Want more confidence, take more Dopamine. Yea, if only it were that simple. Take a pill, feel better, that sounds good. Too good to be true. Is there any truth to it, I don't know, but I've been reading some things that make me think its worth looking into.

Here's some semi technical information that makes me ask some questions and offers suggestions for diet supplements.

Over at about.com they offer three natural ideas for increasing Dopamine in your brain, I like em myself, especially the tea.

It appears that you can get too much Dopamine as well and that does some crazy things; read the above links again for all the info.

This article describes the spectrum of balance and imbalance and the results of imbalance.

Anyhow, that's enough science/theory to last for a while. BTW, check with a doctor before you take crazy advice about stuff like this. I'm a preacher, not a doctor. I get some healing in, you bet, but there is so much conflicting information in the health field today, that it feels like a giant crossfire and you hate to get caught in it.

So what about Christmas? Well it's simple,(if it's true). There are suggestions that thinking about and anticipating good things and good surprises can raise the Dopamine levels in your brain. Just get me started on thinking about a trip to the mountains and I am sure my brain immediately starts feeling a rise. It's kind of a good reward, good brain chemistry thing. It is also believed that you are willing to take more personal risks when you are in balance. I don't mean seeing if you can fly or anything like that, I mean trying new things, making investments, getting back into the game so to speak. Low Dopamine levels seem to inhibit risk taking and confidence. So for some folks, Christmas may actually feel like a reward. That's the theory anyway. For others, it is actually depressing.

Dr. Nedley, an internist shares some basic information about the relationship between Dopamine and addictions here.

I've heard Dr. Nedley speak and he specializes in depression, at least that's what I've seen from him. I think he is pretty high on flax seed, literally and figuratively. Anyhow, he's probably on to something with the Omega 3 fats that we need in our body and brain. Seems like they affect a good balance of Dopamine as well.

So this seems like a crazy post by now, I guess if you are interested in better brain health, then you can check this stuff out for yourself. I take flax seed oil and try to eat some other healthy items to give me good brain chemistry, but I try not to overdue it either. I'm a fan of moderation. But I know this Christmas, while I'm enjoying the holiday, some will be fighting with depression and a fear of facing the future with confidence. I hope the rest of the holidays are better for them. Good health and good eating might make a big difference. May good health be under your tree this Christmas.