Depression and serotonin levels in the brain

[Guest guest]

I read a good article on the importance of good serotonin levels and

wanted to share parts of it.

 

[Disclaimer - There are other physical and mental conditions that

contribute to depression. Please consult a health professional

regarding your condition. The following is for educational purposes

only.]

 

An unbalanced, insufficient diet, B-vitamin deficiency, B-12

deficiency, nighttime work schedule, lack of sunshine and exercise,

jet lag, and stress all do their share of depleting serotonin levels.

 

Vitamin B6 and typtophan (an amino acid) are necessary to the

production of serotonin in the brain. Reportedly, without B6,

serotonin levels plummet. Good raw sources of Vitamin B6 and

tryptophan are seeds, green leafies, and avocado.

 

The article also points out that a high protein diet will cause the

amino acids to compete to cross the blood brain barrier and less

tryptophan will get through, preventing serotonin production. A

complex carbohydrate diet lowers this competition, raising brain

tryptophan.

 

Additionally, folic acid deficiency causes serotonin levels in the

brain to sink. It is also found in green leafy vegetables.

 

Here in the Seattle area it is important that we get out and exercise

while enjoying the sunshine when it is out to keep up our serotonin

levels to help avoid depression. It is vitally important that right

choices in diet and exercise are made when slipping into depression

to help lift the body and mind out of it, rather than to make it

worse.

 

Ron Koenig

Bellevue