Overcome Addictions and Wrong Thinking

[Lafftur]

Hello everyone,

All of us are addicted to something.........it can be bad or it can be good. Ever ask yourself WHY am I so addicted to this?

I just got curious about "dopamine" and began googling. It appears that the natural chemical release of "dopamine" in our brains is part of the "addiction process."

There are actually 3 wonderful chemicals released in our brains - serotonin, endorphin, and dopamine. There are various foods and activities that help our bodies create and release these chemicals.

I found this website regarding dopamine:
https://helloendless.com/10-ways-to-increase-dopamine-to-boost-your-productivity/

Here's a little intro from the website:
Increase Dopamine = More Productivity
What’s dopamine? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that our brain produces to nudge us into doing stuff. It’s the main reason why we can focus and achieve great things even if the payout isn’t immediate or obvious.

And don’t worry, you can’t even take dopamine since it’s something your brain produces for itself. But what you can do is increase dopamine in your system to help you stay focused, productive and motivated.

Aside from being the ultimate motivator, having a constant supply of dopamine in your system has a few other fringe benefits:

• Helps you lose weight.
• Makes you feel more alive.
• Improves your memory.
• Stops self-destructive behavior including certain addictions.
• Counteracts depression.
• Lets you resist impulsive behavior.
• Helps you avoid Parkinson’s disease

If you want to be productive and get things done, here are a few ways to boost your dopamine levels...........

Let's make this coming year (2019) a BREAKTHROUGH year! Let's get "addicted" to good things, good habits, good thought processes, etc!

I look forward to all your posts! We can encourage one another to overcome any and all bad addictions!

I'm sure all of you have great insight regarding these 3 chemicals related to addiction and how to trade a bad addiction for a good one!

 

[Lafftur]

I am really intrigued with serotonin, endorphin and dopamine................

I think spending time with God such as, being thankful and not complaining, casting all my fears and worries on God in prayer and completely letting go of them, reading the Bible and seeking to understand what it says and being committed to doing what it says, being thoughtful of others, singing spiritual songs of praise to God, comforting others, etc. stirs up the gift of the Holy Spirit inside us and the Holy Spirit quickens our mortal bodies with serotonin, endorphin and dopamine................

What do you think?

 

[Lafftur]

So, serotonin, endorphin and dopamine..........there are foods and activities that can help our bodies produce and release these 3 wonderful chemical blessings in our bodies:

Got this from: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/foods-that-could-boost-your-serotonin?m=2#nuts
What is serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical messenger that’s believed to act as a mood stabilizer. It’s said to help produce healthy sleeping patterns as well as boost your mood. Studies show that serotonin levels can have an effect on mood and behavior, and the chemical is commonly linked to feeling good and living longer.

Supplements can increase your serotonin levels via the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan.

But for a more natural approach to possibly increasing your serotonin levels, you can try eating foods that contain tryptophan. It is known that tryptophan depletion is seen in those with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Research has also shown that when you follow a low-tryptophan diet, brain serotonin levels drop. However, research is ongoing to determine how much tryptophan-containing foods can affect serotonin levels in the brain.

Learn about seven foods that might help increase serotonin levels.

1. Eggs
2. Cheese
3. Pineapples
4. Tofu
5. Salmon
6. Nuts and Seeds
7. Turkey

Food and supplements aren’t the only ways to boost serotonin levels.

• Exercise. Research from the United Kingdom shows that regular exercise can have antidepressant effects.
• Sunshine. Light therapy is a common remedy for seasonal depression. Research shows a clear relationship between being exposed to bright light and serotonin levels. To get better sleep, or to boost your mood, try to work in a daily lunchtime walk outside.
• Positivity. Research shows that facing daily life and your interactions with others with a positive outlook can significantly boost your serotonin levels. As the Spice Girls once sang: “All you need is positivity!”
• Gut bacteria. Eat a high-fiber diet to fuel healthy gut bacteria, which new research shows play a role in serotonin levels through the gut-brain axis. Supplemental probiotics may also be of value.

