A 30-minute daily walk is an excellent way to balance brain chemistry. This activity stimulates the production of serotonin and helps us feel much better.
Brain chemistry determines emotional states. Although sometimes we do not have to, and we need to use drugs, in today's article I propose some complementary strategies.
1. Deficiency of dopamine and depression
A low dopamine level can cause a wide range of obvious symptoms: fatigue, apathy, mood swings, less interest in the things surrounding us, and even depression. Thus, depression based on dopamine deficiency is difficult to treat.
Dopamine is the most important neurotransmitter of the brain. It mediates communication between neurons and nerve cells.
According to the researchers, dopamine also plays a key role in producing movements, motor skills and energy (or motivation) to interact with the environment.
How to increase your dopamine level naturally
- The level of dopamine can be increased by an essential amino acid called L-phenylalanine.
- The human body can not synthesize L-phenylalanine naturally. For this reason, we need to get it through our diet.
- L-phenylalanine ingested converts to tyrosine and simultaneously stimulates dopamine production.
We can get this amino acid by consuming:
- Meat
- Dairy products
- Lignified nuts such as almonds and nuts
- Seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin)
- bananas
- Beet
- Chocolate
- Green tea
- Blueberry juice
- Juice of noni
At the same time, meditate or practice moderate sports that can balance brain chemistry.
2. Serotonin, the hormone of happiness
Most antidepressants work this way: their action prevents a series of inhibitors to stop serotonin production. Serotonin deficiency makes treating depression difficult.
- A low level of serotonin can cause stress, grief, negative thoughts and despair.
- This is why various antidepressant drugs support adequate serotonin production.
- It is good to know that we can achieve this effect naturally.
How to increase your serotonin levels without medication
- Improve your diet. Increase your intake of Cavendish bananas, black chocolate, avocados, chicken, watermelon, blueberries, milk and plantain bananas (ie the same foods that increase dopamine production).
- Adopt a new hobby. Join a painting or dance course, start practicing yoga.
- Listen to music. The positive emotions produced by this help us balance our brain chemistry.
- Get out of the house and meet new people.
3. Sleep appropriately on the list of ways to balance brain chemistry
Inappropriate sleep, sleepless nights and difficulty sleeping have many negative consequences. These include a decrease in serotonin levels, which can cause fatigue, hypersensitivity and even depression.
Sleeping well is one of the most effective ways to balance brain chemistry. This simple custom regulates the level of neurotransmitters and helps us to have a stronger, positive and resilient emotional state.
How to sleep better to care for your brain health
- A stable program follows. Serve lunch and dinner at fixed hours and always lie down at the same time every night.
- Two hours before bedtime, reduce exposure to electronic devices. Close your computer, mobile phone, and tablet.
- Move in the afternoon, but never before bedtime.
- Establish a set of nightly rituals that you always follow: make a warm shower, drink a cup of milk with honey, read a book and relax in bed.
- Try to keep a normal temperature in the bedroom. Excessive heat and intense odors affect rest.
As you can see, besides medicines, we also have many other ways to balance brain chemistry and to cope with depression.