I know you'd groove on this book.

It doesn't matter what anyone's "problem" is... the basics covered in this book appear to me to be able to help Gluten intolerant, or diabetics or anyone.

It basically explains how the hunger/satiety reflex is driven, and how to balance carbs and proteins at certain times to facilitate neurotransmitter synthesis.

It explains the serotonin/carb cycle very well. And others.

And of course it is simply presented and easy to understand...which is really important, because the subject matter is complex and confusing!

packed into one small 'capsule'?
I got onto the 5-HTP stuffs because I was becoming estrogen deprived [due to my going off HRT, having BC and subsequent surgeries, then going on an Aramotase Inhibitor - Arimidex...At the time I started on the AI...A family member died and I had all these hormones blocked and that old STRESS factor was super high...My local vitamin shop has a very knowledgeable former RN, Midwife, and background in something like physiological biology and suggested I try the HTP...Reading and comparing the s/e's from that and what the ocon had prescribed [effexor] I went with the former rather than the latter... I believe that if a person has any sorts of heart issues, it'd be a devil you know vs. not issue...I chose the pseudo herbal route, as I knew Effexor had NOT been tested with any of my other medications and Upon calling each med company I got more and more red flags...
I usually do not take well at ALL to any Serontonin meds...this one, I guess because it's gone thru one stage of 'processing'? I Tolerated far better than when I'd tried the Carnitines...Those made my heart RACE, the HTP only on occasion...
I have to say that the HTP is kind of well, 'inert' and that is delightful? I've weaned myself off of it, [due to availability] and I do find myself more well, 'edgy'. Side effects? the racy heart, rare but disturbing, and lots of sleepiness! But other Serotonin meds really put me into outer space and maybe on another planet....so what s/e's I've encountered are pretty 'tame'?
Coming off the stuff? I have to say that in some aspects, my overall issues are improved [vascular in particular?-I'm sweating!?] but that 'edginess' affects/effects all that I say and do.
I'm beginning to find it hard to get 5HTP anywhere - I'd ordered it on-line and that one thing wasn't even listed as 'ordered'. It's not in the stores either...I'm beginning to shop around and on the verge of getting what's available...for the future 'just' in case scenario...My three cravings are purely diet/metabolism wise...they are CARBS, RED MEAT and to a lesser degree sugars...I am and have not had any diagnostician counter my borderline -hypoglycemic diagnosis of over 30+ years ago. Honestly I don't think anyone in the medical profession even considers it. Scary thoughts ..
Kimmie Dawn...being a glutton for carbs on occasions...and at times only very particular and specific kinds of carbs? maybe you should look at what all else in in those breads? Like yeasts, milks,bicarbonates...certain fats...whatever...Those that satisfy YOU the quickest must have something 'essential' to your needs in them/it? It IS a frustrating process of either 'eliminations' or 'inclusions' But the sooner you KNOW, the happier you will be overall...I mean, it's truly worth the shot! Give it a month or so and then find out what you can live with and without...[my down fall currently are 'Bisquick' biscuits -theres something sweet/salty/yeasty in them that is IT!- for that food-itch]
Mrs D - good site to read again.. Kimmie Dawn - Honestly, we learn best from our mistakes...Wish it were simpler?

HEAPS AND HEAPS OF 's to you all! - j

Thank you so much for the reference, MrsD.

Thanks everyone for sharing as well.

Kim, I find it particularly interesting what you've said about the spasms, headaches, etc. I've used caffiene to ward off my vascular headaches and still get the aura of a migraine without the migraine. Very interesting indeed.

I MUST get on omega3 soon. Can anyone recommend a brand (there's so many)? I'm concerned about the brand or type? Also, I'm peri-menopausal and I think that's increasing this drive for carbs. I've read good an bad about the black cohosh. Any suggestions there?

Thank you!

KD

And I think it is different for each woman.

I didn't have many night sweats...but I did have terrible time sleeping for a while.

Some women have the sweating very badly. I think these women probably have the highest estrogen levels to begin with.

To help reduce sweating... there are triggers and you need to ID them for yourself. For me for example, caffeine and sugar are main ones.
I choose specific fabrics now for sleeping. I choose those that breathe, and do not trap air under them. Gone is flannel and sweat shirt fabric for me.
Instead I use cotton, and that with a waffle weave. I also gave up the top sheet. I get way too hot under one of those. I wear cotton loose long pants to bed now. I have a cotton blend thin comforter for cold times. And yes, even sleeping in the buff....LOL esp on top where it seems a sweat begins!

I have never used hormones and now I am well past menopause. And I do think attention to the Omegas is very important, and for menopause I'd add evening primrose too. The sweating is a vasomotor response, and essential fatty acids help with circulation. I don't need the primrose anymore, but I used to take it with the flax and fish oil.

Now there are many foods with good fats added.
The Smart Balance peanut butter has a gram (equal to one capsule) of flax oil in each tablespoon. There are omega 3 eggs, Smart Balance Mayo and for butter subsititutes..Smart Balance and Olivio. So one can get a good amount in food now. They all taste fine.
B6 and magnesium are needed to metabolize fats properly.
Also B12 is critical as we age, and anyone with neuro issues should take it "just because" 9 cents a day is a very small price to pay for a very complex and needed substance.

I have mixed feelings about cohosh. I think it is a strong estrogen mimic. I didn't like it myself. But I know women who liked it and used it. You'll just have to try it to see.

Alot can be done with food choices and some supplements. I believe that can take the edge of much of menopause.