Got this from: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/eat-yourself-happy-8-endorphin-122046656.html

Endorphins - like the body's other "happy hormones" (serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin) - are released into the bloodstream to elicit the feeling of euphoria, enhance pleasure, relieve stress, and reduce feelings of pain. Although no food products contain whole endorphins for easy consumption, several endorphin-stimulating foods boast high levels of the vitamins and minerals that play a large part in boosting your brain's production, like vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, and iron. If you're in need of that feel-good feeling, here are eight foods that'll encourage your brain's endorphin release:

1. Chocolate
2. Strawberries
3. Animal proteins
4. Oranges
5. Spicy foods
6. Grapes
7. Nuts and seeds
8. Ginseng

Dopamine foods and activities are very similar to serotonin and endorphin. Dopamine info can be found at:
https://helloendless.com/10-ways-to-increase-dopamine-to-boost-your-productivity/

 

[Lafftur]

It's interesting that all three (serotonin, endorphin and dopamine) do not mention the activity of "laughing." As I was wondering why I realized because laughing is probably a "side effect" of having good levels of these 3! LOL!

 

[Lafftur]

Actually, I just found this interesting statement about laughter.......

Got it from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-laughter-may-be-the-best-pain-medicine/

"When laughter is elicited, pain thresholds are significantly increased, whereas when subjects watched something that does not naturally elicit laughter, pain thresholds do not change (and are often lower)," the authors write in the paper. "These results can best be explained by the action of endorphins released by laughter."

So, apparently laughter may be involved in releasing endorphins that can "numb the pain."

I think laughing has so many benefits..........it is so important to have a good sense of humor and not be so serious all the time. True, there is a balance but, I do enjoy laughing very much!

 

[TabinRivCA]

Actually, I just found this interesting statement about laughter.......

Got it from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-laughter-may-be-the-best-pain-medicine/

"When laughter is elicited, pain thresholds are significantly increased, whereas when subjects watched something that does not naturally elicit laughter, pain thresholds do not change (and are often lower)," the authors write in the paper. "These results can best be explained by the action of endorphins released by laughter."

So, apparently laughter may be involved in releasing endorphins that can "numb the pain."

I think laughing has so many benefits..........it is so important to have a good sense of humor and not be so serious all the time. True, there is a balance but, I do enjoy laughing very much!

I was a smoker and also on speed bc of low thyroid which causes lack of energy. I finally got serious about it and asked God so sincerely to help me stop both. He did. I happened to hear on a talk show info on the product 'Kratom' derived from the coffee plant. It is natural and does help my energy level. Thx for all the info you gave on this topic.

 

[Lafftur]

I was a smoker and also on speed bc of low thyroid which causes lack of energy. I finally got serious about it and asked God so sincerely to help me stop both. He did. I happened to hear on a talk show info on the product 'Kratom' derived from the coffee plant. It is natural and does help my energy level. Thx for all the info you gave on this topic.

Very interesting! The article on dopamine said that caffeine can help increase the levels of dopamine. After reading about Kratom, I would be very careful. I just want some good food and good activities that help produce and release appropriate levels of serotonin, endorphin and dopamine in my body and brain.

So, this is what I learned about Kratom from:
https://www.centeronaddiction.org/the-buzz-blog/harmful-or-healing-what-kratom

From Southeast Asia to the States
Indigenous to Thailand and Southeast Asia, the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant – better known as kratom – have historically been consumed by farmers and rubber trappers seeking additional energy. It has also been used medicinally to manage pain, diarrhea, and coughing and recreationally to produce a euphoric high.

“Natural,” “mild and pleasant,” “a solution for opioid addiction;” these are a few of the ways the substance kratom has been described in the media. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long warned users about the “deadly risks” associated with consuming this herb, and just today issued a statement noting it should be treated no less seriously than other addictive opioids. So, what is kratom, why is it growing in popularity and what risks does it pose to users?

