Foods that Increase Neurotransmitter Production

    Neurotransmitters are made from the food we consume. Specific groups of foods have the power to manufacture brain chemicals by the body. Foods that help make dopamine and subsequent adrenal hormones, noradrenaline and adrenaline.

Foods rich in tyrosine and phenylalanine, precursors to dopamine are contained in:

fish

eggs

spirulina

beetroot

apples

kale

oregano

bananas

strawberries

green tea

ginkgo biloba

nettles

dandelion

ginseng

Gingko can also increase dopamine while enhancing oxygen flow and blood flow to the brain.

Exercise stimulates dopamine release. Those who get the ‘runners high’, floods the brain with ‘feel good’ hormone called dopamine.

 

Foods that help make serotonin

Foods rich in tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin are:

walnuts

pineapple

bananas

kiwi fruit

plums

tomatoes

eggs

fish

cheese

red meat

poultry

seeds

nuts

soy

oats

chickpeas

 

Foods that help make GABA

Food that helps make GABA are also rich in glutamine and glutamate, GABA’s precursors.

GABA is created through the process of fermentation. When lactobacillus fermentation conditions are optimal, GABA production by microorganisms is increased. This makes fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, the only dietary source of GABA.

Foods rich in GABA are:

wine

green tea and jasmine tea

red meat

seafood

organ meats like liver, brain, kidney

Dairy

eggs

nuts

beans and legumes

cabbage, beet, spinach, parsley