How Nutrition Effects Neurotransmitters
Most foods are made up of more than one nutrient and how those different nutrients interact will impact the production and release of neurotransmitters. The more or less of a certain food you eat the more or less a certain neurotransmitter is produced. Carbohydrates are for relaxation and anti-stress, trigger the release of insulin which clears out all amino acids out of the blood.
Tryptophan is an exemption and once in the brain it converts into serotonin, another neurotransmitter that has the effect of reducing pain, deceasing appetite, and producing a sense of calm, too much induces sleep. Dieters tend to become depressed 2 weeks into
a diet around the time serotonin levels decreased due to decreased carbohydrates.
Caffeine
Caffeine can do some good for mild cases of depression which don’t need medical attention. Caffeine is a psychostimulant that can increase wakefulness and motivation. After a good nights sleep, there is very little adenosine in the central nervous system. Adenosine slowly accumulates after sleep.
Adenosine activates adenosine receptors, which causes drowsiness and a lack of motivation and energy. Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors and blocks them, which prevents them from causing the normal cellular response that leads to a lack of energy and motivation.
Studies have also found coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. These acids can reduce the inflammation of nerve cells that takes place in the brains of people with depression. This may relieve some of the discomfort and distress that depression can bring, some of which occurs due to inflammation.
Protein boosts your alertness, one amino acid called tyrosine will increase dopamine, nor - epinephrine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters are known to increase levels of alertness and energy. Hi protein foods will give you a slight mental boost. Foods include fish, poultry, meat, and eggs. Alternatives that also contain carbohydrates are legumes, cheese, milk, and tofu.
Folic Acid is also important to counter depression. Folic acid deficiency causes serotonin levels in the brain to decrease. One cup of cooked spinach is high in Folic acid. Studies have shown a glass of orange juice is enough to relieve depression.
Oranges are rich in flavonoids that reduce your risk of depression due to the ability of the compounds ability to tackle neuro inflammation and neuronal cell death. Vitamin C is recognised as a mood-boosting supplement that also has antidepressant qualities. Studies have concluded that people with low levels of vitamin C, felt much more fatigued and depressed than those with higher
levels.
Our biology is definitely an important factor in determining our behaviour.
Have a great week!
Michael
michael@michaelmalacos.com
