Acupuncture, exercise, sunlight (vitamin D), and certain foods can increase the chemical messengers called neurotransmitters that help with a plethora of physiological functions. “Nearly every function in the human body.”

There is currently no way to test whether your levels of neurotransmitters are healthy or not. Therefore experimentation with supplements is not a recommended route. Much safer would be to first try eating foods that supply the building blocks of neurotransmitters in your system.

Below are two lists to improve neurotransmitters safely in your system. This type of dietary therapy can improve: depression, mental acuity (memory and focus), enhanced sleep, relaxed breathing, relaxed heart rate, circulation, coordination (motor control), pain processing (e.g. fibromyalgia), pancreatic function and insulin regulation, pleasure and reward seeking behavior, stress response, etc.

  • Tryptophan foods: (precursor to serotonin)
    • salmon
    • chicken
    • turkey
    • eggs
    • spinach
    • seeds
    • milk products
    • soy products
    • nuts
    • bananas
    • chickpeas, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans
    • leafy greens (seem to be on every list!)
      • kale became trendy years ago… but there are other varieties: collard, mustard greens (spicy!), swiss chard, turnip…
    • green tea
    • tuna, mackerel
    • fermented foods: kefir (dairy), yogurt (dairy), tofu (soy)
  • Dopamine foods:
    • almonds
    • avocados
    • bananas
    • beef
    • chicken
    • eggs
    • omega 3 foods
    • vitamin D promotes dopamine
    • magnesium promotes dopamine
    • turmeric
    • green tea
    • tryptophan foods (list above) also increases dopamine
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