Natural Ways to Regulate Dopamine Levels

[smlawrence0413]

I'm curious what you all have tried in regards to regulating dopamine. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Girl_Who_Misses_Much]

Following for feedback 💜

[ADDandMe]

I stopped drinking (though I didn’t do this to improve dopamine levels - my ADD diagnoses came after - though it’s supposed to improve them over time). I try to limit sugar so I don’t get the high and the crash. Cold water showers are something I’ve been exploring. I’ve always drank a lot of caffeine and do quite a bit of exercise. I spend short amounts of time deep breathing. Try to do things I enjoy like planning how I’m going to decorate my home, plan trips and make time for fun. Listening to music and going to coffee. I could get better at eating more protein, probiotics, but I do take a multivitamin.

[writer35 in reply to ADDandMe]

Seconding all of these! I spend a lot of time and energy making sure that I'm nourished and my nervous system is well regulated.

Especially reducing/eliminating alcohol. I was using that without even knowing that I was trying to get a dopamine boost but it changes your hedonic set point. "Neuroscientist Nora Volkow and colleagues have shown that heavy, prolonged consumption of high-dopamine substances eventually leads to a dopamine deficit state." (Source: matthewvere.com/notes/dopam...

I also try to create environments that engage my senses, which is easier for me since I have the privilege of working from home. I have my white/brown noise sounds, essential oils in the diffuser, a room full of plants so I'm surrounded by green, different colored pens and post its to appeal to me when I need to take notes, and fidget toys for calls.

[ADDandMe in reply to writer35]

Thanks for this! I have essential oils, just need to get the diffuser/ burner! Great link you shared too… I listened to a podcast with the author of Dopamine Nation - I must download the audio book.

[PaulRosedene]

I'm a bit green when it comes to ADHD. Is there a link between dopamine and ADHD ?

[writer35 in reply to PaulRosedene]

Yes - Google ADDitude + dopamine to learn about it in plain language. ADDitude has excellent articles on all aspects of ADHD.

[ADDandMe in reply to PaulRosedene]

Also Google Dr Amen Mel Robbins brain scan for a good visual video explanation

[smlawrence0413]

what you all are suggesting really resonates with. i cut out sugar, caffeine, and alcohol before i knew i had ADHD. i am considering reintroducing caffeine, but am hesitant because of my addictive, binging tendencies. i get pretty overwhelmed reading about all the various supplementation advice/options out there too. the deep breathing is new for me, but wowza, i am amazed by its calming, and equally stimulating effects. also, i have started what i call "sound therapy". listening to lofi music makes my brain SO happy. i am also fortunate and get work from home. my office space is a work in progress :). thank you all for your responses, i am so encouraged!

[Gettingittogether]

Interesting I just see myself trying to manage my ADHD. I don't think about dopamine at all.

[smlawrence0413 in reply to Gettingittogether]

It has been fascinating and brought great relief to know how ADHD has impacted every aspect of my life. I'm learning how to embrace it, instead trying to fix it. There is definitely blessing to be had in the initial burden... Learning how navigate through the pain instead of avoid it!

[rootcausesearcher]

Hi. I try to stay in the medical research-specific sites like the U.S.'s NIH, and Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and medical research journals for these questions. I had the same questions too, and dug this university study up. hindawi.com/journals/np/201... It may help. It is a single study, but comes with appropriate academic references. My experiences include good results with Omega-3 (EPA heavy), L-Theanine, Caffeine (not after 1pm...got to kill the lunch coma), Vitamin D with K2, MCT in my morning cup of Jobu (coffee), and a few others I'd have to look for. Finally, this research is very descriptive and thorough academically (don't worry, it isn't too long, and it won't put you to sleep) hindawi.com/journals/np/201... .

[Girl_Who_Misses_Much in reply to rootcausesearcher]

Great article! Thanks!