Leptin: A hunger hormone Produced mostly by the fat cells, leptin is a regulatory hormone for hunger and satiety. It is released in response to “refeeding,” defined as a time of 12 to 24 hours of increased carbohydrate and caloric intake. Unlike insulin, leptin does not increase significantly as a result of a single meal. Instead, it creeps over a sustained period of increased carbohydrate consumption. Leptin acts as a feedback mechanism in the hypothalamus to signal satiety. In addition, through secondary hormones, leptin also signals to the body to speed metabolism. In those who eat a high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet, leptin remains high. This can result in leptin resistance, where the hypothalamus is no longer able to “hear” leptin. When this happens, we cannot feel full -- a dangerous outcome for those trying to lose weight. However, very low levels of leptin, which occur on a low calorie and low carbohydrate diet, give the body the opposite message: be hungry, eat, conserve, slow down. In carb cycling, when leptin begins to recede to the point of drastically increasing hunger and slowing the metabolism, a high-carb day is in place to help reset it. This way, we stay leptin-sensitive. Serotonin: The sanity hormone A “feel good” brain chemical, serotonin, boosts mood and is often used in pharmaceuticals to treat depression. Carbs boost serotonin production, so eating carbs boosts mood. Low serotonin, as would occur as a result of a low-carb diet, is associated with increased cravings for sugar and chocolate. Many diets fail because low serotonin makes dieters feel depressed. Carb cycling regulates serotonin levels and as a result, curbs cravings. From a psychological perspective, carb cycling as a protocol is easier to sustain than other diets because serotonin never drops off completely.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 04:10:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015