Here are some of the differences between dopamine and serotonin deficiency, and the differences how one feels between the two.

Depression can be caused by a lack of the neurotranmitter serotonin in the brain. This is the most common form treated, but one must realize that doctors never test for low dopamine levels and always presume that it’s caused by low serotonin levels. This is the reason so many people are taking SSRIs such as Prozac or Zoloft.

The other reason for depression caused by a chemical imbalance is it’s caused by a lack of the dopamine in the brain.

The type of depressive-feeling caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain is a very low energy depression, with a complete lack of motivation, (and feeling depressed). You may feel frustrated that you don't have any energy. How many of you deal with depression and taking medication, but still lack motivation? I bet most of you all answered yes to the question. If so, why are doctors prescribing anti-depressants that only treat a serotonin problem?

When people have low dopamine or low serotonin levels, there are few simple signs to be aware of to help you diagnose the problem. If you are low serotonin, you would be craving carbs, dairy or even bananas. If you are low dopamine, then you tend to reach for stimulating foods such as coffee or chocolate. These only increase dopamine short term and should not be the go-to foods as then you will really get fatigued from stressing your adrenal glands.

If your problem is not with serotonin, but only a lack of dopamine, then you probably won't feel much anxiety. You probably also won't have trouble sleeping, but you will have trouble getting going in the morning. Note: if you over-increase your dopamine so that it's too high, you'll feel angry at things that wouldn't normally make you feel angry.

The type of depressive-feeling caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain is not really a lack of energy (you won't be high energy, just middle of the road), but rather an empty feeling that there isn't any comfort in the world that is possible for you and you would have feelings of fear. If it is only serotonin that is your insufficiency, and not dopamine, then you probably WILL have trouble sleeping.

On my TV show, The Dr. Ward Bond Show, I teach a lot about being motivated and full of energy. But so many people aren't motivated anymore and their energy levels are diminishing. With the poor choices voters made to fill the White House to the economy to the wars and rumors of wars, it’s no wonder people live in fear and get caught in a rut with worrying which zaps motivation and energy. We don’t need the ‘what’s the use’ mentality. We need something to get us going again. So stop watching the news!

Now, let’s talk nutrition. To increase dopamine levels naturally, an herb called Mucuna Pruriens is the best choice. The herb naturally contains L-dopa which the body will convert into dopamine in the brain and yes, it works very quickly. I prefer the brand of Mucuna by HerbalUltra.com which offers the highest grade of Mucuna on the market. One capsules a day is usually a great starting dose and for some, one capsule in the morning and one in the afternoon will help you. 

Food sources of dopamine increasing tyrosine include almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

Dopamine is easily oxidized. Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables may help protect dopamine-using neurons from free radical damage. Many healthcare professionals recommend supplementing with vitamins C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.

Foods such as sugar, saturated fats, cholesterol, and refined foods interfere with proper brain function and can cause low dopamine. Consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol should also be reduced because they can clog the arteries to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Caffeine must also be avoided by persons with depression. Caffeine is a stimulant which initially speeds up neurotransmission, raises the amount of serotonin, and temporarily elevates mood.

Why is dopamine so important?

Dopamine is often called "the happy neurotransmitter" because when we have plenty of dopamine we have :

• Feelings of pleasure
• Feelings of attachment/love
• Sense of altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others)
• Integration of thoughts and feelings

When we have Dopamine Deficiencies . . .

• Anhedonia (lack of pleasure)
• Lack of ability to feel love, sense attachment to another
• Lack of remorse about actions
• Distractibility

Now you see why dopamine is so important and this is just the short list! Dopamine is widespread in the brain as well as the rest of the nervous system. This neurotransmitter plays a critical role in the control of movement.

It has a stimulating effect on the heart, the circulation, the rate of metabolism, and is able to mobilize many of the body's energy reserves.

It helps to modulate brain activity, control coordination and movement, and regulate the flow of information to different areas of the brain.

A massive disturbances of dopamine regulation in the brain can result in a person no longer being able to respond emotionally or express his or her feelings in an appropriate way.

Always speak with a health professional about your depression. Depression isn't always a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can be caused by other factors such as life experiences, unforgiveness, bitterness, diet (too much sugar) and poor gut health (where your brain neurotransmitters are made). 
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Ward W. Bond, Ph.D.

hey men, are you feeling less of a man with low energy levels, loss of motivation, brain fog with the inability to make decisions, less physical strength, weight gain around the middle, higher cholesterol levels, cravings for sugar, and of course a loss of sexual desire and sexual function? Ladies, are you losing that loving feeling or energy when exercising?

