Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter that helps us to focus, feel motivated, and find pleasure in activities. Kids who have problems with focus and attention, memory, problem-solving, executive functioning and social anxiety are often found to have low levels of dopamine in their brain. That’s why many ADHD meds target dopamine. Our body makes dopamine from an amino acid called Tyrosine. Eating a diet rich in tyrosine-containing foods can help boost dopamine levels naturally. Foods with natural folate and antioxidants can help also support healthy dopamine levels in our brain as well.
Tyrosine-rich foods and foods that boost dopamine levels include:
• Seaweed
• Egg whites
• Meats (beef, chicken, turkey, fish/seafood)
• Cheese (if your kid isn’t sensitive to it)
• Pumpkin
• Nuts & Seeds (especially pumpkin seeds)
• Beans & Lentils
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Oats & Other Whole Grains (brown rice, quinoa)
• Bananas
• Watermelons
• Chocolate
https://healthykidshappykids.com/2016/09/29/top-10...