One, what is dopamine? Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and the vegetative nervous system. It was discovered in the 1950s by Professor Arvid Carlsson, a neuropharmacologist at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his discovery of dopamine.
Second, which organs secrete dopamine? The dopamine-secreting neurons in the central nervous system are called: dopamine neurons, mainly in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the hypothalamus and the ventricles. Dopaminergic neurons project widely to the vomeronasal nucleus, olfactory node, amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, and prefrontal lobe, forming the midbrain limbic dopamine system and the midbrain cortical dopamine system.
Third, what is the role of dopamine?
1. Reward
The Mesolimbic-cortical Dopaminergic System plays a central role in the reward system, that is, the projection from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and with the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (Hippocampus), amygdala (Amy), striatum (STR) and other brain regions. It is now generally accepted that the NAc brain region is central to the production of euphoria, and that the NAc is strongly associated with increased dopamine concentrations in the nervous system and reward, and that excitation of dopamine neurons in the VTA leads to increased dopamine concentrations in these brain regions, suggesting an important role for the VTA in rewarding behavior. Dopamine (DA) regulates mood and motivational behavior via the limbic dopaminergic system in the midbrain.
2. Ingestion
The neurological regulation of feeding behavior is a complex process in which many brain neurons and many neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of feeding behavior. Dopamine (DA) signaling in the brain is necessary for feeding behavior, and alterations in the DA system have been associated with obesity. However, the exact role of DA in the control of food intake remains controversial. 3.
3. Fear and anxiety
Dopamine is one of the most active neurotransmitters during anxiety and fear states. It has been shown that both dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mechanisms are important in mediating anxiety.
4. Sleep and wakefulness
A large body of data has shown that dopaminergic neurons are key neurotransmitters in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness, but the specific mechanisms of dopamine’s role in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness are not yet clear. Clinical data show that patients with Parkinson’s disease experience daytime sleepiness, whereas patients with schizophrenia often experience insomnia. The reason for this is that patients with Parkinson’s have insufficient dopamine in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental nucleus of the midbrain, whereas patients with schizophrenia have hyperfunctioning dopaminergic neurons.
However, I personally believe that many of the above functions and mechanisms of action are the results obtained from animal experiments. In humans, this is actually not necessarily the case. And there is a lot to say about it that is unclear and even contradictory. There is still a lot of uncharted territory about dopamine, or neuroscience in general, waiting for us to explore further.
Fourth, how to promote the production of dopamine?
1. Go out to the sun.
Researchers at the University of Calgary in Canada have found that sunbathing increases dopamine production, starting with 10-15 minutes of sunlight each day. Of course, you should take precautions to prevent sun exposure by wearing a sun hat and applying sunscreen. 2.
2. exercise.
As we all know, exercise is not only good for physical health, but it can also have a positive impact on emotional health. Regular exercise can increase the production of dopamine. There is a word in English called “runner’s high”, which describes the feeling of euphoria and pleasure after running. I personally am a marathon fan. Every time after running a race, can be high for a whole week. I think my dopamine levels must have been high at the time.
3. laughing.
As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. While sincere laughter cannot cure acute illness, it helps relieve anxiety and stress and elevates mood by increasing dopamine levels. Watching funny videos, sitcoms and joke books can achieve the effect of a good laugh.
4. Cook and eat with a beloved one.
Getting pleasure from good food triggers the release of dopamine. Sharing a meal with a loved one, or staying close while preparing a meal, can increase the release of dopamine.
5. Take nutritional supplements.
Tyrosine-rich foods (including: fish, eggs, soy, chicken, cheese, spinach, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes…) Can increase the production of dopamine, green tea can increase the secretion of dopamine, probiotics can also increase the synthesis of dopamine, can be supplemented in moderation.
6. listen to music.
Listen to pure music, especially those who like music, or singing and dancing to music, can increase the amount of dopamine production in the brain. Or if you have the talent to compose or play music, you can increase the release of dopamine even more.
7. meditation.
Researchers in Denmark and India have found that practicing meditation boosts the release of dopamine.
8. dating.
Dating someone you like boosts the production of dopamine, which enhances intimacy and positive feelings, making you feel happy, blissful and elated.
9. Have a pet.
Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found that the production of dopamine increases when cuddling with a furred pet. So, jerk off more fur kids.
10. get a good night’s sleep.
Poor sleep quality can lead to is an imbalance in the amount of dopamine production. Getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night will help restore balance. For more information on how to cure insomnia, please refer to my other highly acclaimed answer on how to fall asleep fast when insomnia?
11. reduce stress
Participating in physical activities such as walking, running and cycling, and being socially active can help reduce stress, thereby increasing the amount of dopamine production.
12. do massage.
Researchers at the University of Miami School of Medicine found that after doing massage therapy, the participants’ body cortisol (stress hormone) levels dropped by 31 %, while serotonin and dopamine levels rose by 28% and 31%, respectively.
