Nutritional Effects on Central Serotonergic Activity: A Hypothesis on the Unconscious Self-manipulation of Mood by Food Intake and Dietary Selection

Abstract

Fasting seems to stimulate the output of the serotonergic system at least as efficiently as a carbohydrate-or a fat-rich meal. Food-intake mediated effects on mood may become incorporated into a behavioural paradigm related to unconscious behaviour and may funnel vulnerable individuals into a vicious circle of eating disorders. Are carbohydrate craving-induced obesity and anorexia nervosa diseases of addiction?

Keywords:

• Serotonin
• Mood
• Food
• Dietary selection