The Neurotransmitters which foods interact with and our body relies upon
There are various foods that promote the health of the brain as well as other parts of the nervous system. Some foods deal with the release of serotonin, while others are the result of dopamine or an opioid being released or can cause the secretion of one. Serotonin, dopamine and opioids all deal with emotions and are extremely important when our body has to cope with outside influences that may result in stress for instance.

Serotonin is an organic compound that is present in various places throughout nature including wasp’s stings and scorpion venom as well as certain fruits like pineapples, bananas, and plums. We as humans contain about 5 to 10mg of serotonin in our bodies. Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in various functions including learning, sleep, and control of mood. Serotonin also deals with social behavior, food intake, arousal, and motor pattern generation. It also plays a part in the feeling and display of aggression and is crucial in social interactions.

Dopamine is one of the substances involved in forming epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Epinephrine is a hormone that is important to the body’s metabolism. This hormone is secreted by the medulla of the adrenal gland along with norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is also sometimes secreted by nerve fibers and acts as a chemical transmitter. The release of these hormones causes an increase in heart rate and the conversion of glycogen to glucose; can be the result of fear or anger. The coined term for this reaction to prepare the body for strenuous activity is the “fight or flight mechanism”. Epinephrine is a catecholamine which means that this compound (a hormone) serves as a neurotransmitter. They are identified by the characteristic benzene series and the organic compounds associated. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and hormones prepare the body for emergencies like cold, shock, and fatigue. Dopamine is also thought to play a part in the reward processing and emotion as well. A deficiency in dopamine is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. To treat Parkinson’s disease L-dopa is often administered because of its like to the formation of dopamine in the brain.

Opioids are a group of naturally occurring substances such as endorphins that the body produces in response to pain. These substances have similar effects to opium and its derivatives. Another one of these substances would be morphine. Endorphins have pain relieving properties and there a three types that exist. The three types that exist are; beta endorphins are found mostly in the pituitary gland, dynorphins and enkephalins are found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins reduce the intensity of pain by interacting with the opiate receptors, which explains why endorphins are often found in high numbers among people who are, troubled by chronic pain disorders. Endorphins are also connected to the processes involved with euphoric feelings, the release of sex hormones, and appetite modulation. The increase number of endorphins after a prolonged period of exercise produces a euphoric feeling commonly known as “the runner’s high”.