Factors involved in cravings:

• Physiologic factors
  • Neurotransmitter balance of Serotonin, Dopamine, Gaba, Glutamine, Acetyl-Choline and opioids. In general, any deficiency of these could trigger anxiety, hunger, depression, and cravings.
  • Genetic specificity of brain neurochemistry and hormonal balance.
  • Body fat stores. Adipose tissue produces various metabolic signals that affect the appetite: leptin reduces hunger, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, etc.) increase it.
  • The level of glycogen stores in the liver is communicated to the brain through the vagal nervous system, thus attempting to influence the appetite.
  • Blood glucose levels are perceived directly by the brain through glucoreceptors. Low blood glucose levels trigger carbohydrate cravings.
  • The adrenal hormones cortisol and adrenaline increase production of the sex steroid hormones estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. These have a complex influence on appetite and mood.
  • Gut derived hormones are produced directly in response to the macronutrient composition and size of the meals: CCK (in response to protein, fat and the stretching of the stomach by food/drink volume), Galanin (in response to fat), Ghrelin (in response to an empty stomach), and they signal the brain directly. CCK and galanin reduce hunger while Ghrelin stimulates it.
  • Pancreatic hormones: high insulin levels signal the brain to reduce hunger if the tissues are insulin sensitive.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors
  • Stress (psychological or physical) has an individual effect on appetite
  • Diet: -high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets lower serotonin and increase dopamine and CCK
    high-carbohydrate/adequate protein diets increase serotonin
    adequate or high fat diets boost CCK and Galanin
  • Exercise: high intensity increases endorphins, opioids
    low intensity/long duration (~ 45 min) exercise boosts serotonin

As described in a previous newsletter (No. 16 Vol II), in order to achieve a speedy fat loss, a relatively high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet is recommended, which has a good potential to satisfy the appetite through the adequate content of protein, fat, vegetables and fiber. The only downfall of such a diet is that it might not support adequate levels of serotonin due to lowered insulin levels. For this reason, a modality such as the use of Designs For Health (DFH) 5-HTP Synergy or Designs For Health (DFH) Crave Arrest could be used.

These supplements are best taken on empty stomach but are likely to also work with meals. The time of administration should be decided by the patients depending on their need for satiety support. Each patient should experiment with the timing and dosage, not exceeding 3 capsules at a time. The results obtained for the same individual may vary from day to day or depending on the time of the day due to all the factors mentioned above (including PMS, weekday versus weekend, sedentary vs active, etc). It is worth noting here that serotonin levels could also be boosted by things like: meditation, prayer, music, massage, acts of affection [1].

Following is information about Crave Arrest by Designs For Health (DFH) and other Designs For Health (DFH) products that are likely to boost satiety and a sense of well-being.

Useful supplements for the support of optimal brain function [1]:

• Inositol optimizes serotonin signaling inside the cells (Designs For Health (DFH) Inositol powder/caps)
• Taurine has a calming effect on the brain (Designs For Health (DFH) Taurine powder/caps)
• Phosphatidyl Choline raises Acetyl-Choline (Designs For Health (DFH) Phosphatidyl-Choline powder/softgel) levels in the brain known for improving memory
• Phosphatidyl Serine optimizes brain function (Designs For Health (DFH) Phosphatidyl Serine powder/caps)
• Omega-3 fatty acids increase neurotransmitter receptor sensitivity (Designs For Health (DFH) Omega Synergy, Arctic Cod Liver Oil)

Each capsule contains:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 100 mg
• Niacin (Niacinamide) 20 mg
• Vitamin B6 20 mg (Pyridoxine Hydrocholoride and Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate)
• Folic Acid 100 mcg
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 25 mcg
• Tyrosine 1,000 mg
• 5-HTP (Hydroxytryptophan) 100 mg
• Taurine 50 mg
• Rhodiola Rosea (root) 50 mg
  [standardized to contain 3% (1.5 mg) rosavins]

  Other Ingredients: Gelatin, magnesium stearate.

  Recommended Use
  As a dietary supplement, take two or more capsules per day on an empty stomach or as directed by your health care practitioner.
  
  Store In A Cool, Dry Place. Keep Out Of Reach Of Children.
  
  WARNING: Consult your health care practitioner before use if you are pregnant or lactating, or are taking SSRIs or MAO Inhibitors.
  
  This product does not contain wheat, yeast, soy, gluten, eggs, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, sugars, or preservatives.