Dopamine keeps the circulatory system running properly, regulates the rhythm of the heart and the brain's flow of information, controls movement, stimulates the metabolism and helps people to feel emotion and express it. Too little dopamine in a person's system results in the loss of the ability to respond emotionally, move easily, have enough energy for the day's activities and be motivated to take on life, according to the Health News Stand website. There are certain foods that will increase dopamine in the brain, giving a boost of energy to shift your mood and help you focus.
Proteins
Dopamine levels are raised most readily by the consumption of proteins, which are high in amino acids, which make brain neurotransmitters that allow your brain cells to communicate with one another, according to the Franklin Institute's Resources for Science Learning website. Eat fish, eggs, chicken, turkey and red meat to increase the amino acids in your diet. Legumes or dried beans are partial proteins that in combination with certain grains provide complete proteins and are excellent foods for stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Milk and cheeses can be added to your list of proteins.
Nuts and Seeds
Raw almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds are also incomplete proteins because they do not contain the full list of amino acids. The Resources for Science Learning website points out that you can, however, add whole grains to the diet when eating nuts, seeds and legumes and create complementary proteins providing the available amino acids the opportunity to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, thus stimulating dopamine.
Fruits and Vegetables
Dopamine levels are oxidized easily and depleted by stress and lack of sleep. However, eating lots of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants assists in protecting neurons using dopamine from free radical damage, points out the Science and Learning website. Include bananas, strawberries, blueberries, prunes, red peppers, avocados, artichokes, citrus fruits apples and beets in your diet.
Herbs
Certain herbs increase dopamine levels, explains the Blessed Maine Herbs website, including milk thistle, ginseng, peppermint, nettles, fenugreek and red clover. These can be prepared as teas or taken in dry form in capsules to boost the system. Most herbs have some side effects, so care should be taken if using them regularly. Consult an herbal expert for directions and dosage best for your individual case.
Beverages
Although coffee and black and green tea appear to stimulate and raise the levels of neurotransmitters initially, they are hard on the body and reduce dopamine levels overall, contributing to rapid burnout and depression.
Watermelon juice makes a great, thirst-quenching drink and is high in vitamin B6, one of the vitamins used by the brain to stimulate dopamine, according to MedHelp.com.
Amino Acids and Vitamin Supplements
Tyrosine, the amino acid that is responsible for helping to create dopamine in the brain, can be added to your diet in supplements that are available at health food stores. Also add a multivitamin containing vitamins B, C and E, according to the Science Learning website.
