Increase Dopamine Levels Naturally
What is dopamine?
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter molecule in the central nervous system enabling information flow between cells. Vital for the control and coordination of movement, dopamine is also involved in keeping us alert, active and motivated. It is necessary for “executive” functions such as constructive thinking, concentration and memory formation. Dopamine is also required for the generation of pleasurable feelings and sexual desire and it has a positive effect on the heart, circulation and metabolic rate. Studies also link low dopamine with:
- anxiety and depression
- cravings and addictions
- fibromyalgia
- obesity
- Restless Legs Syndrome
Dopamine receptors
At least five different dopamine receptors (D1-D5) have been identified across the nervous system and it seems that the density and variety of receptors we each have can vary considerably depending on our genetic tendency and our development in the womb and during childhood.
Dopamine levels and functioning reflect our individual receptor repertoire and are reduced by stress, lack of the right nutrients, ageing and certain medications. Additionally, from mid-life, dopamine levels start declining at a rate of approximately 13% each decade, which accounts for many of the general symptoms of ageing such as fatigue, poor sleep quality, reduced emotional activity, depression, reduced motor activity, loss of muscle tone and cognitive function etc.
In women, low dopamine levels in mid-life exacerbate the physiological and psychological effects of declining oestrogen, producing more severe hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood swings.
For men, the effects of falling testosterone such as; decreasing muscle mass, increasing body fat, reduced physical energy/endurance, gradually decreasing libido, loss of bone density, increasing cholesterol etc are all exacerbated by declining dopamine.
Emotionally, dopamine is required to generate:
- feelings of pleasure
- feelings of attachment and love
- a sense of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others)
- integration of thoughts and feelings
and low dopamine may be associated with:
- anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
- difficulty in feeling love and sensing attachment to another
- difficulty in accessing and expressing real feelings
- a lack of remorse about actions
- distractibility
Dopamine and depression
The adult brain is formed from our experiences in childhood and it has been shown that early social deprivation or stress can lead to permanent reduction in dopaminergic neurones especially in the prefrontal cortex of the brain where they are usually very dense, affecting the capacity for positive emotionality. An unsatisfactory early relationship between mother and child for example, results in fewer dopamine receptors and a constricted capacity for pleasure and reward in later life, increasing the propensity of depressive episodes.
The newer pharmacological teatments for depression are known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The basis for their use is that depression is caused by low serotonin levels n the brain. SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin back into the nerve cell, thereby increasing the level existing at the synaptic cleft. However, this entire approach to treating depression is now in question (rightly so!) and the drug companies who have been selling the SSRIs for many years are now focussing funds on the dopamine systems in the brain.
Improving dopamine levels/functioning
Conventional medicine treats traditional conditions asociated with low dopamine such as Parkinson’s disease with drugs that stimulate dopamine receptors. Unfortunately, in time, this constant and unnatural high level of stimulation desensitises the dopamine receptors so that drug effectiveness declines and drug dosages then need to be increased. This further desensitises the receptors (which are already in short supply) and increases negative side effects.
How to improve dopamine levels in a healthy way
Dopamine is made in the body from the amino acid tyrosine which is derived from the proteins we eat or from the amino acid phenylalanine. Unfortunately, eating more tyrosine-rich foods does not automatically confer higher dopamine levels. However a proven nutritional, healthy approach for improving dopamine levels/function is now available in the form of a special algae known as Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) or Klamath blue-green algae. This algae is rich in a molecule called phenylethylamine (PEA), a molecule we produce endogenously (made in the body) and which is known to have specific neuro-regenerating properties. We produce PEA when we feel happy, joyous and calm. People in love have particularly high levels (hence it has been coined the “love molecule”) as do long-distance runners – partly explaining the anti-depressant effect of exercise.
For PEA ha the ability to raise the level of freely circulating doamine in the brain. And whereas PEA alone would have a relatively hard time entering the bloodstream, crossing the blood/brain barrier and being effetive for long enough to exert its therapeutic effect, sitting alongside PEA, we find particular antioxidant/anti-inflammatory molecules that enhance the physiological effect of PEA.
In contrast to drug therapy, this nutritional approach allows the nervous system an opportunity to recover. And although it is difficult to measure the actual increase in dopamine receptor levels, it seems clear that by increasing the level of PEA, the molecule with proven neuro-regenerating properties, the opportunity tocreate vital connections withi the nervous system is made possible.
With this in mind we have developed vitalCALM: capsules of AFA algae potentiated with a concentrated extract rich in PEA and supporting molecules from the algae, grape extract (high in resveratrol)and ginger, both known to positively affect dopamine function, anise extract and organic minerals.
vitalCALM is recommended for any condition potentially associated with low dopamine levels/function.
If you would like any further information or to speak to our pharmacist, please call free on 08706091180 between 10-4pm, Monday-Friday.
