Alan.....
Uhhhh....nope.. I can't say I ever wondered 'bout the connection between
bananas and seratonin. I've always liked bananas (and can still enjoy the
rich, sweet taste of 'em when so many foods now seem without any flavor
at all due to the PD) so usually eat them fairly regularly, tho not daily.
THAT'S about to change tho 'cause I'm going to try to eat at LEAST one a day.
Hmmm.... (thinking).... I always make banana bread from the over-ripe bananas
((from-scratch banana bread is very easy to make and it's deeeeeeelicious!)
<smile>. I wonder if the beneficial effect of the bananas is lost in the
baking. Any thoughts on that?
Barb Mallut
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----------
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange on behalf of alan pearce
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 1998 3:04 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN
Subject: Re Dr Iacono
Barbara
Thank you for the notes from Dr Iacono.
Have you wondered what the connection might be between bananas and
seratonin. Bananas are a source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 has
been shown to increase the levels of seratonin and subsequently
dopamine. So it is not surprising that we might sleep better with
a nightcap of B6. Natural daylight also stimulates the production
of seratonin.
Vitamin B6 assists in reducing histamine levels. Now take another
read of the 'heretic' alias Janet Cornwell. Maybe the sequence is
something like this.
B6 -> lowers histamine -> neck muscles relax ->
increased blood flow -> increased dopamine production.
Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, poultry, soybeans, brown rice and bananas.
Incidently a diet based on whole grain cereals and vegetables maintains
a stable blood sugar level so you should not desire something sweet.
Alan Pearce
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