Norepinephrine or noradrenaline Multiple roles Affects parts of the brain, such as where attention and responses are controlled Triggers fight-or-flight response (increasing heart rate, triggering the release of glucose from energy stores, and increasing blood flow to skeletal muscle)

Dietary Source Found in proteins such as meat, nuts, and eggs. The synthesis of norepinephrine depends on the presence of tyrosine, an amino acid found in proteins such as meat, nuts, and eggs.

Serotonin Well-known contributor to feelings of well-being In response to the perceived abundance or scarcity of resources, the animal's growth, reproduction or mood may be elevated or lowered. 3

Dietary Source Found in pineapple, banana, kiwifruit, plums, and tomatoes.

Dopamine Associated with the reward system of the brain. Dopamine has many functions in the brain, voluntary movement, motivation, sleep, mood, attention, working memory, and learning. Dopamine is commonly associated with the reward system of the brain, providing feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate a person proactively to perform certain activities. Dopamine has many functions in the brain, including important roles in behavior and cognition, voluntary movement, motivation, punishment and reward, sleep, mood, attention, working memory, and learning.

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

Is water important to the brain? For optimal brain function, it is important to drink sufficient quantities of water. When your dehydrated, your nerve cells can’t operate efficiently and your brain function is diminished. http://www.learninginfo.org/healthy-brain-food.htm

When are they active? Work with your team to fill in column 1 of LAB10

Physical Activity All three Dopamine (Motivation/Drive) Serotonin (Mood) Norepinephrine (Energy, Concentration)

What does exercise do? Exercise exerts its effects on the brain through several mechanisms, including neurogenesis, mood enhancement, and endorphin release.

What is neurogenesis? Neurogenesis is the production of new neurons. However “mice bred to over exercise actually showed an inability to learn. High runners tend to “max out” in the production of neurotransmitters, and that may be what prevents learning.” “The new neurons are created in the hippocampus, the center of learning and memory in the brain.”

How does exercise affect mood? Physically active people recover from mild depression more quickly. Depression is related to LOW levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

How does exercise affect mood? Exercise increases concentrations of these neurotransmitters. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins within approximately 30 minutes from the start of activity.

Can exercise be addicting? Exercise is generally non-habit forming, “despite effects on the reward centers of the brain that mimic those of highly addictive drugs like morphine. It seems strange that an activity as beneficial as exercise, with a built-in mechanism for addiction, is so easy to give up.