Thought after reading an aritcle… if you are low carb or those doing keto:
Serotonin is an important chemical and neurotransmitter in the human body. It is believed to help regulate mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function. There may be a link between serotonin and depression.
www.healthline.com
Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are the quartet responsible for our happiness. Many events can trigger these neurotransmitters, but rather than being in the passenger seat, there are ways we can intentionally cause them to flow.Oct 20, 2014📷www.huffpost.com › entry › hacking-into-your-happy-c_b_6007660
The Main Difference Both dopamine and serotonin play a role in your sleep-wake cycle.
Dopamine can inhibit norepinephrine, causing you to feel more alert.
Serotonin is involved in wakefulness, sleep onset, and preventing REM sleep. It’s also required to produce melatonin.
How would you improve serotonin which makes into melatonin via tryptophan amino acid?
A small carbohydrate before bed or amino acids… or do you need a protein then carb as the article below but not close to bed to interfere with sleep?
Low melatonin is also a clue to gut dysfunction but if we want to improve melatonin levels at bed time -could we make sure dinner is more protein or supplement with aminos?
I was curious after watching the HPA Axis videos for DUTCH testing. I am so confused if people are trying to become fat burners and stabilize blood sugar levels if they should, or when they should, add some non-starchy carbs.
For women as well as men.I found this article…
Foods That Increase Serotonin: Tryptophan + Carbohydrates
FOODS THAT INCREASE SEROTONIN LEVELS IN THE BRAIN
To increase serotonin with foods, the best strategy involves eating proper carbohydrates, as well as foods containing the amino acid tryptophan. In order to properly synthesize serotonin, you need sufficient levels of carbohydrates. Tryptophan is only 1% of the amino acids in a standard protein diet and generally takes a backseat to other amino acids in terms of priority.Carbohydrates are responsible for helping drive tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier.
As insulin levels increase after carb consumption, cells soak up amino acids without tryptophan. This is because tryptophan binds to albumin, which allows it to remain unaffected by insulin. This increases the chances of tryptophan making its way across the blood-brain barrier and having an effect on the brain’s neurotransmitter levels.Prior to ingesting carbohydrates though, it is necessary to have already consumed sufficient tryptophan (usually from a protein source). Some sources suggest that there should be a definitive time lapse between tryptophan consumption and carbohydrate consumption.
Assuming you eat protein with tryptophan, followed by properly timed carbohydrates (after the tryptophan), and manage to avoid substances that inhibit serotonin production (e.g. excessive caffeine), you should (theoretically) be increasing serotonin levels in the brain via your diet.
https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/04/06/foods-that-increase-serotonin-tryptophan-carbohydrates/
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/foods-that-could-boost-your-serotonin
but do we need carbs? There are no essential carbohydrates -but we have essential fatty acids and essential amino acids.
if we need to stability our blood sugar and avoid energy swings- then have the nutrients (or ingredients) to make neurotransmitters…can’t we just eat protein and fats?
Eggs, cheese, salmon, nuts, seeds, turkey plus lifestyle habits as exercise, sunshine, positivity and gut bacteria were on the list as well to help make serotonin.
We can be low-carb, keto and carnivore and still make our neurotransmitters.
I have more research to conduct to learn about if carbs are needed for those with HPA Dysregulation…as carbs are not essential.
How much carbs, protein and fat do you need per day? Perhaps more if you are an athlete and look at the protein needs (amino acids) for female athletes (which phase of your cycle are you?).
Lots more to come in 2020!