How Brain Chemicals Shape Your Appetite and Blood Sugar

Expert tips to help restore neurotransmitter balance.
How Brain Chemicals Shape Your Appetite and Blood Sugar
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Long ago, the ancient physician Galen noticed something important: When your mood changes, your appetite often changes, too. He thought that appetite was related to “humors,” which were believed to influence health and appetite. However, today we know that it’s brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.

When neurotransmitters are imbalanced, they can disrupt our internal rhythm, triggering constant snacking, unstable energy, and blood sugar highs and lows. Blood sugar swings can also disrupt neurotransmitter function, making cravings, mood swings, and fatigue worse.

Zena le Roux
Zena le Roux
Author
Zena le Roux is a health journalist with a master’s in investigative health journalism and a certified health and wellness coach specializing in functional nutrition. She is trained in sports nutrition, mindful eating, internal family systems, and applied polyvagal theory. She works in private practice and serves as a nutrition educator for a UK-based health school.