Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter associated with stress and anger. This chemical works in concert with all the neurotransmitters produced by the brain and body; balancing elevated norepinephrine levels alone is difficult as all parts of the system are interrelated. Take steps to relieve stress and anger to naturally lower levels of norepinephrine.
Step 1
Avoid caffeine. High caffeine levels in the blood can contribute to elevated norepinephrine levels. Remove caffeine from your diet if you are prone to angry outbursts as the first step to achieving a normal emotional state.
Step 2
Reduce daily stress levels. Norepinpehrine levels rise with increased stress levels. Try deep breaths, get adequate sleep and exercise regularly.
Step 3
Cut back on the foods that are building blocks for norepinephrine. The chemical tyrosine is a building block found in many common foods; eliminate cheese, tofu, almonds, apples, bananas and most grains from your diet as these increase norepinephrine production.
Step 4
Seek help from a mental health professional. Addressing feelings and origins of anger, helplessness, anxiety and pain with a qualified therapist helps to relieve these elevated norepinephrine symptoms.
Step 5
Schedule a monthly massage to reduce stress levels and correct the balance of neurotransmitters. The lasting relaxation effects of massage also aid sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- No single change can balance elevated norepinephrine levels naturally; try a combination of actions and be patient. It takes time to retrain the neurons in the brain. As norepinephrine levels balance, gradually reintroduce removed foods to the diet because they contain vital nutrients. Diet change is helpful but is not a long-term solution to elevated norepinephrine levels.
- Consult a doctor if anxious moods are persistently elevated or extreme anger leads to violence. Prescription medications necessary for extreme cases of elevated norephinephrine levels are based on the individual's case.
Things You'll Need
- Modified diet
- Mental health professional
- Massage therapist
