Does exercise release dopamine, making us happy? Besides exercise, can probiotics do the same?
Dopamine not only affects our mood, but also plays a role on multiple physiological and psychological levels. Learn now about the effects of dopamine and how to boost its levels through probiotics and other methods.
Does exercise release dopamine, making us happy? Besides exercise, can probiotics do the same?
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter essential for our physical and mental health. It not only affects our mood but also plays a role on multiple physiological and psychological levels. Understanding the function of dopamine and how to increase its levels has a profound impact on our quality of life.
The role and importance of dopamine
Dopamine plays multiple roles in our lives. It affects mood, sleep, memory, learning, and attention. When dopamine levels are moderate, we feel happy and motivated. This neurotransmitter also motivates us to pursue goals and gives us a sense of satisfaction when we complete tasks.
Effects of dopamine on physiology
Dopamine affects blood circulation, the digestive system, and heart and kidney function. It helps regulate the normal functioning of these systems and maintain our physiological balance. For example, dopamine can promote vasodilation and improve blood flow, thereby enhancing heart and kidney function. Furthermore, dopamine can affect insulin secretion, thus influencing blood sugar levels.
The psychological effects of dopamine
Dopamine also affects our stress response, concentration, and mood. Appropriate dopamine levels help us better cope with stress and maintain focus and a positive mindset. Research shows that changes in dopamine levels are closely related to mental health issues. When dopamine levels are too low, we may experience low mood, lack of motivation.
What are the effects on us when dopamine is imbalanced or too low?
When dopamine levels are too low, we may experience low mood, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can affect our daily lives and work efficiency. Other possible symptoms include insomnia, loss of appetite, and lack of interest. If these symptoms persist, they may lead to more serious psychological and physiological problems.
Why does exercise release dopamine?
Exercise promotes the release of dopamine, enhancing feelings of pleasure and motivation. This is why we usually feel happy and refreshed after exercising. Exercise can also boost our self-esteem and confidence, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
What can boost dopamine levels in the body?
Besides exercise, there are many other ways to help increase dopamine levels in the body:
Sufficient sleep
Sufficient sleep helps maintain the natural diurnal cycle of dopamine, helping us maintain a good mental state. Sleep deprivation reduces the number of dopamine receptors, thus affecting dopamine function. Establishing regular sleep habits and ensuring enough sleep each night is an important measure to maintain dopamine levels.
Listen to music
Meditation
Sunbathing
Moderate sun exposure can increase dopamine levels, but sun protection is necessary to avoid skin damage. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight promote dopamine production in the brain, thus improving our mood and well-being. Appropriate daily sun exposure helps maintain normal dopamine levels.
High-Protein Diet
Tyrosine and phenylalanine in a high-protein diet help synthesize dopamine, positively impacting dopamine levels. These amino acids are precursors to dopamine; adequate dietary intake of tyrosine and phenylalanine can promote dopamine production. Foods rich in these amino acids include eggs, dairy products, meat, and legumes.
Research has found that many neurotransmitters like dopamine are produced in the gut, and certain probiotics can influence neurotransmitter levels through the gut. These neurotransmitters affect the brain via the gut-brain axis, influencing our mood and mental health.
Some commercially available probiotics for improving mood can balance the gut microbiota, regulate dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels, maintain emotional health, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How to choose the right probiotics?
For children's probiotics, G-NiiB Happy Child Formula SCM06 is a microbiome precision formula scientifically formulated and clinically studied by the Faculty of Medicine of a renowned university in Hong Kong. It consists of precise live probiotics and prebiotics formula to replenish beneficial probiotics for students to promote harmony of body, mind and soul. It is proven effective to relieve worries and gastro-intestinal discomfort. It also fosters attention and improves whole person health.
Purchase Link:
https://g-niib.com/products/g-niib-happy-child
For adults' probiotics, G-NiiB Immunity+ Formula SIM01 is a unique microbiome formula that can be used as a dietary supplement. This formula uses big data to select ideal naturally occurring live bacteria, with patented microencapsulated technology from Italy to enhance live bacteria survival and is clinically shown to be effective and safe in local patients. G-NiiB obtained exclusive patent licensing from The Faculty of Medicine of a Renowned University in Hong Kong.
Purchase Link:
https://g-niib.com/products/g-niib-immunity-plus-sim01
