Serontonin Diet: Food That Gives You a Lift - questionable theory

[Guest guest]

Without trying to belittle your useful contribution, I would comment

that the serotonin deficiency theory of depression has many holes in

it. The ads for SSRIs greatly oversimplify the relationship between

serotonin and depression. Below are some counterarguments (I can

provide all the relevant scientific references if someone needs them):

 

1) drugs that REDUCE the extracellular level of serotonin in the

brain, namely, selective serotonin reuptake ENHANCERS, such as

tianeptine (brand name Stablon) have been shown to be as effective as

SSRIs in the treatment of depression. Both types of drugs are

significantly better than placebo.

 

2) SSRIs do not have an instant effect on mood, despite raising the

extracellular level of serotonin within 30 minutes. Depressed

patients typically show improved mood only after 2 or 3 weeks of

daily administration of SSRIs. Serotonin-releasing agents (another

type of drugs that increase extracellular level of serotonin in the

brain) such as diet pill d-fenfluramin, do not have a positive effect

on mood, and some of their side effects are nausea, fatigue and

DISPHORIA not euphoria. This shows that serotonin by itself has no

direct positive role in stimulating good mood in humans. The

beneficial effect of SSRIs is most likely indirect and related to

some other systems such as dopaminergic neurons.

 

3) while initial studies 30-40 years ago suggested that depression

may be associated with lowered levels of serotonin in the brain,

later wider studies have failed to confirm this and at this point

there is no consistent connection between the level serotonin in the

brain (usually measured in cerebrospinal fluid) and depression.

 

4) exposure to heat typically raises the level of serotonin in the

brain and in the blood, but it DEPRESSES mood, not improves it.

 

5) exposure to cold temporarily reduces the level of serotonin in the

brain and several studies have shown that a brief cooling elevates

mood in humans instantly, contrary to what the serotonin deficiency

theory would predict.

 

Craig

 

 

, Jennifer Joyce

<spreadwingsdove wrote:

>

> Serotonin Diet: Food That Gives You a Lift by Annie B. Bond Apr

22, 2008

>

>

> Adapted from Super Healing: The Clinically Proven Plan to Maximize

Recovery From Illness or Injury by Julie K. Silver, MD (Rodale, 2007).

>

> Serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in our bodies, has a

significant effect on mood and appetite. Most of the antidepressant

medications prescribed today work by raising serotonin levels in the

brain. Some foods are really rich in serotonin, and can raise your

spirits.

> Some people may be better off using prescription antidepressants,

but diet can help mood problems. There are significant links between

what we put in our bodies and how we feel emotionally. For example, a

diet that's very rich in tryptophan and tyrosine boost serotonin

because they are large chain amino acids that are precursors to

serotonin.

> Below are foods that may help raise serotonin levels in your

brain. However, if you are depressed, anxious or very stressed, make

a point of talking with your doctor about how you're feeling.

> High Serotonin Concentration

> Bananas

> Kiwis

> Pineapples

> Plantains

> Plums

> Tomatoes

> Moderate Serotonin Concentration

> Avocados

> Black Olives

> Broccoli

> Cantaloupes

> Cauliflower

> Dates

> Eggplants

> Figs

> Grapefruits

> Honeydew melons

> Spinach "

>

> source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/food-that-gives-you-a-

lift.html

>

> ___end of forwarded message__

>

>

> minimalisticliving/

>

> " in my dreams, your dreams come true.... "

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