Increasing Dopamine: The Key to Focus, Motivation, and Happiness

The episode focuses on increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in focus, motivation, reward, pleasure, and happiness. Nurse Doza recommends taking vitamin B9, particularly the methylated form called 5MTHF, to support dopamine production. He explains that many people are deficient in B9 and warns against using the inferior form called folic acid. The host also mentions his personal experience with methylation difficulties and the importance of methylation for dopamine production.   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 START 02:30 Increasing dopamine. 03:42 Vitamin B9 and dopamine production. 07:21 Vitamin B9 and focus. 11:17 Boost for natural energy. 15:28 Increasing healthy dopamine. 18:49 The role of SAMe in depression. 21:33 Increase dopamine for productivity. 25:12 Supporting the COMT Gene. 27:38 Supporting genetics and mental health.   --- Today's podcast episode is sponsored by BLISS, the newest tart lemon flavored sublingual supplement in the wellness market. Designed to give your serotonin and dopamine levels a healthy boost, BLISS not only supports your mood but also enhances your overall well-being. Just a quick drop under your tongue for 30 seconds, and you'll experience the difference. Click the link in our description to get your hands on BLISS.  https://www.mswnutrition.com/collections/best/products/bliss/?ref=baldo use CODE: NURSEDOZA for a discount --- Show Notes Today, we're sharing scientifically-backed tips to naturally enhance your dopamine levels. Get ready to take notes!  Tip 1: B9 Vitamin Intake^1,2^ Vitamin B9 plays a crucial role in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that regulate mood^1^. It's associated with psychiatric symptoms, and its neuroprotective benefits are lost when patients lack a specific genetic enzyme, which converts folate/folic acid to its most usable form, L-methylfolate. This allows for the synthesis of the three major neurochemicals-serotonin, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine-across the blood-brain barrier^2^.  Studies:  1. [Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/)  2. [Vitamin B Supplementation: What's the Right Choice for Your Patients?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28671236/) Tip 2: Vitamin B6 Intake^1,2^ Vitamin B6-dependent enzyme in the brain, the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, catalyzes the synthesis of dopamine from phenylalanine^1^. Evidence suggests that B6 undernutrition can lead to a loss of dopamine in the brain^2^. Studies: 1. [Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/) 2. [Effect of vitamin B-6 nutrition on the levels of dopamine, dopamine metabolites, dopa decarboxylase activity, tyrosine, and GABA in the developing rat corpus striatum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2761676/) Tip 3: Take SAMe^1,2,3,4^ SAMe is an endogenous amino acid metabolite and enzyme co-substrate involved in multiple biochemical pathways, including biosynthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Studies suggest that SAMe may increase the dopaminergic tone in the brain^2,3,4^. Studies: 1. [THE ADRENAL GLANDS PART I: THE ADRENAL MEDULLA](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780702033728000057) 2. [S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Clinician-Oriented Review of Research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5501081/) 3. [Oral S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) Administration Increases Whole Brain Concentrations of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in Rats](https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.134.3) 4. [Neuroendocrine effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, a novel putative antidepressant](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2120432/) Tip 4: Copper Intake^1^ Dietary copper deficiency is associated with a reduction in dopamine^1^.  Studies:  1. [Copper: from neurotransmission to neuroproteostasis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4080678/) Tip 5: Support the COMT Gene - Quercetin^1,2,3,4,5,6,7^ The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, involved in dopamine metabolism, and the MTHFR gene, affecting COMT methylation and function, are critical in maintaining dopamine levels. Quercetin, through its COMT-inhibiting properties, might potentiate dopamine effects^6^. Studies:  1. [Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Genotype and Dopamine Regulation in the Human Brain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6742018/) 2. [Quantitative role of COMT in dopamine clearance in the prefrontal cortex of freely moving mice](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.06889.x) 3. [Role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)-dependent processes in Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22483291/) 4. [Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Regulation of Dopamine Synthesis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065393/) 5. [A potential interaction between COMT and MTHFR genetic variants in Han Chinese patients with bipolar II disorder](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4351536/) 6. [Quercetin potentiates L-Dopa reversal of drug-induced catalepsy in rats: possible COMT/MAO inhibition](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12711835/) 7. [Quercetin increased bioavailability and decreased methylation of green tea polyphenols in vitro and in vivo](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3590855/) --- Before we sign off, don't forget about our sponsor BLISS. Just drop under the tongue and you're paving the way to healthier levels of serotonin and dopamine. This tart lemon sublingual supplement is a game-changer, bringing a blissful transformation to your day-to-day life. Don't miss out on this wellness opportunity! Click the link in our description to purchase BLISS now. Remember, a healthier, happier you is just a drop away! https://www.mswnutrition.com/collections/best/products/bliss/?ref=bliss ---