Carbohydrates also raise Serotonin levels and enhance mood. This is why, when stressed or upset, people often crave carbohydrates, particularly sugar, and this explains why individuals abstaining from alcohol, nicotine, or narcotics frequently eat foods high in sugar.

Studies have found that the majority of individuals who are obese, particularly females, also crave carbohydrates. In addition, carbohydrate craving among the obese is known to be associated with depression and reduced levels of Serotonin. The obese may be eating or overeating carbohydrates in an effort to improve mood, at least temporarily, by raising levels of Serotonin.

When you eat a food high in carbohydrates, your body releases insulin. Insulin helps to clear the competing amino acids from your blood. However, insulin has no effect on tryptophan. Consequently, once insulin has cleared the competing amino acids from your blood, tryptophan is free to enter your brain.

The link between Serotonin and sleep is one reason why some people feel tired after eating a high-carbohydrate meal containing potatoes, bread, or pasta. It also explains why foods high in carbohydrate are described as "comfort" food.

If you have ever wondered why dieting affects your mood, low Serotonin levels could be the explanation.

Confirming the findings of other studies, researchers from Boston's Beth Israel Hospital have shown that tryptophan levels can drop significantly after just four weeks on a low-calorie diet. This has the effect of reducing Serotonin levels. The resulting mood swings and carbohydrate cravings are one reason why binge eating interferes with the attempts of many people to stick to their diets.

Despite a similar drop in weight, the decline in tryptophan was greater in women over men. In other words, females appear to be more vulnerable than males to a diet-induced reduction in Serotonin levels. This could be because estrogen levels are higher in women than men, which can increase the number of Serotonin receptors in the brain.

For immediate response, please call toll-free: 877-737-6345