Re: The Myth of Alkaline Waters

Digestion of carbohydrates actually starts in the mouth with the enzyme amylase. Proteins start digesting in the stomach with a combination of pepsin and hydrochloric acid. So I don't see a problem with combining the two.

On the other hand there are times where using carbohydrates in the absence of proteins can be handy. Carbohydrates will stimulate serotonin increases normally. Protein though can block this action. For instance it is commonly believed that at Thanksgiving that the turkey, because of its tryptophan; a precursor for serotonin, makes us tired after we eat. Actually this in not true. The high protein content blocks the conversion of most of the tryptophan in to serotonin. What makes us tired is the large, hard to digest meal. This causes blood to be shunted away from the brain down to the stomach to aid in digestion. Decreased oxygen levels to the brain make us tired. Since protein blocks this conversion it is sometimes best to use a small amount of carbohydrate to stimulate serotonin production. For example, to give someone a lift when they are feeling a little down. Serotonin is a feel good neurotransmitter. Though this also plays a role in depressive eating disorders as eating can give people their serotonin fix. Another area where this comes in handy is with dieting. Remember your mother telling you not to eat that candy or you will spoil your appetite? Actually she was on to something. Taking a small amount of carbohydrate about 15 minutes or so before eating will stimulate the serotonin response, which is also a appetite suppressant. If we take our carbohydrates with our proteins the proteins will block this response and we tend to eat more trying to get that serotonin fix.
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