Dietary Fats and Brain Function:
Haag, M.
Essential fatty acids and the brain. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2003 Apr; 48(3): 195-203.
The ratio of brain cell membrane omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids can be modulated by dietary intake of fats. The omega-3/omega-6 ratio determines serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission, processes that influence normal brain function.
Stress and Neurotransmitters:
Markus, R et al.
Effects of food on cortisol and mood in vulnerable subjects under controllable and uncontrollable stress. Physiololgy of Behavior 2000 Aug-Sep; 70(3-4): 333-42.
The results of this study identified that in stress-prone subjects, eating high carbohydrate-low protein foods increased serotonin levels and improved depressed moods.
Depression, Mood, Weight Gain and Neurotransmitters:
Wurtman, JJ.
Depression and weight gain: the serotonin connection.
Journal of Affective Disorders 1993 Oct-Nov; 29(2-3): 183-92.
The inability to control food intake and inability to continue on an exercise regimen accounts for repetitive episodes of weight gain. Many individuals who fail to maintain a normal weight may be susceptible to daily, monthly or seasonal disturbances in mood. These mood changes result in an excessive intake of carbohydrate-rich foods and a resistance to engaging in physical activity. Brain serotonin appears to be involved in these disturbances of mood and appetite. Recent studies have shown that dietary and pharmacological interventions that increase serotoninergic activity normalize food intake and diminish depressed mood. Preventing recurrent weight gain may require periodic or sustained support of serotonin.
Meyers, S.
Use of Neurotransmitter Precursors for Treatment of Depression.
Alternative Medical Review 2000 Feb; 5(1): 64-71.
Insufficient activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine/norepinephrine is a central element of the model of depression most widely held by neurobiologists today. Evidence suggests neurotransmitter precursor supplements can be helpful in patients with mild or moderate depression.
King, RJ, et al.
Cerebral spinal fluid dopamine levels correlate with extraversion in depressed patients.
Psychiatry Research 1986; 19: 305-310.
Cerebral spinal fluid dopamine was significantly correlated with extraverted temperament.
