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This article was written by Qaqamba Falithenjwa.
Have you been feeling unmotivated, low on energy, or just not finding joy in the things you used to love? You are not the only one. These could be more than just passing phases—they might be signs of dopamine deficiency.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dopamine, a neurotransmitter and hormone, is crucial for memory, motivation, learning, reward, and movement. Low dopamine levels are said to be linked to health conditions like Parkinson’s disease and depression and may increase risk-taking and addiction susceptibility.
The above clinic continues to mention that dopamine can be low due to brain injury or improper response to it. “People with cocaine addiction need more and more of the drug to achieve the positive effect because of damaged dopamine receptors in their brain and decreased dopamine release.”
Medical News Today mentions that obesity may lower dopamine receptor activity, leading to compulsive eating and addiction. “Diets may affect dopamine levels. For example, some researchers hypothesise that high levels of saturated fat may increase inflammation, which changes the dopamine system.”
Dopamine is a key hormone in morning wakefulness and is regulated by D2 receptors in the brain, states Very Well Mind. It is further stated that sleep deprivation can decrease these receptors, leading to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and excessive sleepiness.
Signs of low dopamine levels according to the above-mentioned source include chronic back pain, constipation, weight fluctuations, dysphagia, sleep disorders, fatigue, attention difficulties, reduced sex drive, hallucinations, delusions, asthma pneumonia, and low moods.
The Narayana publication adds that low dopamine symptoms can also cause muscle cramping, tenseness, and erratic movements, as well as difficulty swallowing, eating, and speaking. These symptoms are said to lead to issues with posture, balance, and eye motions.
This article first appeared on Bona.
Also see: Signs that you need a break from everyday life
