Thanks for the info Ron.
Maybe we should start a thread called "cravings" as I think it could be very interesting.
Probably more than I crave sweet, I crave full. Even my sweet cravings seem centered around a feeling of fullness. I'm much more likely to crave an oatmeal cookie than a piece of candy. In fact, I find myself craving the fullness that comes from grains like oatmeal quite often, especially on a paleo diet.
I do eat a lot of greens/gabbage etc. to achieve that sense of fullness. But it's never quite the same as what you get from pasta, cereal etc.
gale
----- Original Message ----
From: Ron Hoggan <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, August 4, 2008 4:20:15 PM
Subject: Re: Cordain Bashing why??? RE: Newbie Question - Organ Meats
Hi Gale,
All large neutral amino acids, except tryptophan, are insulin sensitive. If
you eat something sweet it causes an insulin spike which moves the insulin
sensitive large neutral amino acids into cells, leaving tryptophan behind.
The blood brain barrier allows passage of amino acids in proportion to their
presence in the bloodstream. Thus, more tryptophan in the blood means more
tryptophan in the brain. The brain uses tryptophan to make, among other
things, the feel-good neurotransmitter, serotonin.
An alcoholic going through withdrawal often appreciates anything that
produces a sedative effect.
As I am inclined to depression, I may crave sweets to alleviate (if only
briefly) my depression.
Understanding the process doesn't do a darned thing to reduce the sweet
tooth though. :-)
Best Wishes,
Ron
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paleolithic Eating Support List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Gale
> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 12:20 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Cordain Bashing why??? RE: Newbie Question - Organ Meats
>
> Ron,
> I too suffer from this insane craving for sweets. But giving
> in and eating them doesn't actually satisfy. This is the
> truly frustrating part of it all. If somehow I could eat a
> sweet thing -fruit, dried fruit, candy - and be satisfied,
> that would be one thing. But it doesn't. I pace the kitchen
> as well - questioning my sanity the entire time. Even when
> I'm well-disciplined on a paleo diet, I have not been able to
> lose this nagging craving. It feels as though it comes from
> the brain and not the body. Is this sugar thing related to
> alcoholism? I've read that alcoholic's in rehab have
> incredible sugar cravings. What is driving us?
> gale
>
>
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