RC: Carbo Collaboration

[Roberta Jo Lieberman <woik@home.com>]

Beth Glace wrote:
<<<Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel sleepy and tired. 
So, one possible effect of carbs during exercise, aside from the well
known benefit of providing substrate, may be to help the athlete remain
mentally sharp and easier to motivate.>>

Not enough serotonin makes us sleepy and tired, that is...right?

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that helps people feel focused,
creative, optimistic and in control of their impulses....Low serotonin
levels make you feel depressed, impulsive, scattered, reactive and
craving carbohydrates.

Serotonin is made from tryptophan, an amino acid that comes from
protein. Simple carbs move the tryptophan into the brain where it can be
used to make serotonin. So in people anyway, snacking on a carb can
raise the level of serotonin in your brain *if* you've eaten enough
protein first to get the tryptophan into your bloodstream. 

Source: Kathleen DesMaisons, PhD (addictive nutrition), author of
Potatoes Not Prozac (Simon & Schuster, 1998). 

Regards,
Bobbie (Central Fatigue? I know that one!)
and April (I'll eat anything...)


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