The Download on DOSE: How these 4 chemicals are key to happiness, and why yours might be out of balance
Have you ever gone to the gym and had an amazing workout that just made you feel so, so good? Perhaps you’re a runner familiar with the “high” that makes it seem like you go run endlessly. Or maybe you’ve spent an afternoon talking and laughing with your best friends that left you feeling like you were on cloud 9 for hours afterward.
Well, all of those feelings are the result of the release of some really cool chemicals (neurotransmitters and hormones to be exact) called dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins - DOSE for short.
In this article we’re going to talk about these amazing compounds and what they do for our brains and bodies. We’re also going to discuss some things that can mess them up and how you can become more conscious of maintaining healthy levels.
The Technical Stuff
But first, a brief review of some important definitions.
Neurotransmitter: a chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.
Hormone: a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
What is DOSE?
Now that we’re up to speed on hormones and neurotransmitters, let’s get into the nitty-gritty on DOSE.
Dopamine: a neurotransmitter formed from amino acid precursors phenylalanine and tyrosine. Dopamine itself is a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. When released, it acts on the sympathetic nervous system to increase blood pressure and heart rate. It can also be released in response to positive stimuli, like a particularly good meal, and acts like a “reward” signal. Dopamine is also helpful with motor control (Parkinson’s disease results from depleted dopamine) and motivational drive.
Oxytocin: found only in mammals, oxytocin doubles as a hormone and neurotransmitter. It’s generally referred to as the “love” hormone since it’s released during orgasm. But oxytocin does more than just bring couples together - it’s incredibly active in creating all social bonds and plays a role in building trust in relationships. Researchers have used intranasal oxytocin as a method to increase social awareness in persons with Autism.
Serotonin: a neurotransmitter implicated in depression and anxiety. Serotonin (also known as 5-HT) is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin receptors are the target of many antidepressant drugs. Interestingly, it’s estimated that about 90% of serotonin is actually produced by microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is processed by the body to make melatonin - the neurochemical that helps you sleep.
Endorphins: perhaps the most interesting of all, endorphins are opioid-like peptides (peptides are basically small proteins) that decrease pain and give you that “feel good” sensation. They are released in response to high intensity exercise (see above mention of the “runner’s high”), eating a good meal, and laughter.
DOSE Relies on a Delicate Balance
Obviously, DOSE is incredibly important for your all-around wellbeing. Together these four chemicals create a powerfully desirable (and addictive - just check out the research video game developers have done on harnessing DOSE) mental state.
Unfortunately, this system isn’t impervious to outside insults, and as with every other part of human physiology, relies on a delicate balance. Next we will discuss two factors that most impact DOSE: nutrition and toxins.
Nutrition and DOSE
As mentioned earlier, dopamine and serotonin are synthesized from amino acids. Both are also precursors to other neurotransmitters. This means that a deficiency in amino acids (likely from poor dietary intake) can cause a deficiency in dopamine or serotonin. Likewise, if the body is using up too much dopamine or serotonin, it won’t be able to create the other downstream neurotransmitters like epinephrine or melatonin. Food choices, such as making sure to eat enough protein, are an important piece of maintaining a healthy balance of DOSE. Additionally, transforming an amino acid to a neurotransmitter takes some help in the form of vitamins and minerals. A nutrient-poor diet can hamper your ability to create these good-mood inducing chemicals.
Toxins and DOSE
Environmental toxins are another huge concern for DOSE and other neurotransmitters. PCBs, parabens, phthalates, toluene and ethanol are just a few examples of the chemicals that are neurotoxic enough to upset your delicate brain chemistry. These chemicals can be found in non-organic food, cosmetics, new furniture, nail polish, etc. The evidence is so clear, in fact, that an entire non-profit advocacy group called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a dedicated mission to educate people on the dangers these toxins pose and have them banned from use in the United States.
Signs that DOSE is Off Balance
There are a couple signs that may be a red flag that your DOSE needs some extra TLC:
Lack of motivation
Difficulty maintaining relationships
Low empathy
Depressive symptoms
Anxiety
Insomnia
Irritability
Poor appetite
While one or two of these signs alone may not be enough to warrant concern, having three or more should cause you to pause. Something is definitely off, and your body is desperately trying to come back in to balance.
Rebalancing DOSE
Rebalancing neurotransmitters and hormones can be a slow process. So be patient with yourself! And consider looking into the following methods.
Nutrient IV’s or high quality multivitamins to replenish stores of critical vitamins and minerals
Organic acids or salivary neurotransmitter testing to determine exact deficiencies
Switching your diet to consist of plenty of high quality protein and lots of colorful vegetables
Managing stressors by cutting out unnecessary tasks and meditating
Changing up your workout program (either cutting back or getting started)
Decreasing your exposure to environmental toxins (sites like www.ewg.org can help)
Working with a naturopathic doctor can be immensely helpful for achieving an optimal balance of DOSE. Your practitioner will help to guide you through the steps above and reduce the amount of time spent on trial and error.
If you are ready to get to the root cause of your health concerns, reach out to the EmpowerMed team of naturopathic doctors today. We take a collaborative approach to natural medicine, partnering with patients to help them achieve their unique health and wellness goals.
Contact us today at 760-456-7501 or use our booking link to schedule.
EmpowerMed Clinic is located just off the I-15 and Carroll Canyon within the Fitness Quest 10 Wellness Center of Scripps Ranch, San Diego County, CA. We serve the communities of North County San Diego, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Scripps Ranch, Santee, and more.