The fantastic 5: allies to govern desire, blood sugar and more!
- May 6
- 5 min read
In the last article we looked together at the profound link between cravings, blood sugar and osteoporosis (but if you missed it, go and read it now :).
We also mentioned dopamine “antagonists”. Today we are going to take a closer look at them.
As you know by now, dopamine has a strong impact on our body and its proper functioning (or not).
You probably don't know, however, that it is almost directly involved with a serious neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's, in conjunction with another neurotransmitter: acetylcholine.
The latter is an extremely relevant molecule for the well-being of our brain; in fact, it contributes to its neuroplasticity. Its action can be clearly seen in its ability to modify the neural network and with it the brain's response to stimuli. It also enables neurogenesis and is involved in learning and mnemonic ability. It can be obtained from the diet (indirectly) or can be produced by our bodies. In fact, acetylcholine is released as an end product by the parasympathetic system.
But, what is the parasympathetic system?
Just to give a little context, let us briefly mention it: in our bodies, there are different types of nervous systems, which work together to orchestrate the proper functioning of our “mechanism”. One of these systems is called the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating all the automatic functions of our body, such as breathing frequency, digestion and the direction of blood flow. It predominantly possesses two opposing “entities” called the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The former deals with “alertness and danger” situations, while the latter is more concerned with “digestion and rest”.
In a future article, I might elaborate on these very important aspects, if you like.
Anyway, back to us, the parasympathetic system can be said to be more connected to the set of neurotransmitters and hormones that deal with the “here and now”, such as serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and to a certain extent also melatonin.
As for serotonin, we can say that it is a biogenic amine that acts as a neurotransmitter and is often associated with its role in managing “good mood”. In reality, its tasks are much more numerous: first of all, it is involved in the modulation of gastrointestinal motility and consequently has a great impact on irritable bowel syndrome. Hence its direct role on the well-being of our intestines!
Furthermore, it regulates the tone of the peripheral blood system and brain, as well as being involved in the management of headaches and pulmonary hypertension.
When we talk about serotonin, we are referring to all these aspects and more.
However, it is not the only molecule involved in “healthy mood”!
If I told you oxytocin, what would you think of?
Certainly childbirth and breastfeeding, and you would be right, as this nonapeptide plays a key role in these areas. Equally, however, it is involved in much more: it has only recently been discovered that this hormone, released by the posterior pituitary gland, plays a very important role in the brain itself. In fact, it is involved in the regulation of the following processes: learning, anxiety, lactation and pain perception.
Furthermore, it is believed to be a key factor in the development of a healthy social memory and sexual attachment. In addition to these aspects, it is crucial in determining a maternal attitude towards offspring and the ability to regulate aggression.
In addition, it is one of the hormones that manages the aspect of trust and bonding between individuals, as well as somewhat more complex situations such as antisocial interactions (e.g. autism and schizophrenia).
If we are talking about oxytocin, it is fair to mention another neurotransmitter and neuromodulator: endorphin.
Since there are different types of endorphin, we will talk about it using its plural form.
First of all, endorphins are generated by the same gland that produces oxytocin, but from its anterior part, as well as by certain cells in the hypothalamus.
However, it is possible to find them in various parts of the brain; moreover, they are related to the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalin) axis as they are produced in response to stress as a counterpart to adrenalin, to mitigate its effects.
One point to note is that for HPA, there is no difference between real or imaginary stress, so it can be activated even when we worry about something that only exists in our minds. Another nod to the role of these molecules is their involvement in regulating the immune system's response, for example, during an inflammatory process.
Endorphins are opioid antagonists; in fact, all opioid substances, whether drugs or not, interfere with the proper absorption of these neurotransmitters. The consequence, unfortunately, is the extreme weakening of the pain-relieving capacity of endorphins themselves; in fact, it is estimated that they are 18 to 33 times stronger than morphine. For this reason, their concentration increases when the woman goes into labour. You know how they tell you that our bodies are capable of doing wonderful things? Well it's true!!!
In addition, endorphins are involved in the reward system as antagonists to dopamine and enable the regulation of serotonin via the hypothalamus.
A final aspect to consider is their correlation with melatonin; in fact, sleep deprivation has been found to increase the concentration of endorphins in the blood.
And here we come to the last piece of today's article: melatonin!
This is an indole that is produced by the pineal gland during the night in response to normal light-dark cycle conditions. Light, in fact, can suppress or synchronise the production of melatonin to regulate the organisation of circadian cycles, even according to the seasons. Basically, the purpose of melatonin is to convert information obtained from light and the day-night cycle into information that is acquired by our body structures. Furthermore, this hormone is related to the immune system, glucose regulation, defence against free radicals by antioxidants and homeostasis.
As you have probably realised by now, our body is really a perfect “machine”, which regulates itself according to the stimuli it receives.
Our health is based on delicate and wonderful hormonal balances, which largely depend on the healthy (or not) habits we have. The good news is that by taking care of ourselves we can have a big impact on our well-being!
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it interesting.
Did you know all these aspects related to the molecules of the “here and now”?
Let me know by commenting on this article.
If you feel that your body is no longer functioning smoothly and you don't know where to start and if you would like more information, feel free to contact me at my email or by filling out the form on the website.
I wish you a good day.
See you soon,
Arianna
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