Page 21 - Winter2019

DOPAMINE BALANCE—BROTH TO THE RESCUE

Dopamine is an important “feel-good” neurotransmitter. In well-adjusted individuals, two types of dopamine—
tonic and phasic—work together in balance to provide both stability (tonic) and flexibility (phasic) to our mental
processes. In addition to the arachidonic acid and vitamins A and D required for the production of dopamine, we
need various nutrients for the activation and balance of its tonic and phasic forms.

Alcohol disrupts the delicate dopamine balance. In the long run, heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to
overproduction of tonic dopamine, resulting in an even greater need for alcohol to achieve a calming effect and a
temporary lift in mood. In other words, the increase in tonic dopamine levels leads to cravings for alcohol to restore
production of phasic dopamine.
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The process of methylation is involved in the activation of tonic dopamine. A methyl group is simply one car-
bon attached to three hydrogens (CH ); this tiny molecule can act as a switch, turning chemicals on or off in the
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body. The methylation of dopamine results in the production of tonic dopamine, which provides mental stability.
However, too much methylation can cause a higher level of tonic dopamine than required, leading to a state of
distractibility and hyperarousal. Hypermethylating individuals often tend to be highly creative and energetic, but
also display symptoms that may include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), sleep disorders, restlessness, histamine intolerance, sensitivity to environmental toxins and schizophrenia.
The flexibility supported by phasic dopamine allows us to deal with difficult situations with patience and calm, but
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hypermethylation blocks the production of phasic dopamine.
Because the amino acid methionine and animal-food vitamins B and B are required for dopamine methylation,
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practitioners may advise those suffering from symptoms of hypermethylation to switch to a plant-based diet—even
though many plant foods, especially legumes, also contain methionine. While a meatless diet may help temporarily,
it can lead to deficiencies in the long run and even symptoms of undermethylation, including pathological inflex-
ibility and brittle mental states.

The key in helping alcoholics restore balance between the tonic and phasic dopamine systems is the amino
acid glycine, which blocks hypermethylation. Although pharmaceutical companies have proposed a number of
drugs to dampen down hypermethylation, why not just use bone broth, our best food-based source of glycine?
Those treading the difficult path of alcoholism recovery will find a true friend in bone broth, known for its calming
effect. A cup of warm bone broth (seasoned with unrefined salt) should accompany every meal—especially meals
containing meat—or serve as an ingredient in gravies and sauces.

Tonic Phasic
Dopamine Dopamine Stability,
Flexibility:

Mental

Health

Balanced
Methylation

WINTER 2019 Wise Traditions 19