Food and Mood: Is There a Connection?
by Robin Brett Parnes, MS, MPH


Whether eating certain foods affects your mood or there’s a physiologic basis for cravings remains controversial. Some experts believe you choose particular foods for a reason and that eating those foods can change how you’re feeling. Others contend that cravings are simply about the desire to feel good and it is only by leading a healthful lifestyle, and not by eating specific foods that, in general, will you be in a better mood. Here’s what the latest research shows.

Can The Foods You Eat Affect Your Mood?
It is clear that the nutrients we obtain from food enable us to function. But because it is difficult to quantify and measure people’s behavior and feelings in response to specific nutrients, researchers are not sure what effects different nutrients might have on our brains.

Carbohydrates (like bread and pasta) and proteins which contain the amino acid tryptophan (like milk and turkey) are thought to have a calming effect because they stimulate the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in a large number of body functions, including sleep, appetite, learning, hormonal secretions, and immune activity. But, experts argue, the effect these foods have is small, particularly in comparison to the potent drugs that enhance serotonin function in the brain. What science does indicate is that a carbohydrate meal in its simplest form, such as a baked potato or a piece of bread, can have a mild sedative effect on people.

The amino acid tyrosine, on the other hand, may in fact alter mood by improving cognition and performance. Tyrosine is found in protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, and nuts, as well as meat, fish, and dairy products. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline), which affect brain cells by making you alert and getting you going.

As for why you feel drowsy after Thanksgiving dinner or other such meals, it’s because consuming a lot of calories (of any kind) has a hypnotic effect. Less blood (and therefore, less oxygen) reaches the brain as more blood flows to your stomach and intestines (to aid in digestion).

And, what about fat? Some experts think eating fat releases morphine-like chemicals called endorphins that induce a sense of euphoria. However, the extent to which any differences in behavior or cognition occur with different types of fat from your diet remains a topic of debate.

Cravings: What Do They Mean?
Food cravings, or the strong desire to eat certain foods, are both normal and common. While they vary by culture and individual, generally women tend to crave chocolate, cookies, ice cream, and other sweets, while men prefer salty or meat treats like chips, burgers, french fries, or pizza.

According to some studies, there is a physiologic (versus psychological) basis for cravings. Scientists aren’t sure why, but the fact that women report intense cravings during pre-menstruation suggests that hormones may play a role. Negative feelings, researchers also say, may be relieved by certain foods. Still others argue that having low blood sugar or a nutritional deficiency explains cravings. In addition, some researchers suggest that we are hardwired to seek calorie-dense foods as a survival mechanism (that is, our affinity for high calorie foods comes from an instinct inherited from our ancestors, who needed to store fat so that when food became scarce, they had their bodily stores to live off of).

But, as mentioned above, it is not clear that eating certain foods will improve mood. Also, thoughts and attitudes related to food are influenced not just by the urge to eat certain foods but by many other factors, such as feelings about relationships or work. And, it doesn’t follow that cravings stem from nutritional deficiencies. For example, while chocolate may be a good source of magnesium (a mineral of which many Americans do not consume the recommended daily amounts), other foods like avocados and spinach are better sources and you don’t tend to hear about people craving these foods. Moreover, some self-reported chocolate addicts feel not just pleasure, but guilt after eating chocolate. And of course, some people experience no cravings as all.

To control cravings, don’t deny yourself the foods you wish to eat. Remember, all foods eaten in moderation can fit into a healthful diet.

The Bottom Line
Foods can affect the way we feel, but many factors beyond nutrition play a role in mood. Thus, there’s no need to focus on one type of food versus another. In fact, at most meals, you probably eat a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and fat anyway. And, regardless of how one type of food can affect your mood, chances are if you eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising, you’ll feel better.

RESOURCES:

American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org

Nutrition Navigator
http://navigator.tufts.edu

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org


This came from Beliefnet

Hey

I've got some catching up to do on all this. You all are way ahead of the game on this.

BTW, I love the carb balls, Kimmy. I did that too.

Mrs. D....
The learned response from childhood may have something to do with "hypervigilance." It is almost a form of PTSD. If you google it...you will read much info. Some of the writings (even quotes) of Vicktor Frankel can be helpful.

BTW, are we talking about the Food & Mood book again? I reaaaallly like that book as well. A keeper!

Can you be much more specific about the primrose...the night sweats are a big concern over here! HELP!

thanks.

I've read one of Viktor Frankl's books. He lived in Michigan near me for a while. I think it is the same person! Holocaust counselor and all?

I was always taken with a quote from the book I read...
He stated that he believed that humanity would have never progressed had it not been for alcohol! I was amazed at that one!

Hmmm..if you are right...a concern for sure. Progressed????

Well, my guess is that it (the quote) could be about any number of things. Coming to my mind first and foremost is the notion that great and positive changes often don't occur in our world w/o great courage/bravado. Isn't that what your quote at the bottom of your post (is it still there???) is all about? Who is it that said that science only "progesses" funeral by funeral????


He talks about making a choice between stimulus and response. Now, sometimes biology gets in the way. This is why we have supplements and medication.

However, there are cognitive things that can be done that make a huge difference as well.

Here is a Frankl quote that I like:

"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. "

yes, alcohol is a social lubricant, and pain reliever. For most of humanity's history, pain, and strife were very high and mortality also. The use of alcohol in a non-abusive way, enabled people to find some comfort during the pain/strife, improving survival.
I agree it is a bold statement, but it does make sense.

In some cultures today wine remains a huge part of their daily routine (France/Spain are examples). Even children drink wine in France!