Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter made in the brain. Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger, communicating messages between nerve cells in the brain and the brain and the rest of the body. Dopamine acts as a hormone. Dopamine plays a role in memory, motivation, mood, attention and more. So if you are depressed, having trouble with your memory, or are feeling unmotivated there is a chance that your dopamine levels may be low.
Low levels of dopamine has been linked to multiple conditions such as Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome and depression. Symptoms of low dopamine levels may include lack of motivation, tiredness, inability to concentrate, moodiness and or anxiety, even lack of pleasure from previously enjoyable experiences, depression or hopelessness. low sex drive and trouble sleeping.
There are several ways to increase dopamine levels. Some ways of increasing dopamine levels is getting enough sleep, meditation, exercising, eating high protein foods
There are several vitamins and minerals that can help increase dopamine levels. Tyrosine which is an amino acid that plays a critical role in the production of dopamine. L-theanine is another precursor to dopamine. Vitamin D, B5, B6 are needed to make dopamine, Omega-3 essential fatty acids and magnesium may also help increase dopamine levels.
Tyrosine is naturally found in protein-rich foods like beef,chicken, pork, fish, milk, cheese, beans, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. Additional supplementation of Tyrosine is normally found in pre-workout supplements or it can be purchased as a standalone supplement.
L-Theanine is primarily found in green and black tea and some mushrooms. Also L-Theanine can be purchased in a standalone supplement form usually tablet or pill