Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the nervous system and they have a vital role on our mood and behavior.
ð§ Neurotransmitters are produced in the brain and in the gut (and other places, but less so).
ð¡For example, serotonin in the brain is mostly located in the gut (intestines).
âWhat do you think happens when our gut health isnât properly functioning?
ðšIf we have an imbalanced gut and we eat non-nutrient-dense foods, we are in a world of mental-health-hurt. Sure, it may not show up right away but it will.
ð§Neurotransmitters also require nutrients to be created. If you are eating a nutrient-poor diet that is not bioavailable (plant-based foods) and have poor gut health, you will likely feel the adverse mental health effects.
Letâs talk serotonin again.
âïžAs mentioned, most serotonin resides in our gut. Serotonin is a mood stabilizer and regulates sleep, appetite, body temperature, and more.
âïžYes, even though itâs mostly in the gut: serotonin regulates mood, anxiety, and fear.
ð¥Nutritionally, serotonin requires B-vitamins, tryptophan, and omega-3 fats to be made and utilized. Especially the amino acid, tryptophan.(Whole milk is one of the greatest sources of tryptophan).
âSee why any diet that wants to lower tryptophan and omega-3 fats is not ideal?
âïžSee why having gut disease and being on a plant-based diet has a higher risk for mental health disease?
ð¥You can eat pineapples (but caution: fructose and salicylates), soy (caution: excess estrogen), and nuts/seeds (caution: gut destroyers) for the tryptophan, but what about the B-vitamins and omega-3s? (no to flax seeds: see estrogen)
âDo you know what low serotonin looks like?
ð±Erratic moods and behavior.
ð¡Heal your gut. And eats lots of meat and fat.ð¥©
ð€If you are struggling with sleep on a meat-based low carb diet, you may be struggling with tryptophan and serotonin.
ðCheck out the Cutting Against the Grain Podcast on Sleep: https://cutting-against-the-grain.simplecast.com/episodes/why-you-may-not-be-sleeping-on-a-low-carb-diet

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