How to Enhance Dopamine Production

Dopamine is a hormone that has numerous functions in the body. It controls mood and cognitive functions, and lowered levels will produce feelings of depression and reduce the libido. If you are not taking care of yourself by eating right and exercising, your dopamine levels may drop and you will feel worse. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to enhance your dopamine production naturally. Once you start eating healthy and cutting out stress triggers, your hormone levels should normalize.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor about switching anti-depressants if you currently take these medications. Anti-depressants have the unfortunate side effect of lowering dopamine production, causing you to lose the ability to concentrate and making you feel sluggish.

• 2

  Stop eating foods that inhibit dopamine production. Some examples of foods to avoid include caffeine, alcohol and dietary fat. Start eating healthy, natural foods like fruits and vegetables.

• 3

  Eat foods that are high in tyrosine and protein. Apples are especially good to eat since they contain a particular antioxidant that raises dopamine levels. Bananas are another great source of an amino acid that aids dopamine production. Chicken and legumes are a good source of protein that is also low in fat.

• 4

  Take tyrosine supplements daily, which can be purchased online or at health food stores. Tyrosine will help your body produce dopamine. Omega-3 supplements also enhance dopamine production.

• 5

  Exercise daily for at least one hour per day. Doing cardio that raises your heart rate will help you produce dopamine, among other healthy hormones. Get more sleep, since your body produces growth hormones and dopamine in high amounts during deep sleep. You can take melatonin supplements at night if you have trouble going to sleep. Melatonin is natural and much safer to use than pharmaceutical sleeping pills.