Dopamine and Cortisol

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Dopamine and Cortisol

• By Dr. Braverman

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THE CORTISOL EQUATION LOW DOPAMINE BIG BELLY
FAT A HEAVY BURDEN TO CARRY FOR BOTH BRAIN AND
BODY
When you have a dopamine deficiency, the body
naturally increases the production of the hormone
cortisol. Cortisol is the backup energy hormone
it provides us with additional power so the brain
and body can continue to function without the
right levels of dopamine.Cortisol is also
released when you are under stress, whether or
not your dopamine is low. But, when you are
stressed, you naturally burn more dopamine, which
is why the cortisol is released.
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While cortisol can be helpful, I call it the
obesity hormone. Even though it effectively keeps
your brain running, it does not improve your
dopamine levels. It actually forces your
metabolism to slow down, because when brain
energy falters (low dopamine), the body is forced
to send up to the brain its reserve units to pick
up the slack, in the form of steroid hormones
(cortisol) from the adrenal glands. The cortisol
increases the effectiveness of catecholomines
like adrenaline and creates the necessary energy,
while conveying a feeling of happiness. However,
this dopamine substitute is supposed to be a
temporary safety mechanism.?When your brain is
continually turning to cortisol for energy, it
becomes a way of life. In the end, you get puffy,
round-faced, blood pressure rises, your appetite
increases, and you experience weight gain
(especially around your midsection). It has been
linked as a direct cause of belly fat in both men
and women It causes fat to be deposited in the
abdominal area where there are the most cortisol
receptors. So if you're a "high energy"
individual but are stuck with an apple body
shape, chances are your cortisol levels, instead
of your dopamine, are supporting your body's
energy needs.
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• A big belly is also an indicator that you're at
  high risk for metabolic syndrome, which from a
  brain chemistry perspective, is primarily a loss
  of metabolism a low dopamine condition. When you
  see someone with a big belly, think of brain
  burnout. It is often accompanied by a poor
  attention span, poor sleep patterns and attention
  deficit problems.
• Cortisol also boosts adrenaline, which can make
  you feel restless When your adrenaline is
  pumping, you might be anxious during the day and
  not able to sleep at night. These two factors
  also contribute to weight gain. Anxiety tends to
  cause us to self-medicate with "comfort foods,"
  and a lack of sleep prevents your brain from
  resetting its other chemicals to the right
  levels.
• Strategies for Increasing Dopamine
• Eight or nine hours of restful sleep are crucial
  for weight loss because proper amounts of sleep
  increase your metabolism and lower cortisol
  levels.

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• Try to get 15 minutes a day of quiet/rest - it
  can make a profound difference in diminishing
  stress.
• It can be difficult to reduce stress, but I've
  found that exercise is a great stress-reduction
  technique. It also helps to increase your levels
  of dopamine and increase your metabolism, giving
  you the extra energy you need to keep up with
  your busy life. Even 15 minutes a day can make a
  profound difference.

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• Follow my Younger (Thinner) You Diet - especially
  adding quality, lean protein to your breakfast
  which is a precursor to dopamine.
• Get rid of sugary foods.??

We at Path Medical can help you to re-balance
your brain. Our exams include a full brain exam,
because brainpower is the fire that keeps your
mind alive, awake, alert and aware.   Author
Bio Eric Braverman MD is a Summa Cum Laude and
Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Brandeis University
and NYU Medical School, did brain research at
Harvard Medical School, and trained at an
affiliate of Yale Medical School. Dr.
Braverman is acknowledged worldwide as an expert
in brain-based diagnosis and treatment, and he
lectures to and trains doctors in anti-aging
medicine.