February 3, 2025 • 25 mins
Unlock the secrets to mastering your brain’s chemistry with our latest episode of Harmony Hub Health. Have you ever wondered why the pursuit of motivation and pleasure seems like a constant uphill battle? This episode promises a deep dive into understanding dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in these emotions. We tackle the pressing issue of dopamine imbalances manifesting as fatigue or anxiety and explore the growing dependence on stimulant medications like Adderall and Vyvanse. These quick fixes often mask the real problem, leading to further complications. Instead, we advocate for a functional medicine approach that targets the root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies and neuroinflammation, offering sustainable paths to well-being.
Embrace the power of natural interventions and small lifestyle tweaks that can significantly enhance your mental health. Inspired by Jessica McCabe's innovative dopamine menu, we share a functional medicine guide that presents a variety of brain-boosting activities and treatments, from B12 injections to NAD+ therapy. This holistic approach not only benefits those with ADHD but also supports anyone struggling with brain fog or burnout. Discover the importance of personalized brain boost programs, and learn why consulting healthcare professionals for customized solutions can be your best ally in achieving mental clarity and mood optimization. Join us, as we empower you to take charge of your health journey with informed decisions and holistic practices.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is
to provide comprehensive,affordable, integrative care
that addresses the root cause ofhealth issues.
At the Hub, the focus is onindividual patient journeys.
I strive to optimize health,vitality and longevity,
fostering a community where eachperson can thrive in body, mind
and spirit.
(00:21):
Today we're diving intosomething that everyone seems to
be chasing dopamine.
Whether it's the constantscroll of social media, that
(00:42):
extra cup of coffee or the needto check off every box on your
to-do list, dopamine is thedriver behind your cravings,
motivation and pleasure.
But what happens when thiscrucial neurotransmitter is out
of balance and, more importantly, what can we do about it?
So dopamine is often called thefeel-good neurotransmitter, but
(01:04):
it's much more than that.
It's made primarily in thebrain, specifically in the
substantia nigra and the ventraltegmental area, the VTA.
So it controls motivation,reward pleasure, movement and
even decision-making.
When dopamine is in balance, wefeel driven, engaged and
emotionally stable.
We feel driven, engaged andemotionally stable, but when
(01:24):
it's off, we struggle withmotivation, focus and even
experience symptoms of anxietyor depression.
This February, I am focusing onlove, desire and pleasure.
It's Valentine's Day coming up,right, and it's also February,
the month of love and the monththat I was born in, so I chose
to tackle on this dopamine first.
(01:46):
So we're going to go intodopamine imbalance.
What does it feel like if youhave a dopamine imbalance?
Well, if you are too low indopamine, you might feel chronic
fatigue, lack of motivation,depression or apathy, sugar and
caffeine cravings, brain fog,low libido.
Sugar and caffeine cravings,brain fog, low libido.
(02:09):
If your dopamine is too high,you might experience anxiety,
insomnia.
You might be impulsive, youmight have addiction tendencies
and restlessness, and dopamineimbalances are linked to a range
of conditions from ADHD andaddiction to Parkinson's disease
and depression.
Research suggests that up to80% of people with ADHD have
lower dopamine activity in keyareas of the brain, leading to
(02:31):
poor impulse control anddifficulty sustaining attention.
This is one of the mostfascinating things I learned
when I became certified for ADHDis looking at the MRIs of
brains with people that haveADHD and those who didn't when
they're given stimulation, andlooking at their scans and how
different the brain works.
(02:51):
And this is one of the reasonswhy stimulant medications which
increase dopamine availabilityare the go-to in conventional
medicine.
Right now, we're seeing anunprecedented demand for
stimulant medications likeAdderall, abritalolin and
Vyvanse.
Adhd diagnoses are at anall-time high and I don't want
to knock it because that is whatkeeps my lights on, but many
(03:13):
people, adults and childrenalike, are seeking these
medications as the only solutionto their struggles with focus,
motivation and executivefunction.
But here's the hard truth we'retreating a dopamine crisis with
a quick fix instead of actuallyfixing the problems.
The numbers don't lie.
Adhd diagnoses have increasedby over 30% in the past decade.
(03:35):
In 2023 alone, prescriptionsfor stimulants increased by
nearly 20%.
This led to the shortageeverywhere, and one study found
that up to 75% of ADHD diagnosesin adults are actually linked
to stress, sleep deprivation,poor nutrition or gut dysbiosis
(03:56):
not true ADHD.
So people are desperate fordopamine and instead of working
on lifestyle, nutrition, guthealth, micronutrients and
nervous system regulation,they're going straight for a
prescription, and inconventional medicine.
I see it happen every singleday and it kills me, but it
keeps my lights on.
(04:16):
So I sit in a split world whereone foot is in functional
medicine and the other is stilltied to conventional protocols,
and let me tell you it isexhausting to constantly write
stimulant medications when Iknow without a doubt that if
patients followed a functionalmedicine approach, they wouldn't
even need them.
I call it the dopamine traphere.
(04:37):
Take a stimulant, feel bettershort term, but over time
dopamine receptors downregulate,meaning you need higher doses
for the same effect and theunderlying root cause is never
addressed.
So the moment you stop, youcompletely crash.
But getting people to choosethe harder, more sustainable
route, that's the battle.
Instead of forcing the brain torelease more dopamine with
(04:58):
medication, functional medicinesupports natural dopamine
regulation by addressing theroot cause of dysregulation.
So here's what actually workslong term, okay.
Nutrient optimization Dopamineis made from amino acids like
L-tyrosine, phenylalanine.
They require B vitamins, iron,zinc and magnesium, all commonly
(05:19):
deficient in ADHD patients.
Okay, neuroinflammation and guthealth 70% of dopamine is
produced in your patients.
