| Functions |
- Affects Limbic system: reward, pleasure, motivation
- Protects against autoimmunity: works with immune system and thyroid in particular
- Affects Thyroid and regulates heart rate and blood pressure
- Affects adrenal function, kidneys and T-cells
- Affects Brain Power, Motor co-ordination, Cognition and learning
- Dopamine dampens glutamate activity leading to enhanced memory and learning
|
| Food habits and Weight Management |
- Controls metabolism – when metabolism is low, fat burning is low and fat accumulation is increased; low metabolism also leads to unconscious attempts to increase energy via use of stimulants and high energy yielding foods
- Controls motivation via limbic reward – low dopamine leads to loss of emotional or physical satiation and continued uncontrolled eating and food cravings in search of dopamine reward
- Low dopamine leads to not feeling happy and not recognising fullness / satiation with food; small snacks or meals not being sufficient and feelings of hunger after a meal
|
| Hormonal interactions |
- Interacts with Growth Hormone, Testosterone, Cortisol and DHEA and Dopamine is involved in TSH release
- Dopamine receptor sensitivity determined by Thyroid hormones which also determine dopamine levels (low TSH, T4, T3 leads to low dopamine)
- Progesterone receptors modulated by Dopamine
|
| Deficiencies |
- Loss of power and symmetry impacts energy and drive, causing weight gain, fatigue and diminished libido
- Depression and lack of motivation
- Inability to experience pleasure, social anxiety and low sexual desire
- Learning disorders, ADD, Addictions
- Parkinson’s
|
| Excess |
- Psychosis and schizophrenia
- Mania, hypersocial and increased libido
|
| Symptoms of deficiency |
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Inability to handle stress, anger and aggression whilst under stress, easy loss of temper
- Inability to finish tasks, disorganised and late for appointments
- Lack of focus, easily distracted
- Desire to isolate socially and lack of concern for family and friends
- Need to consume caffeine to be alert
- Low libido
|
| Causes of deficiency |
- Hypothyroidism
- Low stomach acid: leading to low methyl donors
- Antacids (inhibit stomach HCL) , Oral contraceptives, Hormone Relacement Therapy
- H. Pylori
- Low protein in diet
|
| Food modulators |
- Protein rich meals: Game meat, Beef, Pork, Turkey; Fish; Eggs, Cheese
- Oats, Chocolate
|
| Herb and supplement modulators |
- Mucuna pruriens (from a bean), Blueberry extract
- Phenylethyamine (PEA), DL-Phenylanine, L-tyrosine
- Vit B6, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid
|
Adapted from:
Braverman, E. (2009). Younger (Thinner) You Diet. New York, N.Y.:Rodale.
Kharrazian, D. (2013). Why Isn’t My Brain Working? Carlsbad, C.A.: Elephant Press
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