Neurotransmitters and particularly dopamine are important if you have ADHD.
A neuron is a nerve cell located in the brain. Information is passed from one neuron to another via a junction (called a synapse) in either chemical or electrical forms. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that transport information between neurons.
The brain has hundreds of different neurotransmitters and they are responsible for everything from sleep, heart rate to fear and anxiety, to mood and temperature. Some of the ADHD neurotransmitters that are often talked about are dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin.
There is a body of researchers who are interested in brain chemistry and how neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, (which are responsible for attention and activity) operate differently in an ADHDer compared to a non ADHDer.
In the brains of people with ADHD dopamine levels are different to the rest of the population. For example, they might be lower than expected, or there is a problem with the levels of the protein (called DAT) that carries dopamine between locations or the actions of dopamine are less effective in some areas of the brain.
Prescribed medications like Ritalin and Adderall work by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake so there is more of the neurotransmitter in the synapse. Adderall also causes more neurotransmitters to be produced.
There are things you can do to help your brain chemistry naturally and increase your levels of dopamine:
2) Take Omega 3
Omega 3 increases your levels of dopamine. Take a supplement as well as including more Omega 3 rich foods in your diet.
4) Vitamin C
Include lots of Vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C is very helpful in ensuring the dopamine synapses is working well.
Got questions about ADHD? Then leave a comment!
So, is it the lack of dopamine or the excess of dopamine that is the real issue? If Adderall is blocking dopamine and exercise and Omega 3 increase dopamine levels, what is really going on.
Dan, people with ADHD have typically have LESS dopamine than other people.
Medication doesn’t work by blocking production of neurotransmitters, but by slowing down REUPTAKE so that what is produced stays in the synapses longer.
I read somewhere that Vitamin C can decrease the effects of Ritalin. That doesn’t mean don’t take Vitamin C, but it does mean take your meds and wait (maybe 30 minutes?) before consuming Vitamin C or foods with it (like oranges or orange juice). Has anyone else heard this?
Hi Josh. I know if you are taking Adderall (also a stimulate) you are advised not take Vitamin C or fruit juices at the same time as it effects your bodies ability to absorb your medication. But you are right, still include Vit C in your diet, just wait till your body has absorbed your meds before enjoying your fruit.
So would supplementing with dopamine and the other neurotransmitters help?
Hi Beth, rather than taking a dopamine supplement, I would take Omega 3 and start implementing the 4 other suggestions in this article. Its not clear yet if taking a domapmine supplement is useful in increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However we know these suggestions do work.
What are your thoughts on Krill Oil instead of fish oil?