How can the dopamine level in the human body be increased?
It is not possible to increase the production of dopamine in the body, but it is possible to increase the release of dopamine-producing cells into the blood. This can be done once with external substances (drugs) or through certain activities. External substances that have a strong effect on the reward system are addictive substances.
For example ethanol (alcohol), nicotine (cigarettes) and morphine (painkillers). Cocaine, amphetamines and hallucinogens also act in this way, thus explaining their addictive potential: the brain perceives a positive association with taking the drug and thus makes withdrawal more difficult. There is also a so-called “rebound effect” after the use of these drugs, i.e. a temporary relative lack of dopamine.
The users feel tired, listless, depressed and may even be suicidal. For the duration of use, the natural chemical balance is greatly disturbed and may even remain disturbed for life. This is the basis of the theory that drug use can cause psychosis and schizophrenia.
An underlying dopamine deficiency is suspected or recognized as the cause of a number of diseases. Their therapeutic drugs are either dopamine reuptake inhibitors or dopamine release enhancers. This refers to the release of dopamine from neurons to other adjacent target neurons or the space between several neurons (synaptic cleft): neurotransmitters are subject to natural “recycling”.
This is exploited by the reuptake inhibitors and thus increases the dopamine level. If a patient no longer produces his own dopamine, a precursor called L-DOPA can be given to him. This precursor form reaches the central nervous system from the blood in the gastrointestinal tract and is converted to dopamine there.
Activities that increase dopamine levels without medication are, for example, enjoyable activities: eating, sports, sex or other rewarding activities. With regard to eating, care can be taken to ensure that the amino acids important for dopamine production are consumed in sufficient quantities. Studies have not yet been able to prove whether this can really prevent a dopamine deficiency.
Nevertheless experience reports of many humans point out it. Foods that supply dopamine building blocks are those that are rich in the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. These include avocados, bananas, lima beans, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and almonds.
Soy products and low-fat dairy and meat products. For the consumption of chocolate no increased increase in dopamine could be registered so far by studies. Vitamin B6 and L-Phenylalanin are freely for sale in pharmacies and can be used as dietary supplements.
Since an overdose here is possible in principle and can then be very dangerous, this should only be done in consultation with a doctor. Regular gentle endurance sport increases the concentration of calcium in the blood, which in turn supports the production of dopamine in the neurons. 30-minute jogging, swimming or cycling 2-3 times a week seem to have a protective function against dopamine deficiency. Similar to sex, sport releases many hormones that act on the reward system. These are oxytocin and adrenaline, which increase the feeling of reward.