Serotonin is generally considered a “good” neurochemical. Some have gone so far as to call it, somewhat wrongly, the happiness hormone.

Let’s take a look at some of the downsides of serotonin. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, it only illustrates some of the ways serotonin can be a drawback or even a detriment.

1. Lethargy

It is practically a linear function: when insulin is released, tryptophan is transported to the brain and serotonin is produced. The more insulin someone secretes, the more tryptophan reaches the brain and the more serotonin is synthesized.

Some people are sensitive to carbohydrates and secrete a lot of insulin when they consume certain carbohydrates. This is often related to genetics. That high insulin can lead to increased tryptophan transport and result in increased serotonin production.

Although serotonin induces relaxation, high levels of it can make us lethargic and lazy.

2. Hypertension

Serotonin is a vasoconstrictor, so it can contribute to high blood pressure. Again, it is part of the same linear function. To the extent that someone secretes high levels of insulin, that high level of insulin likely results in high levels of serotonin.

People who are young, who are not overweight, and who do not eat a high sodium diet may continue to have high blood pressure. And it can be diagnosed as “idiopathic” if the doctor is not considering factors such as genetic sensitivity to carbohydrates and the specific carbohydrate content of the diet.

3. Blocked resistance

We are quite used to hearing about the benefits of serotonin, for example that exercise triggers serotonin. However, for any athletic activity that involves endurance or high intensity exertion, elevated serotonin is not a good thing.

It produces fatigue and makes us want to stop training earlier. This effect has been demonstrated in both animals and athletes.

How to optimize your serotonin

• Eat protein with every meal. This will provide you with tryptophan for when you need and want serotonin. But it will also block serotonin and prevent too high levels of serotonin.

• Avoid “high insulin” triggers. Stay away from sugar and other unwanted carbohydrates, like white flour. Don’t combine “big insulin” carbs with saturated fats (like butter on potatoes or white bread). The combination leads to an even higher insulin release.

• Avoid starches alone. Manage the insulin / serotonin impact of your meals by eating protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, too.

• When eating starches, focus on healthy ones to prevent sugar cravings. Some examples are lentils, quinoa, squash, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and turnips.

Bottom line

Serotonin can be key to controlling mood, workouts, appetite, food preferences, blood pressure, sleep, and cravings. Remember that controlling serotonin can mean keeping levels low at times. Increasing serotonin and blocking it are under your control.

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