Balance Body Chemistry for Happiness: Dopamine and Serotonin

 

Long term happiness is built upon a balance of neurotransmitters in the nervous system and brain. Problems often develop around the balance between dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is the pleasure molecule which can become addictive. Serotonin is the happiness molecule. Excessive production of dopamine can result in an endless pursuit of pleasure even though it results in misery and depression.

Dopamine is associated with the familiar addiction and withdrawal symptoms experienced by those using heroin and cocaine. Elevated levels of dopamine are also associated with something called addiction transfer. For example, when someone stops smoking they often begin overeating and gain weight. They are now eating for a dopamine hit rather than getting it from smoking. Alcoholics often become addicted to sugar and caffeine when they quit drinking. The two addictive substances that are legal and readily available are sugar and caffeine in sodas and coffee. The two are often combined for a dopamine high. Dopamine acts upon opiate receptors in the emotional part of the brain. Without dopamine there would be little motivation to do anything. The contentment and happiness action of the brain is regulated by serotonin.Too much dopamine can interfere with serotonin formation leading to unhappiness and depression.

A third substance which plays a role in the balance between pleasure and contentment or happiness is cortisol or our stress hormone. Stress lowers serotonin levels contributing to depression.

Our society is heavily weighted in habits that promote high dopamine levels and low serotonin levels. Factors involved include recreational drug use, lack of sleep and excess sugar which drives up cortisol levels, addictions, addictive highly processed foods, and insulin resistance. Dopamine production is encouraged by high levels of of the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine.

How does diet affect all this?

Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin. It must compete with phenylalanine and tyrosine for transport in the body. Eggs, fish, nuts and poultry are relatively high in tryptophan on the right kind of diet. Unfortunately, when they are fed corn things change. Corn has very little tryptophan, but is loaded with phenylalanine and tyrosine. Feeding corn to chickens, beef, and fish has created a relative deficiency of the one amino acids upon which we are most dependent for long term happiness and avoiding depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in the dance between balanced levels of dopamine and serotonin. Inflammation inhibits serotonin release and omega-3 fats reduce inflammation. NeoLife Omega-3 Salmon Oil Plus reduced the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks in one study. Omega-3 fats are essential for the resolution of inflammation through the production of resolvins and protectins. Omega-3 fats also have a powerful anti-anxiety effect similar to marijuana and SSRI inhibitors without the risks associated with these substances.

I have tried to simplify a complex issue on the causes of anxiety and depression. Full details are available in the following book:

Lustig, Robert H., The Hacking of the American Mind, New York: Penguin Books, 2017.

Practical Summary: Avoid junk food, drugs, allergens, corn fed animal products, sugar, and lack of sleep. Supplement the diet with omega-3 fats and rich sources of tryptophan to avoid anxiety and depression and live a happy and contented life.