We all know that it feels good to feel good. But is there ever such a thing as feeling too good? How would one even go about it? Is there a way to know if or when you have crossed that threshold? And how do we know when we need a boost of these happy helpers? Get ready to find out just how to determine if your are experiencing too much or too little Dopamine reception in your body. Just in case you are like the majority of the world and need to know some safe all natural options on how to improve your Dopamine levels be sure to keep reading!

The Struggle is Real

For those of you who are unaware of the constant balancing act that occurs within our bodies chemistry there is a hormone named Dopamine. Dopamine is produced and interpreted at two different locations within the brain. One area of the brain, in which Dopamine is processed, is in control of speech and movement. As we age we can lose Dopamine receptors which can cause difficulty in speaking and even movement. An excess of Dopamine loss can lead to health related issues such as Parkinson’s disease. The second area of the brain that produces Dopamine controls our motivation, focus, mood, and ability to learn. This is the area that is most commonly activated when triggered by outside sources such as music, games, etc.

But I NEED IT!

For those individuals who are unable to process Dopamine at a normal rate it can result in attention defects such as ADD or ADHD. This can be a result of over stimulation at a young age or a result of a chemical imbalance during utrero. Whichever the case it seems to be more prevalent in today’s society. It may be due, in part, to the fact that it was something that was not diagnosed previously or miss diagnosed as a form of autism. Regardless of the reason the need to Dopamine activation seems to be ever going in our instant lifestyles, where everything has to happen right this minute.

The Raging War Within

Every minute of everyday a constant battle for Dopamine regulation is happening inside our bodies. Unfortunately, because this battle is constantly raging it is hard to notice the subtle changes that occur when our Dopamine levels are no longer in balance. The end result being that we tend to take notice once things have gotten progressively worse. The following is a list of signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for that may indicate an imbalance in your Dopamine levels. Due to Dopamine’s highly addictive ability it is advised to seek out safe all natural options to improve or regulate these levels. If you feel like you fall into either of the following categories please discuss having your hormone levels checked with your primary care physician.

When Life Gets You Down

If you Dopamine levels fall too low they can result in a number of health concerns such as:

• Muscle Cramps, Spasms, or Tremors
• Aches & Pains
• Stiffness in Muscles
• Loss of Balance
• Constipation
• Difficulty Eating & Swallowing
• Weight Gain
• GERD
• Frequent Pneumonia
• Trouble Sleeping
• Low Energy
• In Ability to Focus
• Moving or Speaking Slowly
• Fatigue
• Inexplicably Sad
• Mood Swings
• Feelings of Hopelessness
• Low Self-Esteem
• Anxiety
• Low Sex Drive
• Hallucinations
• Delusions

Chasing The High

When the body is exposed to an excess of Dopamine for a prolonged period of time it can result in devastating health issues. One of the most common is Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome (DDS) which is characterized by self-control issues such as addiction to medications, alcohol, gambling, or even sexual behaviors. The second most common side effect is heart arrhythmia. Dopamine stimulates beta 1 activity which in turn increases the heart rate. Here are some other signs and symptoms that can indicate an excess of Dopamine:

• Irregular Heart Beats
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Chills
• Goosebumps
• Shortness of Breath

Finding Balance

The mass majority of us suffer from one imbalance or another. In fact, most individuals are currently suffering from multiple hormones being out of balance. One of the best ways to determine if your hormones are out of alignment is to request a hormone level test from your primary care physician. It is quick and relatively painless. If you find that you are, like the rest of us, out of balance here are some all natural alternative to discuss with your doctor.

• Mucuna Pruriens
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Curcumin
• Oregano Oil *Do not exceed use of 2 week period without a 3-4 week duration off the oil in between!
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Fish Oil
• Ginseng

Mucuna Pruiens

Mucuna Pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia. It can help boost mood, increase focus, minimize the harmful effects of stress (excess Cortisol), increase energy, acts as a mild aphrodisiac, and can aid in the improvement of mental capacity. This plant is well known for the extreme itchiness it produces on contact, particularly with the seed pods and juvenile plant. The itch is caused by a protein called mucunain which can be found in the outer casings of the bean pods and stem of juvenile plants. 

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living tree species and has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years throughout Chinese medicine. Ginkgo extract is more typically used today and is produced from the leaves of the tree. It can be used to promote blood circulation, improve memory, pain reliever, mood stabilizer, PMS reliever, prevention of vertigo or dizziness, aids in allergy relief, prevents pink eye, and reduces risk of dementia and schizophrenia. 

Curcumin

Curcumin is a chemical that is primarily found in turmeric. It can be used for the following health benefits: reducing inflammation, promotes skin health, regulation of blood sugar, pain reliever, balancing cholesterol levels, preventing blood clots, aid in mental health, reduce risk of cancer, detoxification, and improve mental capacity. When incorporating Curcumin into your daily routine it should be in small amounts. Pregnant women should avoid taking Curcumin supplements during pregnancy due to the fact that it can stimulate contractions and result in early labor. Too much Curcumin can also result in the following: nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, increased risk of bleeding, reduced fertility, and an increase in menstrual flow. 

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is produced via the extraction of essential oils in the leaves of the plant often by steam distillation. It comes with a variety of health benefits such as: the prevention of heart disease, promotes hair growth, treats ear infections, boost immunity, promotes oral health, and even the prevention of cancer due to its antioxidant properties. Oregano oil, however, is a natural antibiotic and as such should not be consumed for longer than a two week period. Upon completion of a two week period it is important to give your body 3-4 week period to replenish your bacterial flora and avoid further health issues. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a chemical that naturally occurs in some of the foods we eat. It has several health benefits, for example: it aids in the relaxation of intestinal muscles which relieves constipation, can help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, aids in the relaxation of bronchial muscles, increase collagen production, improve energy levels, enhances mineral absorption, and even improve bladder function. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is naturally produced by the sun and can be found in a number of foods. It is a fat soluble vitamin, which means it is possible to overdose on it! Vitamin D comes with tons of health benefits here are just a few: improves immune system, antiviral, antibacterial, promotes calcium absorption, aids in the assimilation of vitamin A, promote healthy cell growth, boost mood, improves DNA repair, reduces risk of pre-eclampsia, promotes muscle strength, and more!

Fish Oil

Fish oil is most commonly used for its high levels of Omega 3. Some of its health benefits include: improved cognitive function, prevent dementia, reduce risk of heart disease, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, promote vision health, reduce fat in the liver, lower blood pressure, and lower risk of depression. 

Ginseng

Ginseng is a perennial plant thats leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. Some of its health benefits include: antioxidants, increase stamina, boost energy levels, regulation of metabolism, aid in concentration, appetite suppressant, promote weight loss, fights fatigue, regulates blood sugar, rehydrates skin, promotes regeneration, detoxifies the blood, and improves complexion. 

You Are Not Alone!

Are you ready to start taking back control of your health? Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!