Atkins Depression Link?

Main Category: Depression
Article Date: 02 Mar 2004 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Researchers have revealed that following the Atkins diet can stop the brain regulating serotonin. This can lead to mood swings and depression.

The research was carried out at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA).

They found that a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates undermines the brain's ability to regulate serotonin.

According to Dr. Judith Wurtman, study leader, carbohydrates naturally raise levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. This makes people feel contented.

They studied 100 volunteers who were on various different diets. Some were on high protein diets, others were on high carb diets.

They discovered that the brains of the volunteers only produced serotonin after they had eaten a sweet or starchy carbohydrate.