Okay, neuroinflammation and guthealth 70% of dopamine is
produced in your gut.
Chronic inflammation, foodsensitivities and microbiome
imbalances disrupt dopamineproduction.
What else works?
Iv and IM therapies like NAD+,b12, l-tyrosine, amino acid
(05:40):
infusions they all supportdopamine naturally.
Pemf and infrared therapy.
So dopamine productionincreases with PEMF, the pulse,
electric magnetic fields andmitochondrial activation.
Dopamine function tanks whenyour glucose is unstable.
Yet most ADHD patients consumehigh carb, low protein diets.
(06:01):
This is the hardest part aboutpracticing both conventional and
functional medicine.
In conventional care, I'mexpected to diagnose, prescribe
and move on.
In functional medicine I seereal sustainable solutions.
But getting patients to commitis the challenge, because
everybody does want that quickfix, even if it means side
effects, even if it meansdependence and long-term
(06:24):
dysfunction.
But the better fix functionalmedicine is harder.
It requires real change andevery time I write another
stimulant prescription I have tobite my tongue because I know
there's a better way.
And this is the real challengegetting people to actively
participate in their healthjourney.
Hands down.
This is the hardest part of mycareer.
(06:45):
People do want that quick fix,a magic pill or an instant
transformation.
But here's the realityBalancing dopamine requires
consistent effort.
It's about rewiring your brainchemistry through lifestyle
habits, not overnight hacks.
But for those who commit, theresults are life-changing.
(07:05):
And I'm not just talking.
I have a 14-year-old with severeADHD and this has been a
struggle with him and I'm theparent and this is what led me
to become ADHD certified.
I work with adults five days aweek to help them manage their
ADHD with conventional medicineand, even though I try to
incorporate functional medicineto those that are receptive,
(07:27):
it's an uphill battle with myson and with my patients.
I plan on taking my son's youknow hair tissue mineral
analysis sample and start him onhis own Vicon.
Just up until now I didn't wantto invest in that and him not
take it, but now he's finallywilling to.
They do have a children'sformula and it's going to be a
(07:48):
challenge.
It's going to be a challengegetting him off of his processed
food snacks.
We've been doing slow, littlechanges.
So now his lunch at school ischicken caesar salad.
He is on an exercise regimen.
He does take his multivitaminsand I do see some improvements
since that.
But you know, nutritiondefinitely is the hardest.
(08:09):
I need to wean him completelyoff the goldfish and the hot
pockets and the video games.
So we'll see.
He took himself off of videogames during the week last week.
So we are making these microadjustments that are going to
turn into huge adjustments laterdown the way.
His attitude and attention arecompletely different when he's
(08:32):
grounded, when he does not haveaccess to electronics, and when
he eats what I make him eat,like steaks and a Caesar salad.
So you know, instead of slappingon a pharmaceutical band-aid,
how do we truly balance dopamine?
Welcome to the dopamine menu, acurated list of ways to nourish
(08:54):
and regulate your dopaminelevels naturally.
So I've created a dopamineguide, and in that guide there
is a dopamine menu.
So if you've ever struggledwith motivation, focus, low
energy or burnout, you might bedealing with dopamine
dysregulation, and you'redefinitely not alone.
The dopamine menu wasoriginally created by Jessica
(09:15):
McCabe.
She's a powerhouse behind howto ADHD.
She designed it as a tool tohelp people struggling with ADHD
and dopamine imbalancesidentify ways to boost and
regulate dopamine naturally.
So, instead of relying solelyon medication or unhealthy
dopamine hits like social media,sugar or those impulsive,
(09:39):
non-safe behaviors, this menuhelps you intentionally choose
activities and interventionsthat support brain health.
I've taken that concept andexpanded it into a functional
medicine dopamine guide, a fullycustomized approach to dopamine
balance that goes beyondlifestyle habits.
So my version of the dopaminemenu includes functional
(10:01):
medicine interventions you canactually implement at Harmony
Hub Health or Monarch Beauty andSpa to support focus, mood,
motivation and overallwell-being.
You might be thinking well, Idon't have ADHD.
This can benefit more peoplethan those with ADHD, but it is
great for people who have ADHDand feel stuck in a cycle of
(10:22):
stimulant meds and crashes.
This is good for anyonestruggling with brain fog,
burnout or motivational issues,people dealing with chronic
stress or mental fatigue.
Any of you guys here, those whofeel wired but tired or have
difficulty completing tasks, orjust anyone looking for
long-term natural dopaminesupport.
(10:44):
This is not just a list oflifestyle hacks.
It's a comprehensive plan tooptimize your dopamine pathways.
You can do that with IMinjections.
I have some great IM injectionsfor dopamine boosting.
These are even going to beavailable at the Friday night
happy hours at Monarch Beautyand Spa.
(11:06):
One of them is B12.
You know B12 is essential fordopamine synthesis and energy
production.
Low B12 is linked to lowdopamine and depression.
B complexes B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7,9, and 12.
You know B6, paroxetine iscritical for converting L-DOPA
(11:27):
into dopamine.
Niacin, which is B3, helps withdopamine receptor function.
Then we have the L-tyrosine.
This is a direct precursor todopamine and helps to increase
the levels.
Naturally, my favorite injectionthat's going to be at the happy
hour is the NAD+.
This supports brain cell energyproduction and neurotransmitter
(11:48):
function.
It can improve mental clarityand dopamine metabolism.
And then glutathione.
This reduces oxidative stressand protects dopamine-producing
neurons.
We also have a battery ofinfusions for dopamine
enhancement.
You can get the NAD+.
This is one of the mostpowerful IVs for dopamine
regulation, focus and motivation.
