Win with your heart - not your head.

Nutrition & depression

I was asked to analyse data for a study on tryptophan depletion and social co-operation. It was concluded that depletion led to reductions in cooperation thus indicating the amino acid serotonin may play a role in social coperation. Whats interesting is tryptophan is found in most protein rich foods, however when eating carbohydrates insulin leads to lower plasma concentrations of the large neutral amino acids resulting in the uptake of tryptophan and thus converting to serotonin. High protein foods on the other hand have the opposite effect, increase plasma concentrations of LLNA and lead to lack of uptake of tryptophan and serotonin. This ties directly into people who are on SSRIs who may start craving carbohydrates to improve mood which eventually leads to weight gain, body issues, increased depression and lack of social cooperation (for instance not wanting to socialise or go out for meals). Therein nutrition and socialisation are the main elements in recovery for many people with depression yet serve as a paradox. Some thoughts on the issue involve dietary supplements such as omega three, since SSRis can hinder leptin – omega 3 may help counter this leaving enough leptin to regulate metabolism. chromium picolinate has also been linked to decrease weight loss in double blind controlled experiments.

Dr Freud would be so proud of me!

September 9, 2011 3:52pm