamine as well.

Caffeine Intake

• Caffeine intake works in much the same way as many amphetamine substances in that it increases dopamine levels in the brain. The effects of caffeine on dopamine are much less than that of amphetamines, but one of the natural ways to lower dopamine is to avoid this ingredient. Caffeinated beverages such as soda pop, coffee, tea and energy drinks should all be avoided to decrease dopamine levels.

Licorice Ingredient

• A study published in 2008 by Dr. Jae-Pil Jeon and six other researchers concluded that a major ingredient in the production of licorice, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), actually blocks the brain's production of dopamine. While the researchers state that their study has important implications for cocaine addiction, ISL appears to be a natural way to lower dopamine in general and for many other addictive behaviors.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• While foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can be good for health by reducing the risk of heart disease and other disorders, one natural way to lower dopamine levels is to reduce your intake of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Research in both animal and human models have shown that a decrease in omega-3 levels bolsters serotonin, but also lowers dopamine levels. Examples of foods that are high in omega-3 include walnuts and some fish, including mackerel and anchovies.