(12:08):
Nad is essential formitochondrial health and
neurotransmitter balance.
We have a brain boost IV thathas B vitamins and
neurotransmitter balance.
We have a brain boost IV thathas B vitamins, magnesium, amino
acids and antioxidants tosupport your cognitive function
and neurotransmitter balance.
I also have the triimmune IV.
This helps reduce inflammationthat might be impairing your
(12:29):
dopamine function.
This triimmune has vitamin C,zinc and glutathione.
That's also at the happy hourmenu and then for an IV infusion
, the Myers cocktail is always agreat choice.
It's a well-rounded IV withmagnesium, b vitamins, vitamin C
and calcium to support overallbrain health and energy.
(12:49):
One of my most favoritetreatments that I offer at
Monarch Beauty and Spa is thePEMF therapy.
This improves dopamine receptorsensitivity and brain function.
So this comes from a companycalled Higher Dose, and the
science behind the brand andwhat Dose stands for is just
(13:10):
amazing to me.
So Higher Dose is a wellnessbrand known for high-tech
recovery and detoxificationtools, including infrared sauna
blankets I do have one of thoseas well at the spa the PEMF mat
and red light therapy devices.
So their mission is to helppeople boost their body's
natural feel-good chemicalsthrough heat, light and
(13:31):
electromagnetic therapies alldesigned to elevate both
physical and mental well-beingall designed to elevate both
physical and mental well-being.
But really sets them apart isthe meaning behind DOS.
It's not just a catchy name buta reference to the four key
neurotransmitters that areresponsible for mood, motivation
and overall happiness.
So the D in DOS is dopamine,the reward chemical.
(13:54):
This increases motivation,pleasure and focus.
It's naturally boosted throughgoal setting, movement and cold
exposure.
The O is oxytocin this is thelove hormone, so that promotes
bonding, relaxation andemotional connection.
It's released through touch,social interaction and infrared
heat therapy.
The S is serotonin this is yourmood stabilizer.
(14:18):
This regulates mood, sleep andoverall well-being, naturally
elevated through sun exposure,red light therapy.
And PEMF and E is thoseendorphins, your pain reliever,
the body's natural opioids thatreduce pain and stress.
They're released throughexercise, heat therapy and sauna
sessions.
So PEMF pulsed electromagneticfield therapy has been shown to
(14:40):
support dopamine production andbalance in several ways.
The first is that it stimulatesdopaminergic neurons.
So PEMF therapy can enhance theactivity of neurons in the
brain's dopaminergic system,particularly in the substantia
nigra and prefrontal cortex, keyareas responsible for dopamine
production and regulation.
Studies do suggest that PEMFcan help restore dopamine
(15:04):
function in neurodegenerativeconditions like Parkinson's
disease.
Number two is it reducesneuroinflammation.
Chronic inflammation in thebrain can impair dopamine
signaling, leading to lowmotivation, brain fog and mood
imbalances.
Pemf has been shown to reduceneuroinflammation and oxidative
stress, which can help protectand sustain dopamine levels.
(15:25):
Number three is it supportsdopamine transport and receptor
sensitivity.
Dopamine needs to bind toreceptors to exert its effects,
so PEMF therapy has been linkedto improved dopamine receptor
sensitivity, which means yourbody can better use the dopamine
that it has, leading to morestable mood and motivation.
(15:45):
And number four increasing bloodflow and oxygenation to the
brain.
Dopamine synthesis requiresproper oxygen and nutrient
delivery.
Pemp therapy enhances cerebralcirculation, ensuring that the
brain gets the necessary rawmaterials for optimal dopamine
production.
And number five enhances moodand motivation.
Research has shown that PEMPtherapy can increase beta and
(16:09):
alpha brainwaves associated withrelaxed alertness and focus.
So this can really helpcounteract dopamine-related
conditions like ADHD, depressionand focus.
So this can really helpcounteract dopamine related
conditions like ADHD, depressionand fatigue.
The PEMF mat is a great thing tointegrate.
If you are coming for bodysculpting, you can sit on this
and some people just look at itlike it's just a mat.
(16:29):
They have no idea what all thislittle mat can do, but by
integrating higher dosetherapies, like the infrared
heat bag that I have, or thepenth, or the red light therapy
and the lymphatic drainage toolsthat I have, like the orbix,
you're naturally enhancing theseneurotransmitters, leading to
better energy and mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety,
(16:52):
improved recovery anddetoxification and deeper
relaxation and better sleep.
And since 70% of dopamine ismade in the gut, we can optimize
nutrient levels to supportproduction.
And with the pemp and the redlight and the sauna, you know we
can build dopamine buildinghabits right dopamine building
(17:16):
habits right.
So my dopamine guide gives youan easy to follow menu of
actionable steps, along withexclusive access to functional
medicine interventions at bothHarmony Hub Health and Monarch
Beauty and Spa.
Get your dopamine guide.
I have it posted on my Facebookpage, harmony Hub Health, or
you can email me at Michellewith one L that's M-I-C-H-E-L-E
(17:38):
at harmonyhubhealthcom if youwant to get your own dopamine
guide so we can builda better,healthier dopamine system.
Naturally, check out the guideand take control of your
dopamine.
So if you're tired of feelingunmotivated, unfocused or stuck
in a cycle of burnout, it's timeto customize your own dopamine
menu.
You can book a consultationwith me.
(17:59):
You can book it as a functionalmedicine consult and we can
create a plan that's tailored toyour needs whether it's
nutrient testing, iv therapy orgood lifestyle changes, we'll
find what works for you.
So anybody can benefit from aconsultation.
Those that I feel would benefitthe most from a functional
(18:20):
medicine consultation are thoseexperiencing dopamine-related
imbalances like low motivation,low focus or low pleasure.
