Anyone know about dopamine?

rosemary10

Well I just read today in that little supermarket magazine "First for women" that according to your genetic profile you can be carb-sensitive or fat-sensitive. (If your not a combo of the two) For the fat-sensitive people, (that be me -hence the post), "an inability to make sufficient appetite-suppressing dopamine in response to fat means a low-carb diet won't feel filling- and that brings on cravings". They don't say it but am I remembering that dopamine (a neurotransmitter) is increased with exercise? I would feel better with not being lax with my exercise regimen? Anybody know?

amy1612

Dopamine and serotonin are both increased with exercise,and serotonin production can also be encouraged eating well. Basically eat well and exercise and your body and brain will benefit.

xarrium

I Googled "dopamine exercise" and found a bunch of sites saying that this is the case... it also says that dopamine and serotonin are linked, just in case you wanted to know.

I recently read an article that said that those who are obese tend to have lower dopamine levels than those who are "naturally" thin, which I also found interesting, because I also seem to remember that those with low dopamine levels are more likely to be adrenaline junkies...

eeelastic9

Endorphins are usually associated more with exercise (it's the neurotransmitter that gives you a "runner's high"). I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think dopamine works the same way.
Some foods boost dopamine levels, like almonds and pumpkin seeds, and you should avoid high amounts of caffeine and cholesterol, and also alcohol which tend to deplete dopamine levels. Hope that helps!

source: http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/dopamine.html

rosemary10

Thanks guys for your input. This is more motivation is keep up with the exercise. :drinker: