Dopamine is a neurotransmitter located in the substantia nigra of the midbrain that affects emotional responses, control of body movement and the experience of pleasure. The brains of people with Parkinson's disease, according to the University of Texas College of Pharmacy, contain almost no dopamine. Although dopaminergic drugs help restore dopamine in these individuals, you can increase your dopamine by a diet of tyrosine-rich foods, fruits, vegetables and high-protein foods.
Dopaminergic Drugs
Dopamine-increasing medication includes dopamine precursors and dopamine receptor agonists, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. L-Dopa, or Levodopa, is a dopamine precursor drug that converts to dopamine in the brain, prescribed for severe restless leg syndrome. Other drugs called dopamine agonists mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain, acting on dopamine receptors. Because these drugs can stimulate dopamine receptors in people without dopamine neurons, they are used to treat Parkinson's disease. Dopamine agonist drugs include cabergoline, pramipexole and ropinirole.
Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables
To remain both healthy and happy, it is wise to choose a diet that helps protect your dopamine-producing neurons. Daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables help maintain and increase your dopamine levels. Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals that can destroy dopamine. In particular, watermelon with its abundant vitamin B-6, apples with their dopamine-protecting quercetin and bananas are good fruit choices to raise your dopamine levels naturally. Beets and avocados are good vegetable choices for dopamine. Beets contain an antidepressant called betaine, which stimulates S-adenoslmethionine in your body -- essential in making dopamine.
Foods Containing Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid that triggers dopamine production in the brain. Eating foods rich in tyrosine may help you focus, increase your motivation and enjoy more positive moods, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, pine nuts, cashews and hazelnuts, are good food choices for snacks or for embellishing salads. Whole-grain breads and pastas also contain tyrosine, as well as bananas, fish, turkey, chicken, milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, lima beans and soy products.
Foods High in Protein or Vitamin B-6
Fish, poultry, meat, yogurt and cheese are high-protein foods that have all eight essential amino acids the brain converts into tyrosine in order to make dopamine. Although nuts, whole grains, legumes and seeds only provide some of these eight essential amino acids, they also help the brain produce dopamine. Foods rich in vitamin B-6 help synthesize dopamine from protein, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. To help improve your moods, incorporate vitamin B-6 foods -- such as spinach, peanut butter, tomato juice, fortified cereals, baked potatoes with skin, canned chickpeas and canned tuna in water -- into your diet.
References
- University of Texas College of Pharmacy: Dopamine: A Sample Neurotransmitter
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Restless Legs Syndrome and Related Disorders: Medications
- Health Guidance: Foods That Increase Dopamine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- The Franklin Institute: Nourish -- Proteins
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