Individuals with ADHD symptomslooking for a natural dopamine
support alternative.
Anybody with chronic stress,burnout or mental fatigue, or if
you're struggling with poormood, anxiety or difficulty
(18:43):
managing stress.
At Harmony Hub Health, I knowthat brain function is the
foundation of overall wellness,from focus and memory to mood
and motivation.
I will put together a brainboost package that's designed to
enhance cognitive function,support neurotransmitter balance
and reduce brain fog, using thebest of functional medicine and
(19:04):
advanced wellness therapies.
So what would be included in abrain boost package?
Well, of course, a verythorough consultation.
We'll talk about symptoms thatyou're having and go over all of
your medical history.
We will formulate a packagethat you will benefit from the
most and we'll work on thepillars of health to optimize
(19:27):
your own program.
I love supplements.
You know that I do because theywork and I use only the most
bioavailable, high qualitysupplements of orthomolecular.
So the first one that I willadd to the package is called
Serenity, that's with a C, andof course these are supplements
that you cannot get over thecounter.
(19:48):
You're not going to find theseon Amazon, you can only get them
from licensed professionals.
But Serenity is a clinicalgrade supplement designed to
support neurotransmitter balance, stress resistance and
cognitive function.
It contains a blend of aminoacids, vitamins and herbal
adaptogens that enhance dopamine, serotonin and GABA levels, and
(20:09):
it makes it a great option forthose struggling with dopamine
imbalance, people with ADHDsymptoms, people with burnout
and mood instability.
What I love about the Serenityis it has the L-tyrosine.
That's a direct precursor todopamine and norepinephrine.
It boosts focus, motivation andmental clarity.
And then there's Rhodiola rosea.
(20:30):
This is an adaptogenic herbthat enhances dopamine function
while improving stress toleranceand cognitive endurance.
It also has GABA and glycinethese inhibit excessive excitory
activity in the brain, creatingthat calm but focused mental
state.
And the B6, b12, and folate,the 5-MTHF.
(20:51):
These are essential cofactorsfor dopamine synthesis and
methylation, and it's crucialfor brain control and mood
regulation.
And then there's magnesium andtaurine in there, and they help
balance glutamate and GABA,preventing overstimulation while
optimizing that dopaminerelease.
I love this, but you know we'dhave to go over a full
(21:11):
consultation to make sure it'sappropriate for you.
The other one that I love byOrthomolecular is the CeraVe.
This is designed to supportbrain health, specifically
targeting neurotransmitterfunction.
It combines a range ofingredients that are aimed at
promoting cognitive function,memory, focus and overall mental
well-being.
This formula has ginkgo biloba.
(21:36):
That's known for enhancingcirculation.
It can improve blood flow tothe brain and that aids in the
delivery of nutrients and oxygen, which is very important for
cognitive function.
It has phosphodisselurine.
This is a phospholipid thatplays a really important role in
maintaining the integrity andfluidity of cell membranes in
the brain.
It helps improve communicationbetween the neurons, supporting
(21:59):
memory and cognition.
Then we have acetyl L-carnitine.
This is an amino acidderivative that supports
mitochondrial function, which isvital for energy production in
your brain cells.
It has been shown to supportmemory and cognitive performance
.
This one also has L-theanine,which is found in green tea.
L-theanine promotes relaxationand mental clarity without
(22:21):
causing drowsiness, so it helpsbalance neurotransmitters like
serotonin and dopamine, whichare involved in mood regulation,
and then the B vitamins,especially B6, b12, and folate.
They're all critical forneurotransmitter synthesis and
brain function, so they supportthe production of serotonin,
dopamine and otherneurotransmitters by supporting
(22:41):
neurotransmitter balance andenhancing the flow of nutrients
to the brain, cerave can helpmaintain mental clarity, focus
and positive mood.
It's especially useful insituations involving mental
fatigue or stress, as itsupports both cognitive
performance and overall brainhealth.
And CeraVe also has L-tyrosine.
(23:02):
This is an amino acid that'sessential for production of
dopamine, norepinephrine andepinephrine, so these
neurotransmitters are involvedin mood regulation, stress
response and mental alertness.
L-tyrosine is very beneficialduring times of stress or
fatigue, as it can help maintaincognitive function and improve
focus by supporting the brain'sability to handle stressful
(23:26):
situations.
Does anybody here have stress?
By incorporating L-tyrosinealong with the other ingredients
in CeraVe, the supplement canfurther enhance neurotransmitter
balance and mental clarity,making it a well-rounded option
for supporting cognitive healthand emotional resilience.
So the package can also includesome of those IM wellness shots
(23:48):
like NAD Plus or B12.
Some of those IM wellness shotslike NAD Plus or B12.
It can include an IV brainboost infusion with alpha lipoic
acid, taurine and B6.
It can include the pump mat.
So the higher dose sessionwould be great to enhance
dopamine and serotonin,naturally, increase oxygen and
blood flow to the brain andpromote that deep relaxation and
(24:09):
stress reduction.
You can also incorporate thered light therapy.
We would make a program that isjust for you and, again, anybody
struggling with brain fog,burnout, mental fatigue, those
who want to boost focus,motivation and memory, anybody
looking for natural alternativesto stimulants or individuals
experiencing mood imbalances orstress overload.
(24:31):
So you can book your functionalmedicine consultation for your
own brain boost package and geta bonus PEMF session when you
mention this podcast.
Okay, so that's all for today'sepisode.
If you found this helpful,share it with someone who needs
a dopamine boost, and don'tforget to subscribe and leave a
(24:51):
review.
It helps get this informationout to more people who need it.
See you next time.
So before you self-diagnoseyourself with a dopamine
deficiency because tiktok toldyou so, remember I'm not your
nurse practitioner, and neitheris the internet.