A Powerful Plant
Despite the speculative benefits, kratom use may result in a variety of adverse effects, just like those experienced with the use of other opioids, such as nausea, psychosis, seizures, depression, liver damage and even death. As a drug with opioid properties, Kratom activates the areas of the brain responsible for controlling pain, reward and addictive behaviors and, as such, is an addictive substance.

 

[TabinRivCA]

Very interesting! The article on dopamine said that caffeine can help increase the levels of dopamine. After reading about Kratom, I would be very careful. I just want some good food and good activities that help produce and release appropriate levels of serotonin, endorphin and dopamine in my body and brain.

So, this is what I learned about Kratom from:
https://www.centeronaddiction.org/the-buzz-blog/harmful-or-healing-what-kratom

From Southeast Asia to the States
Indigenous to Thailand and Southeast Asia, the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant – better known as kratom – have historically been consumed by farmers and rubber trappers seeking additional energy. It has also been used medicinally to manage pain, diarrhea, and coughing and recreationally to produce a euphoric high.

“Natural,” “mild and pleasant,” “a solution for opioid addiction;” these are a few of the ways the substance kratom has been described in the media. Yet, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long warned users about the “deadly risks” associated with consuming this herb, and just today issued a statement noting it should be treated no less seriously than other addictive opioids. So, what is kratom, why is it growing in popularity and what risks does it pose to users?

A Powerful Plant
Despite the speculative benefits, kratom use may result in a variety of adverse effects, just like those experienced with the use of other opioids, such as nausea, psychosis, seizures, depression, liver damage and even death. As a drug with opioid properties, Kratom activates the areas of the brain responsible for controlling pain, reward and addictive behaviors and, as such, is an addictive substance.

I appreciate your concerns but if you scroll down to the comment section on your link, so far, I have to side with these opinions. It is a mild lift and has not affected me badly but helps just enough to go along with my prayers that 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'. One point brought up is why does the FDA continue to allow alcohol and cigarettes to b promoted? Makes one wonder just a little. However, I will def pursue the healthy food lists you posted. God bless and thx.

 

[Nehemiah6]

I'm sure all of you have great insight regarding these 3 chemicals related to addiction and how to trade a bad addiction for a good one!

While there is no doubt that biochemistry is important, dealing with addictions and wrong thinking involves the spirit. And unless people have been born of the Spirit and subsequently filled with the Spirit, they cannot expect to overcome the flesh (the sin nature). The renewing of the mind is by the power of the Holy Spirit as we see below.

TITUS 3

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

 

[Lafftur]

I appreciate your concerns but if you scroll down to the comment section on your link, so far, I have to side with these opinions. It is a mild lift and has not affected me badly but helps just enough to go along with my prayers that 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'. One point brought up is why does the FDA continue to allow alcohol and cigarettes to b promoted? Makes one wonder just a little. However, I will def pursue the healthy food lists you posted. God bless and thx.

I just went back and read all the comments. They were very informative.

God did say that the leaves are for the healing of the nations. We just need to be careful. There are poisonous plants out there, too.

You seem very wise to me and well able to make excellent decisions. I just want to be well with good food and good activity. I believe there are natural herbs and foods out there that are good for us to be "addicted" to.

All my brothers suffered a lot with harmful drug addiction and I just don't like anything if it's not legal. Yet, I do understand how the government and big business can interfere with doing what is right for the people.

 

[Lafftur]

While there is no doubt that biochemistry is important, dealing with addictions and wrong thinking involves the spirit. And unless people have been born of the Spirit and subsequently filled with the Spirit, they cannot expect to overcome the flesh (the sin nature). The renewing of the mind is by the power of the Holy Spirit as we see below.

TITUS 3
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Yes! I agree we MUST have the Holy Spirit in us and operating, not quenched.

However, we are Body, Soul and Spirit. There are good foods and activities that produce the "addictive chemicals" of serotonin, endorphin and dopamine in us which can cause us to choose the good and refuse the evil. If I'm already satisfied with good food and good activities, then it helps me to say NO to the temptations of bad addictions.

