Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter which is a chemical in the body that works to send messages to the nerves cells, allowing them to communicate with each other. This neurotransmitter works with the nerve cells that deal with the body’s learning, movement, memory, attention, and the brain’s pleasure and reward system. Dopamine is found naturally in many different types of food and is known to help fight depression, among many other benefits. While some people’s bodies are able to properly create and use dopamine, there are just as many other people who need to use a dopamine supplement.
Many people choose to use a dopamine supplement because they have low dopamine levels. Some causes of low levels can be the use of alcohol, caffeine, sugar or certain drugs. High levels of stress, a poor diet, and the use of some anti-depressants can also cause low levels of dopamine. People who are known to have low levels can have a wide range of side effects including depression, interference with motor control, certain addictions, poor attention and focus, or cravings. There is also a link between low dopamine levels and Parkinson Disease. Some problems can also occur with levels of dopamine that are too high. These high levels can cause anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks or hyperactivity.
Unlike some other supplements, a dopamine supplement does not provide the body with more dopamine to bring a person's levels up. Instead, these supplements are used to work naturally within the body to promote healthy production of dopamine with very little side effects. By releasing these dopamine receptors in the body it allows for increasing dopamine levels naturally. The dopamine supplement is also designed to help the body to make better use of the dopamine produced by working with foods that contain dopamine. Some of these foods that can help increase dopamine levels are almonds, bananas, avocado, lima beans and seeds like sesame and pumpkin.
By working naturally with the body to better utilize dopamine, these supplements are able to help those with both low and high levels of dopamine. Once the dopamine level can be brought back to normal by using a dopamine supplement many benefits can be seen. There will be an increased energy level with better memory and clearer thinking ability. Normal levels can also help decrease joint pain and help assist in drug and alcohol addiction problems. Dopamine supplements have been known to help reduce the effects of Parkinson Disease as well.