This podcast is for educationaland entertainment purposes only
(25:12):
.
If you think your brainchemistry is out of whack, talk
to a real healthcareprofessional, preferably one who
didn't get their degree fromReddit or YouTube.
Now go ahead and book yourfunctional medicine consultation
with me and I will be yournurse practitioner.
Here's to health and love.
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is
to provide comprehensive,affordable, integrative care
that addresses the root cause ofhealth issues.
At the Hub, the focus is onindividual patient journeys.
I strive to optimize health,vitality and longevity,
fostering a community where eachperson can thrive in body, mind
and spirit.
(00:21):
Today we're diving intosomething that everyone seems to
be chasing dopamine.
Whether it's the constantscroll of social media, that
(00:42):
extra cup of coffee or the needto check off every box on your
to-do list, dopamine is thedriver behind your cravings,
motivation and pleasure.
But what happens when thiscrucial neurotransmitter is out
of balance and, more importantly, what can we do about it?
So dopamine is often called thefeel-good neurotransmitter, but
(01:04):
it's much more than that.
It's made primarily in thebrain, specifically in the
substantia nigra and the ventraltegmental area, the VTA.
So it controls motivation,reward pleasure, movement and
even decision-making.
When dopamine is in balance, wefeel driven, engaged and
emotionally stable.
We feel driven, engaged andemotionally stable, but when
(01:24):
it's off, we struggle withmotivation, focus and even
experience symptoms of anxietyor depression.
This February, I am focusing onlove, desire and pleasure.
It's Valentine's Day coming up,right, and it's also February,
the month of love and the monththat I was born in, so I chose
to tackle on this dopamine first.
(01:46):
So we're going to go intodopamine imbalance.
What does it feel like if youhave a dopamine imbalance?
Well, if you are too low indopamine, you might feel chronic
fatigue, lack of motivation,depression or apathy, sugar and
caffeine cravings, brain fog,low libido.
Sugar and caffeine cravings,brain fog, low libido.
(02:09):
If your dopamine is too high,you might experience anxiety,
insomnia.
You might be impulsive, youmight have addiction tendencies
and restlessness, and dopamineimbalances are linked to a range
of conditions from ADHD andaddiction to Parkinson's disease
and depression.
Research suggests that up to80% of people with ADHD have
lower dopamine activity in keyareas of the brain, leading to
(02:31):
poor impulse control anddifficulty sustaining attention.
This is one of the mostfascinating things I learned
when I became certified for ADHDis looking at the MRIs of
brains with people that haveADHD and those who didn't when
they're given stimulation, andlooking at their scans and how
different the brain works.
(02:51):
And this is one of the reasonswhy stimulant medications which
increase dopamine availabilityare the go-to in conventional
medicine.
Right now, we're seeing anunprecedented demand for
stimulant medications likeAdderall, abritalolin and
Vyvanse.
Adhd diagnoses are at anall-time high and I don't want
to knock it because that is whatkeeps my lights on, but many
(03:13):
people, adults and childrenalike, are seeking these
medications as the only solutionto their struggles with focus,
motivation and executivefunction.
But here's the hard truth we'retreating a dopamine crisis with
a quick fix instead of actuallyfixing the problems.
The numbers don't lie.
Adhd diagnoses have increasedby over 30% in the past decade.
(03:35):
In 2023 alone, prescriptionsfor stimulants increased by
nearly 20%.
This led to the shortageeverywhere, and one study found
that up to 75% of ADHD diagnosesin adults are actually linked
to stress, sleep deprivation,poor nutrition or gut dysbiosis
(03:56):
not true ADHD.
So people are desperate fordopamine and instead of working
on lifestyle, nutrition, guthealth, micronutrients and
nervous system regulation,they're going straight for a
prescription, and inconventional medicine.
I see it happen every singleday and it kills me, but it
keeps my lights on.
(04:16):
So I sit in a split world whereone foot is in functional
medicine and the other is stilltied to conventional protocols,
and let me tell you it isexhausting to constantly write
stimulant medications when Iknow without a doubt that if
patients followed a functionalmedicine approach, they wouldn't
even need them.
I call it the dopamine traphere.
(04:37):
Take a stimulant, feel bettershort term, but over time
dopamine receptors downregulate,meaning you need higher doses
for the same effect and theunderlying root cause is never
addressed.
So the moment you stop, youcompletely crash.
But getting people to choosethe harder, more sustainable
route, that's the battle.
Instead of forcing the brain torelease more dopamine with
(04:58):
medication, functional medicinesupports natural dopamine
regulation by addressing theroot cause of dysregulation.
So here's what actually workslong term, okay.
Nutrient optimization Dopamineis made from amino acids like
L-tyrosine, phenylalanine.
They require B vitamins, iron,zinc and magnesium, all commonly
(05:19):
deficient in ADHD patients.
Okay, neuroinflammation and guthealth 70% of dopamine is
produced in your patients.
Okay, neuroinflammation and guthealth 70% of dopamine is
produced in your gut.
Chronic inflammation, foodsensitivities and microbiome
imbalances disrupt dopamineproduction.
What else works?
Iv and IM therapies like NAD+,b12, l-tyrosine, amino acid
(05:40):
infusions they all supportdopamine naturally.
Pemf and infrared therapy.
So dopamine productionincreases with PEMF, the pulse,
electric magnetic fields andmitochondrial activation.
Dopamine function tanks whenyour glucose is unstable.
Yet most ADHD patients consumehigh carb, low protein diets.
(06:01):
This is the hardest part aboutpracticing both conventional and
functional medicine.
In conventional care, I'mexpected to diagnose, prescribe
and move on.
In functional medicine I seereal sustainable solutions.
