How To Eat To Be Happier?
Author: Joe Fowler
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
In this article, learn more about How To Eat To Be Happier?. With proper nutrition we can stimulate the production of hormones of happiness.
Proper nutrition is one of the means by which we can stimulate the production of dopamine and literally feel happier. Dopamine is an important hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter, ensuring proper communication between nerve cells in the brain. However, dopamine has another very important role - it participates in the processes regulating behavior and memory, and with more abundant secretion creates a feeling of satisfaction and happiness.
Dopamine levels are strictly regulated by the nervous system. A very important feature in this case is that the production of dopamine can be maintained by natural means, including nutrition. Adherence to certain dietary characteristics can provide us with more abundant dopamine secretion in the brain and, accordingly, make us feel happier.
Constant protein intake
An important amino acid, tyrosine, plays a very important role in the production of dopamine . Specific enzyme systems in the body transform tyrosine into dopamine, so a constant intake of protein foods containing this amino acid is important for maintaining dopamine levels. Studies directly prove that a tyrosine-rich diet can ensure consistently normal levels of dopamine in the brain and help avoid its deficiency.
Reducing Saturated Fat Consumption
Clinical studies have shown that saturated fat can reduce the activity of dopamine in the brain, especially when consumed in high amounts. The effect is thought to come from the pro-inflammatory effect of saturated fats. They trigger inflammatory processes, as a result of which the susceptibility of brain structures to the action of dopamine decreases. There are studies proving that people who consume larger amounts of saturated fat are more prone to memory problems and various cognitive impairments , including depression. Less frequent consumption of saturated fats will accordingly keep the brain more sensitive to dopamine signaling and will allow to achieve all the positive effects of it.
Taking probiotics
In recent years, a lot of evidence has been gathered about the link between the intestinal flora and brain function. It is already known that some of the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract can directly produce dopamine to supplement its secretion in the brain. Thus, maintaining the normal balance of the intestinal flora can also help keep dopamine levels constant.
A well-balanced diet is one of the most affordable means of supplementing the regulation of dopamine secretion. A diet rich in protein and probiotics and reduced in saturated fat can literally help us feel happier.