Depression is characterized by sadness, loss of hope, irritability, and physical dysfunction, and can be severe for several weeks. There are various possible causes of depression, but it is said that the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin decreases due to various stresses and the symptoms of depression appear.
So, I've talked about increasing serotonin for depression several times before, and it's a well-established theory in the world.
One of the raw materials for serotonin is tryptophan, which is not produced in the human body and must be taken in by diet from the outside. There was a study that scientifically verified the tryptophan.
Treatments for depression include psychotherapy, drug therapy, and phototherapy, but it has been suggested that an appropriate diet can reduce depressive symptoms, and the effects of diet on depression were considered.
Although a decrease in the neurotransmitter serotonin contributes to depression, it has been suggested that a diet high in tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, is effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
So, the main findings are as follows.
-Serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain, plays an important role in mood relaxation, satisfaction, and sleep regulation. There are fruits and vegetables that are high in 5-HT, but due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, 5-HT cannot easily reach the central nervous system. However, tryptophan, a precursor of 5-HT, can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. -Tryptophan is converted to 5-HT by tryptophan hydroxydase and 5-HTP decarboxylase in the presence
of the vitamin B 6 derivative pyridoxal phosphate.
・ Even foods high in protein cannot produce essential amino acids in the body, so eating a diet low in tryptophan can lead to depression.
A diet high in tryptophan in women who are prone to depression, such as pre- and post-menstrual stress disorders, chronic pain, cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. is important.
• Tryptophan bioavailability in the central nervous system is associated with carbohydrate cravings, but a carbohydrate-rich diet triggers an insulin response and enhances tryptophan bioavailability.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to obese patients with depressive symptoms, but serotonin levels are not strictly regulated in these patients and are life-threatening when used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Adverse events may occur. However, proper diets high in tryptophan can regulate serotonin synthesis.
In other words, a tryptophan-rich diet and vitamin B 6 are useful for serotonin synthesis and are also effective for depression.
However, I am not saying that depression can be cured by eating habits alone, but it is also important to prescribe a drug that supplements serotonin with a serotonin inhibitor etc. with conventional drug therapy. When.
A tryptophan-rich diet is effective for "prevention" of depression, but for the "treatment" of depression that has been affected, a tryptophan-rich diet is used to reduce serotonin in the lifestyle after remission. I feel like I'm trying not to.
So, I would like to introduce an article related to how to take serotonin and tryptophan / vitamin B6, so please read it if you like.