But getting patients to commitis the challenge, because
everybody does want that quickfix, even if it means side
effects, even if it meansdependence and long-term
(06:24):
dysfunction.
But the better fix functionalmedicine is harder.
It requires real change andevery time I write another
stimulant prescription I have tobite my tongue because I know
there's a better way.
And this is the real challengegetting people to actively
participate in their healthjourney.
Hands down.
This is the hardest part of mycareer.
(06:45):
People do want that quick fix,a magic pill or an instant
transformation.
But here's the realityBalancing dopamine requires
consistent effort.
It's about rewiring your brainchemistry through lifestyle
habits, not overnight hacks.
But for those who commit, theresults are life-changing.
(07:05):
And I'm not just talking.
I have a 14-year-old with severeADHD and this has been a
struggle with him and I'm theparent and this is what led me
to become ADHD certified.
I work with adults five days aweek to help them manage their
ADHD with conventional medicineand, even though I try to
incorporate functional medicineto those that are receptive,
(07:27):
it's an uphill battle with myson and with my patients.
I plan on taking my son's youknow hair tissue mineral
analysis sample and start him onhis own Vicon.
Just up until now I didn't wantto invest in that and him not
take it, but now he's finallywilling to.
They do have a children'sformula and it's going to be a
(07:48):
challenge.
It's going to be a challengegetting him off of his processed
food snacks.
We've been doing slow, littlechanges.
So now his lunch at school ischicken caesar salad.
He is on an exercise regimen.
He does take his multivitaminsand I do see some improvements
since that.
But you know, nutritiondefinitely is the hardest.
(08:09):
I need to wean him completelyoff the goldfish and the hot
pockets and the video games.
So we'll see.
He took himself off of videogames during the week last week.
So we are making these microadjustments that are going to
turn into huge adjustments laterdown the way.
His attitude and attention arecompletely different when he's
(08:32):
grounded, when he does not haveaccess to electronics, and when
he eats what I make him eat,like steaks and a Caesar salad.
So you know, instead of slappingon a pharmaceutical band-aid,
how do we truly balance dopamine?
Welcome to the dopamine menu, acurated list of ways to nourish
(08:54):
and regulate your dopaminelevels naturally.
So I've created a dopamineguide, and in that guide there
is a dopamine menu.
So if you've ever struggledwith motivation, focus, low
energy or burnout, you might bedealing with dopamine
dysregulation, and you'redefinitely not alone.
The dopamine menu wasoriginally created by Jessica
(09:15):
McCabe.
She's a powerhouse behind howto ADHD.
She designed it as a tool tohelp people struggling with ADHD
and dopamine imbalancesidentify ways to boost and
regulate dopamine naturally.
So, instead of relying solelyon medication or unhealthy
dopamine hits like social media,sugar or those impulsive,
(09:39):
non-safe behaviors, this menuhelps you intentionally choose
activities and interventionsthat support brain health.
I've taken that concept andexpanded it into a functional
medicine dopamine guide, a fullycustomized approach to dopamine
balance that goes beyondlifestyle habits.
So my version of the dopaminemenu includes functional
(10:01):
medicine interventions you canactually implement at Harmony
Hub Health or Monarch Beauty andSpa to support focus, mood,
motivation and overallwell-being.
You might be thinking well, Idon't have ADHD.
This can benefit more peoplethan those with ADHD, but it is
great for people who have ADHDand feel stuck in a cycle of
(10:22):
stimulant meds and crashes.
This is good for anyonestruggling with brain fog,
burnout or motivational issues,people dealing with chronic
stress or mental fatigue.
Any of you guys here, those whofeel wired but tired or have
difficulty completing tasks, orjust anyone looking for
long-term natural dopaminesupport.
(10:44):
This is not just a list oflifestyle hacks.
It's a comprehensive plan tooptimize your dopamine pathways.
You can do that with IMinjections.
I have some great IM injectionsfor dopamine boosting.
These are even going to beavailable at the Friday night
happy hours at Monarch Beautyand Spa.
(11:06):
One of them is B12.
You know B12 is essential fordopamine synthesis and energy
production.
Low B12 is linked to lowdopamine and depression.
B complexes B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7,9, and 12.
You know B6, paroxetine iscritical for converting L-DOPA
(11:27):
into dopamine.
Niacin, which is B3, helps withdopamine receptor function.
Then we have the L-tyrosine.
This is a direct precursor todopamine and helps to increase
the levels.
Naturally, my favorite injectionthat's going to be at the happy
hour is the NAD+.
This supports brain cell energyproduction and neurotransmitter
(11:48):
function.
It can improve mental clarityand dopamine metabolism.
And then glutathione.
This reduces oxidative stressand protects dopamine-producing
neurons.
We also have a battery ofinfusions for dopamine
enhancement.
You can get the NAD+.
This is one of the mostpowerful IVs for dopamine
regulation, focus and motivation.
(12:08):
Nad is essential formitochondrial health and
neurotransmitter balance.
We have a brain boost IV thathas B vitamins and
neurotransmitter balance.
We have a brain boost IV thathas B vitamins, magnesium, amino
acids and antioxidants tosupport your cognitive function
and neurotransmitter balance.
I also have the triimmune IV.
This helps reduce inflammationthat might be impairing your
(12:29):
dopamine function.
This triimmune has vitamin C,zinc and glutathione.
That's also at the happy hourmenu and then for an IV infusion
, the Myers cocktail is always agreat choice.
It's a well-rounded IV withmagnesium, b vitamins, vitamin C
and calcium to support overallbrain health and energy.
(12:49):
One of my most favoritetreatments that I offer at
Monarch Beauty and Spa is thePEMF therapy.
This improves dopamine receptorsensitivity and brain function.
