Eat Your Way to a Better Mood
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that governs motivation, focus, pleasure, and feelings of reward. Optimizing dopamine levels through dietary choices lifts mood, sharpens concentration, and makes it easier to experience life positively.
Today, we'll explore some foods that help boost dopamine levels:
Raw Cocoa
Raw cacao contains anandamide, caffeine, and other compounds that trigger dopamine release. Enjoy one to two squares of dark chocolate; I like 85%.
Green Tea
L-theanine and EGCG in green tea inhibit dopamine reuptake, prolonging brain activity. Sip matcha or brewed green tea. Just make sure your green tea has been tested for heavy metals.
Curcumin
This bright compound in turmeric activates dopaminergic neurons to increase dopamine availability. Add turmeric to meals or take curcumin supplements.
I sometimes like to make golden milk latte before bed. The ingredients are:
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Collagen
Raw whole milk or milk you prefer
Honey
Blend all ingredients and enjoy.
Probiotic Foods
Beneficial gut flora produce dopamine and other neurochemicals that cross into the brain. Eat sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh and pickles.
Cold Water Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, herring, tuna and sardines raise dopamine cell counts in the brain by 30%. Eat 2-3 servings weekly.
Berries
The anthocyanins in blue, black, and strawberries stimulate dopamine receptors and reduce inflammation. Enjoy them daily.
Apples
Quercetin, found in apples, blocks the degradation of dopamine and recycles it, which leads to prolonged activity in the brain. One of my favorite ways to enjoy apples is when they are stewed. When apples are stewed, they release pectin, which can help repair the lining of your gut - a bonus.
Protein
Finally, getting adequate protein ensures you have enough tyrosine to synthesize dopamine. Include protein in each meal and every snack.
Conclusion
By prioritizing foods rich in tyrosine, anthocyanins, antioxidants, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, we can nourish our brains and keep our dopamine levels within an optimal range. When our dopamine levels are balanced, we feel more inspired and productive and maintain our sense of purpose and pleasure in daily activities.
