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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!
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Hi Brenda, I’m a health practitioner and specialize in nutrients for mental health. I’m a fan, friend and colleague of Jacqueline’s.
I always say, stick with what works. That particular product may be discontinued but I was able to find the ingredient list online. Here’s what is working for your husband:
5-HTP: a serotonin booster, this nutrient is derived from the amino acid L-Tryptophan (from protein rich foods). L-Tryptophan is also available as a supplement.
L-Theanine: Boosts GABA as well as dopamine and serotonin for a “calm/focused” feeling.
Magnolia Bark Extract: An herb shown to regulate cortisol, also calming…
Panax Ginseng: an adaptogenic herb (adaptogens are excellent for helping you adapt to your environment) plus Ginsengs support dopamine and help with focus and energy
Rhodiola: another adaptogenic herb, calming & energizing depending, cortisol managing and dopamine supporting
He may want to experiment with taking one at a time. It’s nice to know the effects of each individual nutrient. As with any supplement, with any negative reaction, STOP taking. Nothing here is too stimulating but you don’t want to feel “off” or drugged in anyway. Nutrients should feel subtle, natural and bring you back to balance in a way that you don’t even remember taking anything.
L-Tyrosine is an amino that’s known to stimulate dopamine along with herbs for brain health & longevity, like: Gingko Biloba, Gotu Kola and Ginsengs.
Always start with the lowest dose and build up from there. More isn’t more. Some precautions are if you have Bi-Polar or other mood disorders, are on any SSRI’s, MAO Inhibitors, have high or low blood pressure, melanoma, prone to migraines.
If it’s “not working” or seems too confusing, please seek the guidance of a practitioner. Getting the dosage right can be tricky.
Hope this helps.
~Marcie
Marcie!!! thank you so much for this super helpful answer!!! you ROCK!!!!
What are natural supplements for dopamine and seratonin???
I am looking for a natural supplement to help my husband with ADHD.He has overfocused ADHD and lacks seratonin and dopamine. Anybody have any suggestions? Years ago I had found him a product called Good Days for Positive Mood. They were awesome! he was totally “normal” on them but like most other good things they were discontinued. I am thinking of getting him a product called “Boost Mood”
Hi Brenda! I asked my friend and colleague and health guru Marcie Goldman if she would answer your question because she is a wealth of knowledge about these things. warmly
Jacqui
What are your thoughts on Krill Oil instead of fish oil?
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.
So would supplementing with dopamine and the other neurotransmitters help?
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.
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?
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.
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.