Your body can produce the amino acid tyrosine from another amino acid, phenylalanine. Certain foods also contain tyrosine, which is essential for the functioning of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine, according to University of Maryland Medical. Dopamine helps your immune and nervous systems function normally. Your tyrosine and dopamine levels can drop from stress, lack of sleep, or too much caffeine and sugar. Your doctor can determine if your tyrosine level is low and how much you need to elevate it.
Protein
Protein increases tyrosine, which then produces dopamine for energy and alertness. Foods that boost tyrosine levels include fish, meat, poultry and eggs. Other protein sources for tyrosine are kidney beans, tofu and soybeans.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits that contain tyrosine for dopamine production include passionfruit and papaya. These fruits increase tyrosine levels and trigger your brain neurotransmitters. The result leaves you feeling motivated and alert. Both your memory and concentration improve with an increase in the amino acid tyrosine. The amino acid betaine may be an antidepressant agent. Beets contain betaine, which increases dopamine and release endorphins that give you feelings of pleasure.
Dairy
Cheese, cottage cheese, milk and yogurt are protein-rich foods that increase tyrosine and dopamine. Dairy foods also provide added calcium and vitamin D, giving both your brain and skeletal system the nutrients needed for overall health.
Seeds and Nuts
Pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds and peanuts are examples of nuts and seeds that contain tyrosine. Eating more seeds and nuts can increase tyrosine and dopamine, helping regulate hormones that travel throughout your body and increasing organ functions.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ can increase tyrosine and dopamine levels when you add it to food because it contains the amino acid phenylalanine. Adding wheat germ to cereal, recipes and salads helps supplement your body’s tyrosine and dopamine production.
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