3 Ways To Balance Brain Chemistry To Cope With Depression

Discover in this article how to balance brain chemistry, which predisposes us to certain moods.

It is a fascinating and, at the same time, complex process, in which any imbalance, any alteration in our neurotransmitters, can make us experience everything from the highest motivation to the most desperate sadness or contagious joy.

These biochemical changes depend, in turn, on several factors. For example, there are depressions of endogenous origin in which a low level of serotonin irremediably causes a state of helplessness, anhedonia and permanent despondency.

Exogenous depressions, on the other hand, depend on other dimensions related not only to what surrounds us, but to the way we face our daily lives and its adversities, large and small.

Furthermore, it is known that depression is linked to certain amino acids and the conjunction of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

Therefore, brain chemistry determines our emotional state, and although we know that in many cases there is no other option but to resort to psychopharmaceuticals for their treatment, today we want to talk about some complementary strategies.

There are natural ways in which we can balance brain chemistry and regulate many of these neurotransmitters. However, natural alternatives can never replace the advice of a doctor or psychiatrist.

Below, we explain some natural alternatives.

1. Dopamine Deficit and Depression

A low level of dopamine translates into a range of very obvious symptoms: tiredness, apathy, mood swings, loss of interest in our surroundings and tendency to depression.

Dopamine is one of the most important neurotransmitters for the brain: it participates in the communication of neurons and nerve cells.

Furthermore, it is known that it has an essential function when it comes to generating our movements, our motricity and energy (or motivation) to relate to our surroundings.

How can I increase dopamine levels naturally?

There is an essential amino acid to increase dopamine. It is L-phenylalanine. Our body cannot synthesize it naturally and therefore we need to get it from food.

It is then that L-phenylalanine transforms into tyrosine and, in turn, generates the production of dopamine.

We can get this amino acid from the following foods:

• Beef
• dairy products
• Oilseeds such as almonds and walnuts
• Seeds (sesame, sunflower and pumpkin)
• Banana
• Beetroot
• Chocolate
• Green tea
• blueberry juice

In addition, practices such as meditation or moderate physical activity also allow us to balance our brain chemistry.

2. Serotonin: the hormone of happiness

Most antidepressants work by preventing a series of inhibitors from slowing down the production of serotonin.

A low level of serotonin translates into stress, despondency, negative thoughts and hopelessness. Therefore, part of the medication is intended to promote the adequate production of this neurotransmitter.

However, it is important to know that we can also boost your production in a natural way.

How to Raise Our Serotonin Levels

• Improve your diet by increasing your intake of bananas, dark chocolate, avocados, chicken, watermelon, blueberries, milk (the same used to increase dopamine levels).
• Engage in a new hobby: painting classes, dance classes, yoga…
• Listen to music: The positive emotions generated by music help balance brain chemistry.
• Leave home and meet new people.

3. To balance brain chemistry you need to sleep well

Poor rest, waking up too often during the night, or taking too many hours to fall asleep has serious consequences.

One of them is the drop in serotonin, which results, as we already know, in fatigue, greater sensitivity to stress and risk of depression.

Sleeping well is health and is a way to balance brain chemistry, something basic for neurotransmitters to regulate and promote a stronger, positive and resistant emotional state.

How to sleep better to take care of our brain health

• Always follow the same times:  eat lunch, dinner and go to bed at the same time.
• Two hours before bedtime, reduce exposure to electronic devices, that is, turn off your computer, cell phone, tablet…
• Exercise in the afternoon or early evening, but never before bedtime.
• Follow the same bedtime ritual: a hot bath, a glass of milk with honey, a book and relax in bed.

• Try to make the temperature in the room the right one. Both heat and strong smells affect our rest.

In conclusion, regulating and balancing our brain chemistry to treat depression doesn’t just depend on medications. Sometimes they are needed whenever the doctor recommends them, and we should never substitute other treatments.

If we want to get out of this tunnel we need more strategies, more psychological and personal resources and adequate lifestyle habits as we suggest with the advice in this article.

How about putting them into practice?