• April 28, 2024

According to the Faculty of Chemistry of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) , a neurotransmitter in a chemical substance released from a nerve ending, which interacts with a specific receptor to produce different physiological responses. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter of great importance in our body, and in GetQoralHealth we explain why.

How does dopamine work?

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter of some nerve and peripheral fibers, as well as of many central neurons, for example in the substantia nigra, the diencephalon, the ventral tegmental area and the hypothalamus.

The main functions of dopamine in our body are to provide mental energy, improve attention, impulse control, motivation and determination.

Deficiency. A deficiency of dopamine results in fatigue, dizziness, intense cravings for sugar or coffee, weight gain, attention problems, decreased sexual desire and impulse control.

What to eat to promote the synthesis of dopamine?

Diet is a very important step to improve the synthesis of dopamine, since neurotransmitters are manufactured from amino acids, and these in turn require vitamins and minerals. The diet must then be rich in proteins such as meat, fish and vegetables, bananas, beans, eggs, soybeans and grains; Strength exercises such as weights are also recommended.

Dopamine vs difficult moments

A recent study, conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , reveals that dopamine is also the neurotransmitter that is responsible for motivating us in difficult times, under a promise of "reward". This study was done in a population of rats, since scientists indicate that this type of finding is applied in the same way with humans.

The results showed that when the rat approached a target or distant prize, the production of dopamine increased, this, the scientists comment can be observed with patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, in which the dopamine signaling is affected and show little motivation to meet their long-term goals or tasks.
 

Video Medicine: What is Dopamine? (April 2024).