Hey, I found this wonderful article (part of a term paper it looks like) that gives some awesome information about how proteins and sugars play a big part in how our mood is, our anxiety levels, physical reactions, etc. Here is a valuable part, but read the entire thing if you have time:
"As mentioned before, raising the amount of mood neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can alleviate depression. These monoamines can be raised by eating certain types of food that contain tryptophan and tyrosine, or the precursor amino acids to those monoamines. Eating foods rich in protein can increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine. The body converts protein into amino acid tyrosine, which is further converted into dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin can also be increased by eating foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates increases blood levels of amino acid tryptophan that acts as a precursor to serotonin. Within minutes of eating a carbohydrate food, one experiences significantly increased levels of serotonin. However, not all the sources of carbohydrates are good for maintaining the optimal serotonin level. There are two types of carbohydrates : complex and refined. Complex carbohydrates are sugar molecules that are bound together in fiber and they must be digested in the small intestine in order to release the sugar into the blood. Consequently, because of the long process of digestion, sugars are released into the bloodstream steadily and slowly. Therefore, complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits, tend to provide a long-lasting flow of tryptophan to the blood and brain, and in turn, keeps the constant high level of serotonin. On the other hand, there are refined carbohydrates which are simple sugars that have been stripped of their fiber and nutrition during food processing. They enter the blood stream directly from the mouth without the long process of digestion. Consequently, the blood sugar rises instantly, causing an initial burst of tryptophan and serotonin. However, the body burns these simple sugar rapidly as quickly as it absorbs it, causing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Once the sugar levels drop, the serotonin levels also fall, meaning that habitual sugar consumption can actually contribute to depression. (Robertson, 1997) These simple carbohydrates can be found in the food such as doughnuts, cakes, candy, sodas. It is best to avoid them whenever possible."
Here is the entire paper:
http://sulcus.berkeley.edu/mcb/165_0...cripts/_9.html
Personally, I think this information is very interesting and definitely something to consider if you are struggling with ongoing depression, anxiety, mood swings, etc.
Great online resource regarding food and the reactions in our brains
