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wakeup-world.com /2015/03/07/how-to-increase-dopamine-the-motivationmolecule/wuw_paginate/disabled/
7th March 2015
By Deane Alban
Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter for motivation,
focus and productivity. Learn the symptoms of
dopamine deficiency and natural ways to increase
dopamine levels
There are about 100 billion neurons in the human
brain about as many stars as there are in the
Milky Way. These cells communicate with each
other via brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for providing motivation, drive, and focus. It plays a role
in many mental disorders including depression, addictions, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Lets take a closer look at dopamine what it does, symptoms of deficiency, and how to increase it
naturally.
mood swings
hopelessness
memory loss
inability to concentrate
Dopamine-deficient lab mice become so apathetic and lethargic they lack motivation to eat and starve
to death. (2) Conversely, some people who are low in dopamine compensate with self-destructive
behaviors to get their dopamine boost. This can include use and abuse of caffeine, alcohol, sugar,
drugs, shopping, video games, sex, power, or gambling.
Sugar has been found to boost dopamine but this is a temporary boost, more drug-like than food-like.
(8)
Dopamine Supplements
There are supplements that can raise dopamine levels naturally.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric. Its available in an isolated form as a
supplement. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and can boost levels of dopamine. (9, 10, 11)
Curcumin has been found to help alleviate obsessive actions and improve associated memory loss by
increasing dopamine. (12, 13)
Ginkgo biloba is traditionally used for a variety of brain-related problems poor concentration,
forgetfulness, headaches, fatigue, mental confusion, depression, and anxiety. (14)
One of the mechanisms by which ginkgo works is by raising dopamine. ( 15, 16)
L-theanine is a component found in green tea. It increases levels of dopamine along with other
neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA. (17, 18) L-theanine improves recall, learning, and positive
mood. (19, 20) You can get your dopamine boost by either taking theanine supplements or by drinking
3 cups of green tea per day. (21)
L-tyrosine the precursor to dopamine is available as a supplement.
We recommend taking acetyl-l-tyrosine a more absorbable form that readily crosses the bloodbrain barrier. (22)
Phosphatidylserine acts as your brains gatekeeper, regulating nutrients and waste in and out of
your brain. It can increase dopamine levels and improve memory, concentration, learning, and ADHD.
(23, 24, 25)
this neurotransmitter flowing just the anticipation of listening can do that. ( 34)
The underlying cause of ADHD is still unknown. Until recently it was widely accepted that the root
cause of ADHD was probably an abnormality in dopamine function. This seems logical since dopamine
is critical for maintaining focus. Most ADHD medications are based on this dopamine deficiency
theory. Prescription medications used to treat ADHD are believed to work by increasing the release of
dopamine and norepinephrine while slowing down their rate of reabsorption. (36)
However, the latest research suggests that the main cause of ADHD lies in a structural difference in the
grey matter in the brain and not dopamine. (37)
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About the author:
Deane Alban holds a bachelors degree in biology and has taught and written on a wide variety of
natural health topics for over 20 years. Her current focus is helping people overcome brain fog, senior
moments, and other signs of mental decline now, and preventing Alzheimers and dementia in the
future.
The human brain is designed to last a lifetime, but modern life takes a greater toll on the brain than
most people realize. Deane teaches the best ways to keep your brain healthy and stay mentally sharp
for life at her website BeBrainFit.com.