The ups and downs

I learned today that the only neurotransmitter that exists in both the brain and the stomach, is serotonin.  I think the world just about makes complete sense now.  I can clearly see the connection.  Serotonin, that feel good hormone, that gives me a feeling of satisfaction.  That feeling that creates a sense of inner calm, euphoria, even.  Perhaps it not sugar that we crave in the end.  Perhaps, we are searching to entertain that feeling in our gut that helps us feel better.  I know what it feels like to have a pit in my stomach.  That feeling I can imagine quite well.  And I can understand wanting to avoid that feeling.  Keeping this in mind, it isn't so hard to understand why someone might continue to fuel their bodies with sugar; boosting their serotonin level quickly when they feel their stomach start to drop.  It's like an, "Oh no you don't, I'll solve that problem..." reaction.  It isn't that far fetched to understand why people become addicted to soda.

A few months ago I conducted an experiment upon myself to see what the effect would be on my body if I minimized my intake of sugar as much as possible.  It was amazing to sense the evenness that carried me through out the entirety of my day.  I slept better, woke up with more energy, didn't experience my morning headache...it was a bubble experience.  Let's just say I popped it when the holidays rolled around.  And boy did I come down.  There was one Saturday in early December I decided that I would break "lent" and enjoy some rain-deer poops.  I've thoroughly confused you by now I hope.  Just to clarify, the randier poops were vegan chocolates.  Did I get a reaction?  Anyway...I popped them like peanuts and to sum it up, ended up sleeping very little that night.  But the euphoric feeling of chocolate!  That feeling of complete satisfaction.  The stomach sending a message to the brain that says, "Mmmm, mmm."  It's hard to stop.  And I had the opportunity to observe within myself the stark contrast between existing with minimal sugar versus putting myself into overdrive.  What a show!

No wonder people with bi-polar disorder say that they miss their manic state at times when they come out of it.  To be brought down into a pit of depression is an awful wake-up call.  In a less extreme sense, I deal with a mood disorder.  The tricks that my tummy plays on me can directly effect my mood.  The sugar swings that send me on a rampage at night, browsing through the fridge, looking for something to distract, something to comfort, something to feel better about.  And then the morning after experience that leaves me empty, with a sigh caught in my throat.  And I tell myself that I will do better next time.  That it isn't worth the after effects for a short time of pleasure.  Hmmm...that statement could seriously warrant discussion.  Whoever reads this, I am sure that you get the picture.  In the end I am amazed at how far I am from understanding my body and how disconnected I am from the signals that it tries to send me.