Lack of protein lowers dopamine and affects mental health

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Protein consists of molecules vital to our body called amino acids, and these amino acids can determine whether we suffer from bad mood or depression.

Our diet plays a huge role in how our body functions. Without certain nutrients, we can become deficient, which can cause disease. And what we eat can also have a crucial impact on our mental well-being.

Recent research has surprisingly revealed that protein and mental health may be linked. It's high in dopamine, which helps control blood flow in the brain. Protein is more complex than some might imagine, it is made up of amino acids that help repair muscle fibers. There are nine essential amino acids that we need to get from food because the body cannot make them.

The nine amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Animal products contain all nine (e.g., meat, eggs, dairy ), while plant sources must be combined to get complete protein.

A nutritionist shared examples of some ways to include “complete protein” in your diet if you don't eat animal products.

Combinations include; baked beans on whole-wheat toast or hummus with whole-wheat pita. Bars such as protein bars can be a convenient way to get protein.

Symptoms of dopamine deficiency include:

• Lack of motivation
• Feeling tired
• Inability to concentrate
• Feeling hopeless or anxious
• No longer enjoying previously pleasurable experiences
• Feeling depressed or hopeless< /li>
• Low sex drive
• Having trouble sleeping or restless sleep