So this comes from a companycalled Higher Dose, and the
science behind the brand andwhat Dose stands for is just
(13:10):
amazing to me.
So Higher Dose is a wellnessbrand known for high-tech
recovery and detoxificationtools, including infrared sauna
blankets I do have one of thoseas well at the spa the PEMF mat
and red light therapy devices.
So their mission is to helppeople boost their body's
natural feel-good chemicalsthrough heat, light and
(13:31):
electromagnetic therapies alldesigned to elevate both
physical and mental well-beingall designed to elevate both
physical and mental well-being.
But really sets them apart isthe meaning behind DOS.
It's not just a catchy name buta reference to the four key
neurotransmitters that areresponsible for mood, motivation
and overall happiness.
So the D in DOS is dopamine,the reward chemical.
(13:54):
This increases motivation,pleasure and focus.
It's naturally boosted throughgoal setting, movement and cold
exposure.
The O is oxytocin this is thelove hormone, so that promotes
bonding, relaxation andemotional connection.
It's released through touch,social interaction and infrared
heat therapy.
The S is serotonin this is yourmood stabilizer.
(14:18):
This regulates mood, sleep andoverall well-being, naturally
elevated through sun exposure,red light therapy.
And PEMF and E is thoseendorphins, your pain reliever,
the body's natural opioids thatreduce pain and stress.
They're released throughexercise, heat therapy and sauna
sessions.
So PEMF pulsed electromagneticfield therapy has been shown to
(14:40):
support dopamine production andbalance in several ways.
The first is that it stimulatesdopaminergic neurons.
So PEMF therapy can enhance theactivity of neurons in the
brain's dopaminergic system,particularly in the substantia
nigra and prefrontal cortex, keyareas responsible for dopamine
production and regulation.
Studies do suggest that PEMFcan help restore dopamine
(15:04):
function in neurodegenerativeconditions like Parkinson's
disease.
Number two is it reducesneuroinflammation.
Chronic inflammation in thebrain can impair dopamine
signaling, leading to lowmotivation, brain fog and mood
imbalances.
Pemf has been shown to reduceneuroinflammation and oxidative
stress, which can help protectand sustain dopamine levels.
(15:25):
Number three is it supportsdopamine transport and receptor
sensitivity.
Dopamine needs to bind toreceptors to exert its effects,
so PEMF therapy has been linkedto improved dopamine receptor
sensitivity, which means yourbody can better use the dopamine
that it has, leading to morestable mood and motivation.
(15:45):
And number four increasing bloodflow and oxygenation to the
brain.
Dopamine synthesis requiresproper oxygen and nutrient
delivery.
Pemp therapy enhances cerebralcirculation, ensuring that the
brain gets the necessary rawmaterials for optimal dopamine
production.
And number five enhances moodand motivation.
Research has shown that PEMPtherapy can increase beta and
(16:09):
alpha brainwaves associated withrelaxed alertness and focus.
So this can really helpcounteract dopamine-related
conditions like ADHD, depressionand focus.
So this can really helpcounteract dopamine related
conditions like ADHD, depressionand fatigue.
The PEMF mat is a great thing tointegrate.
If you are coming for bodysculpting, you can sit on this
and some people just look at itlike it's just a mat.
(16:29):
They have no idea what all thislittle mat can do, but by
integrating higher dosetherapies, like the infrared
heat bag that I have, or thepenth, or the red light therapy
and the lymphatic drainage toolsthat I have, like the orbix,
you're naturally enhancing theseneurotransmitters, leading to
better energy and mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety,
(16:52):
improved recovery anddetoxification and deeper
relaxation and better sleep.
And since 70% of dopamine ismade in the gut, we can optimize
nutrient levels to supportproduction.
And with the pemp and the redlight and the sauna, you know we
can build dopamine buildinghabits right dopamine building
(17:16):
habits right.
So my dopamine guide gives youan easy to follow menu of
actionable steps, along withexclusive access to functional
medicine interventions at bothHarmony Hub Health and Monarch
Beauty and Spa.
Get your dopamine guide.
I have it posted on my Facebookpage, harmony Hub Health, or
you can email me at Michellewith one L that's M-I-C-H-E-L-E
(17:38):
at harmonyhubhealthcom if youwant to get your own dopamine
guide so we can builda better,healthier dopamine system.
Naturally, check out the guideand take control of your
dopamine.
So if you're tired of feelingunmotivated, unfocused or stuck
in a cycle of burnout, it's timeto customize your own dopamine
menu.
You can book a consultationwith me.
(17:59):
You can book it as a functionalmedicine consult and we can
create a plan that's tailored toyour needs whether it's
nutrient testing, iv therapy orgood lifestyle changes, we'll
find what works for you.
So anybody can benefit from aconsultation.
Those that I feel would benefitthe most from a functional
(18:20):
medicine consultation are thoseexperiencing dopamine-related
imbalances like low motivation,low focus or low pleasure.
Individuals with ADHD symptomslooking for a natural dopamine
support alternative.
Anybody with chronic stress,burnout or mental fatigue, or if
you're struggling with poormood, anxiety or difficulty
(18:43):
managing stress.
At Harmony Hub Health, I knowthat brain function is the
foundation of overall wellness,from focus and memory to mood
and motivation.
I will put together a brainboost package that's designed to
enhance cognitive function,support neurotransmitter balance
and reduce brain fog, using thebest of functional medicine and
(19:04):
advanced wellness therapies.
So what would be included in abrain boost package?
Well, of course, a verythorough consultation.
We'll talk about symptoms thatyou're having and go over all of
your medical history.
We will formulate a packagethat you will benefit from the
most and we'll work on thepillars of health to optimize
(19:27):
your own program.
I love supplements.
