When dopamine is released in large amounts—during exercise or eating something tasty, for example—it creates a feeling of pleasure that prompts you to repeat the behavior to recreate those pleasurable sensations.
Why dopamine drops
Dopamine deficiency in the body can be influenced by a number of factors, including an unhealthy diet. Low levels of the “happiness hormone” have been linked to numerous mental health disorders.
Why is low dopamine dangerous
A low level of dopamine leads to various functional disorders - apathy, depression, memory impairment, a decrease in the ability to learn and perceive new information. With prolonged deficiency of this hormone, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and dementia can develop.
Serotonin and dopamine deficiencies can negatively impact mood and joy.
How to increase dopamine levels
Consuming foods rich in the amino acid tyrosine can help increase dopamine levels. Protein-rich foods — fish, meat, eggs, dairy, cheese, nuts, legumes, supplements — can help keep dopamine levels balanced.
What is the dopamine pit
The desire to do something disappears, because it seems that it is pointless and will not change anything. This state is called the dopamine pit: due to the fact that there are too many external stimuli, the body produces less and less of this hormone and people are tired and powerless.