(12-09-12) Lose weight, increase energy and relieve depression by boosting brain chemical dopamine - Here's how to do it!

by JB Bardot

(NaturalNews) Increase energy, lose weight, feel happier and eliminate
depression by raising the levels of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine with
simple dietary changes.

Dopamine is naturally produced by the brain and controls the body's movements,
stimulates metabolism and proper body weight, supports the circulatory system
and governs the brain's information flow. Too little dopamine in the system is
responsible for a lack of response in an individual, deadening the ability to
feel emotion and creating a sense of indifference. In addition, low dopamine
levels slow the metabolism, contributing to weight gain, low energy,
sluggishness and depression. Too little dopamine can cause unwanted bodily
movements, jerking, twitching and slurred speech. Proper levels of dopamine are
necessary to prevent conditions such as Parkinson's disease. In the right
amounts, dopamine encourages weight loss and helps the body maintain its proper
weight.

Foods that boost metabolism and restore dopamine levels
It's important to maintain proper dopamine levels to enable an individual to
experience their feelings of pleasure and have the ability to generate the
energy to live life. Adequate dopamine raises the body's energy levels and
increases metabolism promoting weight loss and well being. A variety of foods
can help boost metabolism while increasing the body's ability to function at
its optimal level.

? Proteins are high in amino acids which contribute to the production of
chemicals that stimulate dopamine in the brain. Foods such as eggs, fish,
poultry and red meats are all high in protein and great for increasing
metabolism. Fish in particular, is high in protein and contains healthy Omega 3
fatty acids, which contribute to increased brain function. The best proteins
are those that are organic and do not contain antibiotics, hormones or
pesticides.

? Red beets restore dopamine levels and produce a sense of well being. Beets
contain the amino acid betaine, which acts like an antidepressant, creating
feelings of pleasure and joy.

? Apples boost brain power and help with weight loss. Apples are high in
quercitin, a potent antioxidant, and may help prevent neurodegenerative
diseases and stimulate dopamine production.

? Drink a daily dose of watermelon juice, which is high in vitamin B-6, an
important nutrient for dopamine production

? Foods containing folate help the brain produce more dopamine. Good sources
of folate are found in most leafy green vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower,
lentils, garbanzo beans, black beans, and papaya. Plant sources of folate must
be eaten raw to provide enough folate as a nutrient source.

Amino acids, vitamins and herbs boost metabolism by raising dopamine levels in
the brain
? Tyrosine is the main amino acid that triggers dopamine production in the
brain. Foods high in tyrosine are bananas, strawberries, blueberries and
prunes.

? Include a multivitamin containing vitamins B, C and E to help produce
additional dopamine supplies in the brain, notes Franklin Institute's, "Science
Learning" website

? According to Blessed Maine Herbs, certain herbs are recommended to help the
brain produce higher amounts of dopamine, such as fenugreek, ginkgo biloba,
Indian ginseng, red clover, nettles, dandelion and peppermint. In particular,
green tea contains polyphenols, which can increase dopamine output. These can
be taken as supplements or consumed as herbal teas. Because herbs may cause
side effects, it is necessary to use care when adding them to any health plan.
An herbal practitioner should be consulted for directions how to use herbs and
in what dose.

Sluggishness and lack of energy may indicate a serious disease in addition to
low dopamine levels. If symptoms continue or do not respond to dietary changes
or increased supplementation, see a health practitioner.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/14818
http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/proteins.html
http://www.blessedmaineherbs.com/hearthealth.html
http://www.dreamstime.com
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-beets-image597366

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.