In the sad and depressing times, what you need is a boost to your dopamine levels. This would help you regain the lost energy levels and get back to your enthusiastic self. If you feel lazy, lethargic, depressed and de-motivated for a long period(for no reason) this shall indicate dipping levels of dopamine in your body. We all find comfort in silence and loneliness at such times. Nothing seems to soothe us not even our favorite music or most-cherished food. The negatives and positives in the human body are ruled by hormones. If you are struggling with a similar situation or you know someone who is going through this phase, this article is of great help.
What is dopamine?
Dopamine, basically, is a neurotransmitter or in simple terms, it is the feel-good chemical released by the brain. It is also termed as ‘motivation molecule’ as it is the key factor that boosts focus/concentration, brings motivation and increases productivity. Even when you are failing, this chemical would keep you positive. It takes the person to a state of contentment, euphoria and bliss.
You must have heard about dopamine drugs which are banned for athletes. Now you know what these drugs do and why athletes are refrained from consuming them. There are natural ways to boost dopamine levels, the easiest is the consumption of dopamine-boosting foods. These foods contain tyrosine which is an amino acid that uplifts dopamine production.
6 Dopamine-boosting Foods
1. Nuts and seeds
Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts and flax seeds are abundant in tyrosine which boosts dopamine production in the body. You must snack on these nuts and seeds throughout the day to keep yourself charged and high on spirits. Keep a pack with you always so that you can munch on these whenever you feel low.
2. Coffee
The most go-to food that we rush to get when we are sad and stressed is a cup of coffee. As per research published in the science journal ‘Translational Psychiatry’, the caffeine present in coffee can increase dopamine production by alerting the brain. This is the real reason why one feels focused and wakeful after drinking coffee.
Also Read: Drink Black Coffee With Lemon To Aid Weight Loss
3. Dark chocolate
First, dark chocolates are good for you as they have low sugar content. Secondly, they have a feel-good factor as they increase serotonin levels in the body. These contain ‘phenylethylamine’ compound which triggers the brain to increase the production of dopamine. This was confirmed by research done by the Georgia Health Sciences University.
4. Dairy products
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, or paneer are rich sources of tyrosine which boosts the production of dopamine in the body. You should consume dairy products daily.
Also Read: Foods That Have More Calcium Than Dairy Products
5. Strawberries
If strawberries are in season, don’t miss getting your box. It is also known to increase dopamine and serotonin production in the body.
6. Protein
Vegetarian- Beans, legumes and soy are rich sources of vegetable protein.
Non-vegetarian- Eat eggs, chicken, fish and prawns to get your dopamine boost with protein.
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