You might be surprised at the power of food and how it can influence our mood. In today’s article, we’re going to explore the types of foods that have been scientifically proven to lower serotonin levels – our feel-good hormone – and put us in a bad mood.
We’re going to uncover some exciting facts about serotonin synthesis and breakdown, as well as specific food tips that might help you balance your emotions so you don’t get stuck in an unpleasant depression. If you want to learn more about the science behind boosting your serotonin levels, read on!
How does serotonin affect our brain?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that affects our brain in several ways. It is most commonly associated with its role in regulating mood, although it has many other functions. Serotonin helps regulate sleep patterns, cognitive functions, sexual desire and appetite. It also plays an important role in regulating anxiety and depression, as it helps control the body’s response to stress.
Just as serotonin helps improve mental clarity and focus. In addition to helping regulate these biological functions, it also helps maintain strong social relationships by helping us feel good about ourselves and connecting with others. By binding to specific receptor sites in brain neurons, serotonin is able to initiate and inhibit the transmission of impulses in the nervous system. In this way, serotonin can help regulate many aspects of behavior, including emotionality and impulsivity.
Serotonin and a bad mood don’t mix!
It is well known that serotonin, an important neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a major role in regulating moods. When serotonin levels are low, it can result in decreased motivation, reduced pleasure response to activities, and increased anxiety or irritability. Therefore, low serotonin levels can lead to feelings of depression and low mood. In severe cases, such as depression or anxiety disorders, medications that increase serotonin production or absorption may be needed to restore balance and improve overall well-being. However, what few people know, their food choices can be the cause of their mood swings.
Foods that lower serotonin levels.
Refined carbohydrates:
Refined carbs, such as white bread, chips, and cookies, can cause blood sugar to spike. This spike causes excessive amounts of insulin to be released, which can lead to a rapid drop in serotonin levels. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates can also deplete the body’s stores of tryptophan, an amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin.
Fried foods:
Fried foods contain high levels of trans fats, which have been linked to decreased serotonin activity in the brain. Foods high in trans fats have been found to promote inflammation throughout the body and interfere with the proper absorption and utilization of other beneficial nutrients.
Alcoholic beverages :
Alcohol consumption inhibits the process of serotonin production by blocking certain enzymes responsible for its synthesis. Additionally, alcohol interferes with tryptophan metabolism, making it difficult for the brain to release and efficiently utilize serotonin.
Sugary drinks :
Sugary drinks like soda contain high amounts of fructose and glucose – two forms of sugar that can trigger fluctuations in serotonin levels. When these sugary drinks are consumed frequently on a regular basis, they can cause insulin resistance and reduce tryptophan uptake in muscle tissue. Two phenomena that lead to a decrease in the activity of serotonin in the brain.
Caffeinated drinks:
Caffeine stimulates neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine – two substances that inhibit the production and release of serotonin. The effects are particularly marked when caffeine consumption is high or frequent; even moderate consumption has been shown to lower overall serotonin levels in some people.
Processed meats:
Processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, deli meats, etc., contain high amounts of preservatives like nitrites and nitrates, which have been linked to reduced serotonin activity levels in the brain due to their ability to stimulate inflammatory responses throughout the body that interfere with neurotransmitter function.
Artificial sweeteners:
Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame are known for their ability to disrupt normal metabolic processes involved in digestion by suppressing populations of healthy gut bacteria that contribute to normal mood regulation through increased production and absorption. of serotonin in the bloodstream.
