Top 10 Foods That Boost Dopamine Levels Naturally | Hope, Help & Healing: Your Go-To Resource for Coping with Mental Illness, Anxiety Relief, and Mental Wellness Strategies (2024)

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Dopamine deficiency has been linked to a causing increased depression and anxiety. The good news is that boosting dopamine production in your body can be as simple as incorporating specific items into your diet. Let’s take a look at the top foods that boost dopamine levels naturally.

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a chemical) in the brain that affects your movements, emotions, pleasure, and pain. It’s often called “the motivator molecule” as it’s responsible for sending signals to your brain to tell your body what to do.

What’s the Link Between Dopamine and Anxiety?

Put simply,a dopamine deficiency has been linked to causing many mental illnesses, including anxiety, ADHD, Parkinson’s and depression. This is the result of the brain not sending enough signals to give you sensations of pleasure, happiness, accomplishments, etc. As such, it’s often linked to depression more than it is anxiety. However, recent studies have revealed thatdopamine deficiency can also trigger feelings of dreadand fear, thus making it a concern for anxiety warriors, specifically.

Top Foods That Boost Dopamine Levels Naturally

The good news? There are many foods that boost dopamine levels naturally! We also have a list of natural ways to increase dopamine levels which is certainly worth your attention as well.

1. Foods Rich in Healthy Fats

Foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocado, fresh tuna, olive oils, walnuts and trout are excellent foods that boost dopamine levels naturally.

2. Lean Proteins

Another category of food that boost dopamine levels naturally is lean proteins. Think chicken, fish, lean beef and lentils.

3. Foods Rich in Omega-3

Add some delicious omega-3 foods into your diet such as salmon, nuts, seeds and healthy plant oils such as flaxseed oil or canola oil.

4. Raw Chocolate

You read that right! Raw chocolate is a healthy snack for anyone looking for foods that boost dopamine levels. The key is to ensure that its raw chocolate, such as cacao. Not only will this mood boosting superfood increase dopamine levels but it’ll also help boost serotonin as well.

5. Blueberries and Strawberries

Grab a handful of blueberries and strawberries the next time you need some motivation. These delicious berries are rich in antioxidants that have been shown to protect major parts of the brain that control dopamine production.

6. Healthy Nuts and Seeds

You’ll see nuts and seeds making a regular appearance on this list of foods that boost dopamine levels because they’re great! However, it’s crucial to avoid alternatives coated in sugar which tend to be the most delicious varieties.

Instead, opt for raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, chia and hemp seeds.

7. Foods Rich in Sulfur Compounds

Foods rich in sulfur compounds help boost glutathione levels which are essential for optimal mental health, as well as the release of dopamine. So, add some collards, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and chard into your diet.

If you’re a fan of flavour, you’ll have no problem adding some foods from the alium family into your diet. From garlic to chives, onions and scallions, these food items are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds as well.

8. Folate Foods

Folate foods are also hailed as foods that aids dopamine production. So, you’ll certainly want to get a healthy handful of leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, chickpeas, black beans, papaya and lentils into your meals.

9. Apples

As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. These juicy fruits are packed with the quercitin antioxidant which has shown to stimulate dopamine production.

10. Bananas and Prunes

Some other excellent foods that boost dopamine levels are bananas and prunes. These fruits are high in an amino acid called tyrosine which has been linked to prompting dopamine production.