Do you crave carbohydrates all day long? Are you yearning for more sugars, starches or alcohol? It may be a symptom of "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or "S.A.D.", which kicks in around the Fall Season in areas where residents get less sunlight.
Or, perhaps you have been craving more carbohydrates since you lost your job, got a promotion, got engaged or moved to a new town. Whether the stress is a positive or a negative event, stress in and of itself will trigger a desire for carbohydrates to raise serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good hormone. When you feel "bad" (anxious, nervous, angry) it may be a symptom you actually need more!
The feeling of being stressed or agitated is your body's way of saying levels of serotonin are too low.
Keep in mind: carbohydrates do raise serotonin.
However, think: nutrient density- fresh fruit
- dried fruit
- 100% whole grains
- dried or canned beans
- vegetables
Throw a little protein into the mix to slow down the rate of absorption of the carbohydrates. Avoid overdosing on carbohydrates to manage the "glycemic load" on your bloodstream.
Keep in mind, too much serotonin will make you very sleepy and unproductive. You want to go through life feeling energetic, right? Eat small portions of carbohydrates with a source of protein to manage the glycemic response, subsequent glycemic load and to stabilize blood sugars!
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The goal is to manage blood sugars. Stabilizing blood sugars helps to prevent the development of triglycerides, protects your immune system and helps to manage inflammation. Yes, balancing your blood sugar is that important!
We are a nation on the run. We eat for any reason at all to ease our emotions. Have you been feeling just a bit desperate, anxious, nervous or perhaps moody? Do you reach for sugars, starches, sweetened drinks or alcohol when feeling on edge? Do you find yourself wanting to escape with a bag of chips, a plate of pasta, a cola, a beer, or a pocket-full of candies and cookies? Once again, craving carbohydrates is a symptom you need more serotonin, the "feel-good" brain hormone. When serotonin levels rise, cravings for carbohydrates do vanish.
Just keep in mind that you don't need carbohydrates to raise serotonin. Alternative strategies include:
- 15 minutes of sunshine
- a brisk walk
- a snack rich in tryptophan and Vitamin B-6 [soy, peanuts, dairy, turkey]
Now you can relax, knowing craving carbohydrates or alcohol when feeling anxious, nervous, depressed or even angry is perfectly NORMAL. You are not a serotonin junkie, after all! Your body and mind simply need a serotonin fix ...from time to time. In other words, carbohydrate cravings are a sign it is time to raise brain and gut levels of serotonin concentration.*
- *Unless, of course you suffer from CANDIDA, where the overgrown fungus in your body is craving carbohydrates to thrive. CANDIDA's excrements and waste products then break down your immune system. If that is your problem, then... well... that's a different article. Just do a search on Google or your favorite search engine for some immediate answers.
This is why it is important to ALWAYS stay aware of your body's instincts. Notice your emotional states. When you feel anxious, sad, depressed, emotional, and notice a craving stirring within ...a yen for something sweet, salty, crunchy or even alcoholic, this is your body's instinct and yearning for more serotonin. Nevertheless, you may find yourself in the grips of an old habit; Overdosing on refined carbohydrates when your body truly needs nutrient-dense carbohydrates ...or more sunshine ...or a walk.
Your old habit may be to overdose on sugars, starches, alcohol, or perhaps a mind-altering drugs like "ecstasy" to flood the brain with serotonin for a relaxing, euphoric feeling. The question is: how much serotonin do you really need to feel fabulous? The brain only requires a slow drip, not a tidal wave! Overdosing on serotonin causes sleepiness. You feel "out of it". Staying focused is impossible. Prevent fuzzy-headedness!!! Get the right dose of the right stuff!
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My next article will focus on ten strategies to balance blood sugars, manage serotonin response, and ease carbohydrate cravings. But, in the mean time, you can visit my web site: www.healthypeople.com and click on the "metabolic makeover" tab. That will bring you to my famous checklist: 11 habits of lean, healthy, energetic people!
I get phone calls from doctors who download it for their patients, authors who want to quote it... and plenty of comments from readers about the common sense of it... and that it works!!! AND, MY METABOLIC MAKEOVER CHECKLIST IS FREE. So, have fun with my it, find a support group to help you integrate it into your life and remember: it's okay to NOT do it perfectly. Imperfection is what life is about.
Life is also about appreciating "the good things" that come your way. So, pat your Self on the back every time you do something really nice for your Self... like... implementing a new habit from the metabolic makeover checklist to energize your life!!!
Being joyful is a symptom you are getting enough serotonin.
Are you feelin' it?