I want to be in unison with the Holy Spirit with my Body, Soul and Spirit - on all 3 fronts.

 

[calibob]

Thank you so much for sharing. As I struggled through life with an early 20th century education I was in my 50's before I ever learned what Serotonin, dopamine's or endorphins were or that I lacked them. An addition I thought food was cooked in order to kill bacteria and the safest things to eat came wrapped in plastic from the refrigerated section of the supermarket and leaned towards alcohol and other drugs to make me feel normal not realizing that dependency upon sterilized, packaged, steamed and or boiled foods was contributing to my depression and making life more difficult with or without external influences that gave me the feelings of pleasure that others have naturally. 'B' vitamins and green vegetables on a daily basis (and I don't mean lettuce on a burger) seems to have helped tremendously. The daily desire to jump off of a bridge is now just a bad memory.

It takes more than sobriety and memorizing verses to achieve these results. In fact we have to humble our egos and throw ourselves to the mercy of Jesus to lead us through our own darkness and blind spots, in order for any real healing to occur. Of course I am not talking to everyone as 90% of the public don't feel eating a bullet for lunch very often but 10% of 300 million (US) is still a lot. Honesty, humility and Jesus are the most viable ways to get a grip on happiness, joy or self worth. Jesus proved we are worth something. Thank you; @Lafftur

 

[Lafftur]

Thank you so much for sharing. As I struggled through life with an early 20th century education I was in my 50's before I ever learned what Serotonin, dopamine's or endorphins were or that I lacked them. An addition I thought food was cooked in order to kill bacteria and the safest things to eat came wrapped in plastic from the refrigerated section of the supermarket and leaned towards alcohol and other drugs to make me feel normal not realizing that dependency upon sterilized, packaged, steamed and or boiled foods was contributing to my depression and making life more difficult with or without external influences that gave me the feelings of pleasure that others have naturally. 'B' vitamins and green vegetables on a daily basis (and I don't mean lettuce on a burger) seems to have helped tremendously. The daily desire to jump off of a bridge is now just a bad memory.

It takes more than sobriety and memorizing verses to achieve these results. In fact we have to humble our egos and throw ourselves to the mercy of Jesus to lead us through our own darkness and blind spots, in order for any real healing to occur. Of course I am not talking to everyone as 90% of the public don't feel eating a bullet for lunch very often but 10% of 300 million (US) is still a lot. Honesty, humility and Jesus are the most viable ways to get a grip on happiness, joy or self worth. Jesus proved we are worth something. Thank you; @Lafftur

You're welcome calibob! I'm actually in my 50's and just learned about serotonin, endorphin and dopamine, too! LOL! It was great news that certain foods can help us produce these VERY important chemicals in our brains and bodies.

Thank you, too for sharing your life experiences. I definitely agree with you about humility and Jesus being the most viable ways to get a grip on happiness, joy or self worth! God bless you!

 

[Lafftur]

Okay, I'm totally addicted to laughing and can't go very long without enjoying something funny! Look what I found.........

LOL!

Wooohoooo! I think I'm getting my daily dose of dopamine! LOL!

 

[Blik]

Isn't it amazing that science finds out God was correct after all? People laughed at not mixing fibers into the same cloth telling people that you should just leave what God creates alone as it is. Now, science is finding out that food that isn't basically changed in some way works best for us. Even eggs and meat is best when the animals live in a natural way and live and eat as God planned.

When we don't listen to scripture about monitoring our thought so we keep to Godly ones then the chemicals in our body don't respond in a good way, and they respond with health when we listen to scripture.

Today, when God tells us of His laws we ask God to explain Himself and tell us why He is asking us to obey. Imagine if a cattle rancher was told to sacrifice a prize steer to pay for his sins! A modern rancher would laugh at a God who would ask that. But before Christ gave His blood for our sins that is just what men did. Now we know why.

It would be as profitable for us to simply follow God instead of having to know why.