Expert tips to help restore neurotransmitter balance.
Long ago, the ancient physician Galen noticed something important: When your mood changes, your appetite often changes, too. He thought appetite was related to “humors,” which were believed to influence health and appetite. Today, however, we know it’s brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
When neurotransmitters are imbalanced, they can disrupt our internal rhythm, triggering constant snacking, unstable energy, and blood sugar highs and lows. Blood sugar swings can also disrupt neurotransmitter function, making cravings, mood swings, and fatigue worse.
“When we focus on foods with a low glycemic response, such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables, and limit high-glycemic foods like refined grains and added sugars, we can stabilize blood sugar and support brain chemicals,” said Whitney Linsenmeyer, a registered dietitian, in an interview with The Epoch Times.
Affect Appetite and Blood Sugar
“Neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that allow brain cells to communicate—like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—are important for regulating appetite, cravings, and energy,” Mpho Tshukudu, an integrative and functional nutritionist, told The Epoch Times.
When neurotransmitters are balanced, people make healthy lifestyle choices, which support metabolic health and weight regulation, Tshukudu said.
On the other hand, neurotransmitter imbalance can contribute to emotional or binge eating and decreased physical activity.
At the center of this regulation lies the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that integrates signals from both the body and mind to control appetite, metabolism, and hormone activity. For the brain to do its job well, neurotransmitters must communicate clearly and efficiently, especially within neurons that govern hunger and fullness.
This process, called neurotransmission, is important for maintaining energy balance. In turn, blood sugar instability can further impair neurotransmitter function, creating a feedback loop that increases the risk of long-term metabolic issues.
Key neurotransmitters affect metabolic health in the following ways, according to Tshukudu:
- Dopamine is linked to reward, motivation, and pleasure, so low levels can lead to sugar cravings, compulsive eating, and addictive behaviors. Adequate dopamine also plays a role in blood sugar control by making your body more sensitive to insulin.
- Serotonin supports mood balance and satiety, with low levels associated with emotional eating and cravings for high-carb foods.
- Norepinephrine is involved in alertness and helps regulate metabolism and energy expenditure. Low levels may cause fatigue and reduced motivation, which can disrupt both.
By Zena le Roux
