Dopamine is frequently referred to be the neurotransmitter responsible for the “feel-good” effect. Those individuals aged 65 and older who do not receive an adequate amount of this essential chemical in their brains run the danger of getting emotional health disorders such as persistent stress and depression. Your loved one’s dopamine levels can be naturally increased, and as a result, they can experience an increase in their level of happiness. Fortunately, there are a few steps to follow to boost your loved one dopamine levels.
Consume Probiotic Foods
The stomach is home to a wide variety of bacteria, all of which work together to defend us against any toxins that may still be present in the food that we consume. Consuming probiotic meals and using probiotic supplements can assist your loved one preserve the beneficial bacteria in their gut while also eliminating potentially harmful toxins. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin cannot be produced or regulated in the body of your loved one if the individual’s stomach does not contain the appropriate microorganisms.
Keep Tabs on Long-Term Goal
When we accomplish a challenging task, our bodies “reward” us with a surge of dopamine as a “prize.” On the other hand, the majority of people do not experience the same level of satisfaction when they achieve tasks that take longer than a few days to finish. Dopamine levels can be increased by utilizing a calendar to track progress toward a goal, whether that goal is to lose a little weight or to read 1 book per month. This has the same effect on the levels of dopamine as if the goal had already been achieved.
Meditate
Without a good mental attitude, it is impossible to manufacture adequate amounts of dopamine. Dopamine levels are often significantly reduced in those who also suffer from persistent stress, sadness, and a lack of motivation. Meditation, when practiced regularly, not only raises dopamine levels but also tackles the underlying problems that may be causing your loved one’s brain chemistry to become imbalanced.
Take Magnesium Supplements
The National Library of Medicine estimates that over 50% of individuals have magnesium deficits, in part because the symptoms of magnesium deficiency tend to worsen slowly for several years. If the food of your loved one does not contain an adequate amount of magnesium, the body of your loved one will have a tough time managing dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Make sure that your loved one consults a medical professional before beginning to take a new supplement as part of their diet.
Add Tyrosine to Their Diet
Tyrosine is one of the 22 essential amino acids that should be included in a diet that is considered healthy. Unfortunately, this essential amino acid is hard to come by in packaged foods and snack items despite being a key component of dopamine. Your loved one’s diet should include foods that are high in tyrosine, such as almonds, eggs, meat, bananas, and avocados. These foods should be consumed on a regular basis.
Tune in to Some Music
If low levels of dopamine are causing your loved one to feel lethargic, unmotivated, or lack interest in anything, create a playlist of your loved one’s favorite songs. Researchers found that when people listened to music that they enjoyed, it caused a release of dopamine in their brains. This was discovered in a study that was conducted in 2011.