Dopamine is naturally produced by the brain and it can control your body’s movements, help to get your metabolism going, and help your brain function properly. Without the proper levels of dopamine the body is at a greater risk for disease such as Parkinson’s. Additionally, low levels of dopamine can mean weight gain, low levels of energy, and even depression. So, the question then becomes how do you increase the dopamine your body produces?

Eat Your Way to More Dopamine

Proper dopamine levels are important and sometimes that means giving your body a boost in dopamine. If this is the case for you, then a great place to start is with what you eat:

Proteins: Proteins are rich in a variety of amino acids which help with the production of chemicals that produce dopamine. Of course organic proteins are the best if you can find them and the list of useful proteins includes, fish, eggs, poultry, and lean meats. Fish are said to be the best as the also contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which also help control brain function.

Vegetables: Leafy vegetables such as greens, broccoli, and cauliflower contain foalte. Folate helps the brain return dopamine levels back to normal. When you can, eat these vegetables raw so you get the most amount of folate as possible.

You can also eat red beets which contain the amino acid betaine. This acts as an antidepressant and helps you feel good while simultaneously boosting your dopamine levels. As a vegetable goes, red beets are probably the best for dopamine.

Fruits: Apples are high in quercitin, which is a very storing antioxidant. This can help your body fight neurodegenerative disease while also raising dopamine levels.

Papaya is another fruit you can enjoy to help you raise your dopamine levels as it contains folate. Watermelon juice is also helpful with raising dopamine levels. The juice contains high levels of vitamin B-6 which is vital to the production of dopamine.

Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for More Dopamine

Another way in which you can increase dopamine in your body is with herbs, vitamins, and supplements:

Herbs: Specific herbs have been recommended to help the brain produce more dopamine. Some of these herbs include Indian ginseng, red clover, fenugreek, nettles, dandelion, ginkgo biloba, and peppermint. However, a number of these herbs can have an adverse reaction with certain individuals so it is always wise to check with your physician before you add them to your daily regimen.

Vitamins: A quality multivitamin will contain all the essential vitamins necessary to stimulate dopamine production, including vitamins B, C, and E. Alternatively, each of these vitamin supplements can be taken on their own if you desire.

Supplements: There are a number of quality supplements on the market today that can also provide you with many amino acids and other nutrients that will help you produce more dopamine. While one brand is not necessarily better than another, just look for the supplement with the most to offer.