A fellow blogger Inny wrote a recent post with many great resources listed that explain why we have cravings, and how serotonin is related.
I need to take the time and find the exact source for the following research. All I know is that in the 1970’s MIT did a lot of research with rats in relation to serotonin. In one study they had two groups of rats, and with out changing their caloric intake took out the carbs from one group and replaced them with more vegetables, fat, and protein. After some period of time they gave both groups of rats three plates of food. One plate had only carbs on it. The group of rats that had been deprived carbs immediately went to the carbs and basically had a rat version of binge eating, while the other rats just ate a little from each plate.
Something likes that at least. That explains why dieters on a low carb diet do fine as long as they never go off the diet. So, what is a healthy recommendation of carbs? I know it has to be different depending on each individual, their lifestyle, the rest of their diet, and possibly their genetics. I have so many questions and not enough time toooo…. ok no excuses. I can make time. I’m going to start getting some answers, apply them, and share it all.
For now check out this post for a lot of great facts, related links and resources. “On carbs, serotonin and why we binge” by Inny
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:44 am
Thanks for the referral! I think this is the source you’re looking for:
http://web.mit.edu/dick/www/pdf/507.pdf
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Awesome!!! Thank you so much. When I first added more carbs back in my diet it was definitely a binge, but man did I ever have a serotonin high. It’s leveled out significantly for now.
I love having the cold hard facts right in front of me. Now I just need to apply it. My time is limited to 30min a day max on the computer right now (kids). I’m debating getting a laptop to make it so I can get more reading and research done while the kids play. Thanks for all of the great info.