You know that I do because theywork and I use only the most
bioavailable, high qualitysupplements of orthomolecular.
So the first one that I willadd to the package is called
Serenity, that's with a C, andof course these are supplements
that you cannot get over thecounter.
(19:48):
You're not going to find theseon Amazon, you can only get them
from licensed professionals.
But Serenity is a clinicalgrade supplement designed to
support neurotransmitter balance, stress resistance and
cognitive function.
It contains a blend of aminoacids, vitamins and herbal
adaptogens that enhance dopamine, serotonin and GABA levels, and
(20:09):
it makes it a great option forthose struggling with dopamine
imbalance, people with ADHDsymptoms, people with burnout
and mood instability.
What I love about the Serenityis it has the L-tyrosine.
That's a direct precursor todopamine and norepinephrine.
It boosts focus, motivation andmental clarity.
And then there's Rhodiola rosea.
(20:30):
This is an adaptogenic herbthat enhances dopamine function
while improving stress toleranceand cognitive endurance.
It also has GABA and glycinethese inhibit excessive excitory
activity in the brain, creatingthat calm but focused mental
state.
And the B6, b12, and folate,the 5-MTHF.
(20:51):
These are essential cofactorsfor dopamine synthesis and
methylation, and it's crucialfor brain control and mood
regulation.
And then there's magnesium andtaurine in there, and they help
balance glutamate and GABA,preventing overstimulation while
optimizing that dopaminerelease.
I love this, but you know we'dhave to go over a full
(21:11):
consultation to make sure it'sappropriate for you.
The other one that I love byOrthomolecular is the CeraVe.
This is designed to supportbrain health, specifically
targeting neurotransmitterfunction.
It combines a range ofingredients that are aimed at
promoting cognitive function,memory, focus and overall mental
well-being.
This formula has ginkgo biloba.
(21:36):
That's known for enhancingcirculation.
It can improve blood flow tothe brain and that aids in the
delivery of nutrients and oxygen, which is very important for
cognitive function.
It has phosphodisselurine.
This is a phospholipid thatplays a really important role in
maintaining the integrity andfluidity of cell membranes in
the brain.
It helps improve communicationbetween the neurons, supporting
(21:59):
memory and cognition.
Then we have acetyl L-carnitine.
This is an amino acidderivative that supports
mitochondrial function, which isvital for energy production in
your brain cells.
It has been shown to supportmemory and cognitive performance
.
This one also has L-theanine,which is found in green tea.
L-theanine promotes relaxationand mental clarity without
(22:21):
causing drowsiness, so it helpsbalance neurotransmitters like
serotonin and dopamine, whichare involved in mood regulation,
and then the B vitamins,especially B6, b12, and folate.
They're all critical forneurotransmitter synthesis and
brain function, so they supportthe production of serotonin,
dopamine and otherneurotransmitters by supporting
(22:41):
neurotransmitter balance andenhancing the flow of nutrients
to the brain, cerave can helpmaintain mental clarity, focus
and positive mood.
It's especially useful insituations involving mental
fatigue or stress, as itsupports both cognitive
performance and overall brainhealth.
And CeraVe also has L-tyrosine.
(23:02):
This is an amino acid that'sessential for production of
dopamine, norepinephrine andepinephrine, so these
neurotransmitters are involvedin mood regulation, stress
response and mental alertness.
L-tyrosine is very beneficialduring times of stress or
fatigue, as it can help maintaincognitive function and improve
focus by supporting the brain'sability to handle stressful
(23:26):
situations.
Does anybody here have stress?
By incorporating L-tyrosinealong with the other ingredients
in CeraVe, the supplement canfurther enhance neurotransmitter
balance and mental clarity,making it a well-rounded option
for supporting cognitive healthand emotional resilience.
So the package can also includesome of those IM wellness shots
(23:48):
like NAD Plus or B12.
Some of those IM wellness shotslike NAD Plus or B12.
It can include an IV brainboost infusion with alpha lipoic
acid, taurine and B6.
It can include the pump mat.
So the higher dose sessionwould be great to enhance
dopamine and serotonin,naturally, increase oxygen and
blood flow to the brain andpromote that deep relaxation and
(24:09):
stress reduction.
You can also incorporate thered light therapy.
We would make a program that isjust for you and, again, anybody
struggling with brain fog,burnout, mental fatigue, those
who want to boost focus,motivation and memory, anybody
looking for natural alternativesto stimulants or individuals
experiencing mood imbalances orstress overload.
(24:31):
So you can book your functionalmedicine consultation for your
own brain boost package and geta bonus PEMF session when you
mention this podcast.
Okay, so that's all for today'sepisode.
If you found this helpful,share it with someone who needs
a dopamine boost, and don'tforget to subscribe and leave a
(24:51):
review.
It helps get this informationout to more people who need it.
See you next time.
So before you self-diagnoseyourself with a dopamine
deficiency because tiktok toldyou so, remember I'm not your
nurse practitioner, and neitheris the internet.
This podcast is for educationaland entertainment purposes only
(25:12):
.
If you think your brainchemistry is out of whack, talk
to a real healthcareprofessional, preferably one who
didn't get their degree fromReddit or YouTube.
Now go ahead and book yourfunctional medicine consultation
with me and I will be yournurse practitioner.
Here's to health and love.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Intentionally Disturbing
Join me on this podcast as I navigate the murky waters of human behavior, current events, and personal anecdotes through in-depth interviews with incredible people—all served with a generous helping of sarcasm and satire. After years as a forensic and clinical psychologist, I offer a unique interview style and a low tolerance for bullshit, quickly steering conversations toward depth and darkness. I honor the seriousness while also appreciating wit. I’m your guide through the twisted labyrinth of the human psyche, armed with dark humor and biting wit.