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Dopamine is the brain chemical that allows us to have feelings of bliss, pleasure, euphoria, drive, motivation, focus, and concentration. But let’s start at the beginning: Your brain actually communicates with itself. That is, you have an intricately-linked system of nerve cells called neurons that “communicate” with each other via specialized receptor sites. Dopamine is a chemical (neurotransmitter) that is used by the nerves to send “messages”. When a nerve releases dopamine, it crosses a very small gap called a synapse and then attaches to a dopamine receptor on the next nerve. Therefore, when dopamine levels are depleted in the brain, the nerve impulses, or “messages”, cannot be transmitted properly and can impair brain functions: behavior, mood, cognition, attention, learning, movement, and sleep.  Decrease your sugar intake. Sugar alters brain chemistry by disrupting dopamine levels, which is one reason why people often experience a “sugar high” shortly after eating sweets. Just as alcohol and drugs can deplete dopamine levels, sugar does the same. In fact, sugar stimulates the exact same euphoric pathway targeted by alcohol and drug use; that is, the decreased dopamine levels lead to actual sugar addictions. Whether initiated by alcohol, cocaine, or sugar, the compulsive behavior addiction is the same – an undeniable desire for dopamine. Limiting sugar intake will help fight this addictive dopamine depletion-sugar craving cycle.  Eat bananas. Bananas, especially ripe bananas, are an exceptional food for regulating dopamine . Other food sources include almonds, apples, watermelons, cherries, yogurt, beans, eggs and meats. It is important to note that foods alone generally do not have the therapeutic amino acid levels necessary to boost dopamine levels.  Decrease caffeine intake. Even though coffee gives you the energy boost you need, just like sugar, it only offers temporary relief and may actually be doing more harm than good. After experiencing the initial kick caffeine offers, dopamine levels in the body decrease. So, go for a cup of decaf or at least minimize consumption of coffee to counter dopamine deficiency  Set a routine schedule. Set a routine schedule with adequate time for work and rest. Ideally, your 24-hour day should include at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night in combination with periods of physical activity. Under-sleeping and/or over-sleeping combined with lack of regular exercise can drain the brain of dopamine. Why? Proper sleep gives the brain time to recuperate from the day and recharge its stores of neurotransmitters. And, regular physical activity increases blood circulation to influence the presence of many different hormones within the brain, affecting dopamine levels. So, one of the easiest ways you can boost dopamine is to get in a healthy routine and stick to it.  Decrease stress levels. High stress levels are also strongly correlated with dopamine deficiency. Stress can be caused by two sources: poor adrenal function and chronic daily life stressors. While we can’t always control our circumstances, there are destressors you can utilize to help you deal with chronic daily life stressors.. Remember, if stress is not handled properly, it can be devastating to your health. So, establish an ongoing plan that enables you to deal with stress effectively. >
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