Foods That Enhance Dopamine and Improve Mindset

approach to well-beinghealth coachingdetoxificationhealthy eating
Written By Lara May

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that governs motivation, focus, pleasure, and feelings of reward. Optimizing dopamine levels through dietary choices lifts mood, sharpens concentration and makes it easier to experience life positively.

Foods that boost dopamine include:

Cocoa

Raw cacao contains anandamide, caffeine, and other compounds that trigger dopamine release. Enjoy a small square of dark chocolate.

Green Tea

L-theanine and EGCG in green tea inhibit dopamine reuptake, prolonging activity in the brain. Sip matcha or brewed green tea.

Curcumin

This bright compound in turmeric activates dopaminergic neurons to increase dopamine availability. Add turmeric to meals or take curcumin supplements.

Probiotic Foods

Beneficial gut flora produce dopamine and other neurochemicals that cross into the brain. Eat sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kimchi, tempeh and pickles.

Cold Water Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, herring, tuna and sardines raise dopamine cell counts in the brain by 30%. Eat 2-3 servings weekly.

Berries

Anthocyanins in blue, black and strawberries stimulate dopamine receptors and reduce inflammation. Enjoy them daily.

Photo by Alina Isaieva

Nuts and Seeds

Tyrosine-rich almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin and chia seeds provide the amino acid building block for dopamine.

Apples

Quercetin in apples blocks dopamine degradation and recycles it for extended activity in the brain. One apple daily. 

Protein

Adequate protein ensures you have enough tyrosine to synthesize dopamine. Include protein at each meal.

Incorporate more of these dopamine-friendly foods into your routine for sustained focus, motivation, pleasure and an uplifted mood. What you regularly eat literally shapes your mindset!

The key takeaway

Is that nourishing your brain with foods containing compounds that support healthy dopamine levels lays the foundation for a focused, motivated and positive mindset. Prioritize eating foods rich in tyrosine, anthocyanins, antioxidants, probiotics, omega-3s and amino acids. A diet that keeps dopamine in the optimal range helps you feel more inspired, productive and purposeful each day.

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Lara May

Hi, I’m Lara May. I am a board certified clinical pharmacist, usui reiki master, and integrative health coach. 

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