You think you know what truly motivates you and makes you happy? That's great! But do you also know what's happening in your body? Dopamine, synthesized from phenylalanine or tyrosine, is responsible for your drive.
In this article, you will learn exactly what happens in your body and what you can do to combat a possible dopamine deficiency.
Table of contents
1. Dopamine makes you smile
Dopamine is called the " happiness hormone " for a reason, as it is usually released when you are rewarded in some way. Things that make you happy, such as sports , your favorite hobby , music , social interaction , sexual activity , etc., influence the release of this hormone and neurotransmitter in the brain.
In addition, another hormone plays an important role , namely the so-called “ feel-good hormone” serotonin , which is also released as a reward for positive experiences.
A kind of feedback loop sets in, motivating you to repeat the very things that made you happy through the release of dopamine. This way, the hormones motivate you and direct your attention toward the goals you associate with a good feeling.
Your brain rewards you every time you take a step toward your personal goals. In fact, few things trigger such a large dopamine release as achieving long -held goals .
But if you suffer from a deficiency, little of the hormone is released, even for things that would normally make you happy. No wonder, since there simply isn't as much of it, and the positive feedback effect doesn't occur.
2. Dopamine deficiency
A dopamine deficiency, like a serotonin deficiency , can have various causes . One cause may be a dysfunction of the dopamine receptors . However, a deficiency in vitamins and substances such as tyrosine , which act as a precursor for the hormone, is often the cause. [1]
In the long run , a dopamine deficiency can not only make you unhappy , it can also be responsible for increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating , and memory lapses .
Take-Home Message #1: Dopamine, also called the "happy hormone," rewards you for success and activities you enjoy. It energizes you and drives you to stick to your goals.
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3. This is how dopamine works in your body
If you suffer from motivation and/or concentration difficulties, a dopamine deficiency may be to blame. How does this work?
Dopamine is not only a hormone, but also a neurotransmitter . This means it is a messenger substance in the brain that stimulates nerve cells and is thus partly responsible for information processing .
If there is too little of these neurotransmitters, it can lead to problems with motivation and concentration. When one thinks of a reduced sense of well-being, the neurotransmitter serotonin, also known as the "feel-good hormone," is often associated with it.
The hormones are often released in combination, but they differ in certain ways. Dopamine is more likely to provide your drive and motivation .
Take-Home Message #2 : As a neurotransmitter, dopamine is responsible for important control processes in the brain. If it's present in too low a dose in your brain, these processes become unbalanced.
4. How can you increase your dopamine levels?
1. Set goals and celebrate successes!
Do what you want to do! It sounds simple, but it's the most natural way to boost your levels again. If you have n't experienced success in a while , your body forgets the feedback effect of the hormone that drives you to achieve your goals.
Set small milestones on your path to your goal and reward yourself for even the smallest successes. The more often the happiness hormone is released , the more likely your body is to remember its own " happy drug " and produce more of it again .
From a neurological perspective, the brain reactivates certain areas that would otherwise atrophy. The dopaminergic pathways in the central nervous system, the pathways through which the happiness hormone is normally transported, develop more strongly the more dopamine is released.
2. The right diet
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for your dopamine production . Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible, among other things, for brain function and structure . A study from the University of Tours in France found that a good supply of these fatty acids can increase the dopamine available in the brain. [3]
They are what build the structures for the dopaminergic pathways in the central nervous system. These fatty acids are also essential for the formation of synapses and maintaining normal cholesterol levels. The body is therefore heavily dependent on a supply of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish such as salmon and mackerel, but flaxseed and algal oil also contain a lot of Omega 3.
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BRAINEFFECT HACK #2 : Along with dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin are two other happiness hormones. Oxytocin is the cuddle hormone, released only during physical intimacy. You can support your serotonin production with exercise and a balanced diet. Or, even easier, with our unique nutrient combination in our MOOD capsules .
5. Podcast
Episode 54 | Hormones and their effects on your body - Laura van de Vorst
6. Conclusion
Dopamine isn't just a happiness hormone that motivates you to achieve your goals. It also acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain. An unbalanced diet can prevent your body from getting the necessary building blocks to produce dopamine. It can also be because you rarely do things that trigger dopamine release.
7. Sources
[1] http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v12/n4/abs/4001949a.html
[2] http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=481645
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luc_Zimmer/publication/11447405_The_dopamine_mesocorticolimbic_pathway_is_affected_by_deficiency_in_n-3_polyunsaturated_fatty_acids/links/09e41505f226b64be1000000.pdf
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