Those are the signs of low testosterone levels. Many of you are asking me for help to help you improve your testosterone levels naturally. I've seen every herb that claims to improve testosterone naturally and many of them fail in doing so, but one works very well and I take it myself for general health and to keep feeling stronger and younger! The herb is called Long Jack or Tongkat Ali or simply known as LJ100. It really works, and I even take it at bedtime as the anti-aging effect of regeneration is very important while we sleep. 

LJ100® is the highest quality standardized Tongkat Ali extract. It is scientifically prepared for improving energy, physical endurance, sexual performance, and increasing stamina. This product has been patented by M.I.T. and the Government of Malaysia.

LJ100® has shown in human clinical trials - an ability to increase DHEA, increase free testosterone, and decrease Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). LJ100® also increase cGMP and cAMP. The bioactive Eurypeptides significantly boost sex drive and function, in both men and women, by increasing testosterone and inhibiting Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), so that freer testosterone remains in the blood.

An ability to increase DHEA, increase free testosterone, and decrease Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). LJ100® also increase cGMP and cAMP. The bioactive Eurypeptides significantly boost sex drive and function, in both men and women, by increasing testosterone and inhibiting Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), so that freer testosterone remains in the blood. This Testosterone Supplement additionally stems the aging process, improves energy and sexual function, and helps to reduce risk factors associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LJ100®

• Helps Boost Sexual Desire & Performance
• Sexual desire and successful intercourse increased for 62% of the participants, according to the Sexual Health
   Inventory Questionnaire - 
• As for PADAM scores (Partial Androgen Deficiency  Among Aging Men), 91% of the volunteers saw improvement in the quality of their sex lives
• DHEA levels increased 47%
• SHBG levels dropped by 66%
• Free testosterone soared by a 73%

Look at HerbalUltra.com for the highest quality of LJ100. 

Have you noticed when you listen, read or view the news today how many instances of tainted food is finding its way on the market? We hear about recall after recall. Ever notice that the recalls have to do with produce and not processed food?

How’s the function of your immune system at the moment? Do you feel you are protected enough that if you were to eat a particular food or come in contact with a bacteria, virus or fungus that your immune system will be up to the task to prevent you from getting sick? The only time of year we used to worry about was winter time, the season for colds and flu. Now, that season is twelve months a year and cold medicine is flying off the shelves daily. This is not the way it should be!

I am asked all the time, “What can I do to keep my immune system strong?”. My answer is four things. Yes, you can take Vitamin C, but we have to go beyond that today. I prefer to use Colostrum, Thymus Extracts, Monolaurin and Probiotics. All of these help to strengthen the immune system and provide a barrier to keep us from getting sick.
Colostrum is supposed to be our first food when we’re born. It is the food before breast milk and is only produced for 72 hours. So you’re thinking, I’m older and I can’t just go suck on my momma’s breast and get it. Colostrum is available in a supplement form to help you receive the immune factors you need. I take it daily and there are two reasons why I love colostrum. One, it helps to keep your small intestines healthy to provide a healthy barrier to separate the good from the bad. Many have a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome, which simply means you lack the thin, opaque protective barrier lining that coats your small intestine. Without it, you are open to autoimmune diseases like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and others. Secondly, Colostrum strengthens the thymus gland, the heart of your immune system so to speak. Having healthy T-cells and B-cells will give you the power you need to have a strong healthy immune system.

I mentioned Thymus extracts. I take Colostrum and Thymus extracts together because as we age, the thymus gland shrinks and lowers the strength of our immune system. The elderly get sick quicker and have a harder time fighting off illness because their thymus glands are small. Taking Colostrum and a Thymus extract will help to add weight and keep the thymus gland strong and healthy. Personally, I haven’t had the flu in over 18 years and never take a flu shot. I owe it to Colostrum and Thymus extracts to keep me healthy.

Monolaurin is a nutrient derived from coconut and is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal compound which also helps to enhance the function of the immune system. This one is something that everyone needs to add to their nutritional medicine cabinet due to all the of problems we are seeing on our food supply and who knows maybe protect us from antibiotic-resistant superbugs.

Monolaurin breaks down the protective protein coating around bacteria, viruses and fungi. This allows the immune system to effectively remove the offending particles and ward off what could have been a serious problem. Monolaurin is great for colds, flu, sinus, allergies, Lyme Disease, MRSA and others. Seriously, don’t ignore this important compound. Monolaurin has the same lauric acid property as mother’s breast milk so it has to be good! So remember, Colostrum, Thymus extracts and Monolaurin are the three steps to a healthier immune system.
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Last, but not not least is taking a daily probiotic. Your gut health determines the strength of your whole body, especially your immune system. Probiotics give you the healthy bacteria you need to digest food, convert it into B vitamins, and protect against a variety of age-related diseases. If you take antibiotics, birth control pills and eat a poor diet, your gut health is poor. Probiotics is considered the first line of defense as our gut is one large section of our immune system.
​Give all of these a try and you’ll be healthier than ever.