Does the food you eat affect your personality?

Written by Christine Bishara MD

The Gut-Brain Relationship 

As research advances, we’re learning more and more about how our gut health impacts our overall health and well-being. In fact, many experts now refer to the gut as our “second brain” due to its important role in both mental health and cognitive function. The Gut-Brain axis is essential to maintaining both, as our gut is constantly communicating with our brain. Remarkably, some studies are even suggesting a connection between our personalities and the foods we consume. What we are may be a direct result of what we feed our gut.

How Do The Foods We Eat Affect Our Personalities?

Did you know that trillions of organisms reside in our gut? Surprisingly, these microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with our brain, and they play a vital role in our overall health. The nutrients we consume from our diet serve as the fundamental building blocks of essential neurotransmitters that aid our brain’s functioning, and to some extent, influence and shape our personality. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

Neurotransmitters

So what exactly is a neurotransmitter? The easiest way to think of what a neurotransmitter is and what function it performs is to think of it as a chemical messenger. It relays information, thus influencing various parts of the body dependent on that information. Ok, so what specific neurotransmitters affect our brains/ personalities. Well, let’s take a look below at 4 of the main ones. 

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that aids with muscle contractions, but is also responsible for the speed of which neurons in the brain communicate. We all make acetylcholine, but some people naturally produce higher levels of acetylcholine than others. Those who produce more of this neurotransmitter are often known for their creativity and for having the ability to complete tasks swiftly. Because the choline molecule is a fat molecule, people who produce more acetylcholine may gravitate towards eating fatty rich foods. 

Dopamine

Perhaps you are an individual who possesses high levels of energy and a strategic mindset. This may signify that your body produces a greater amount of dopamine compared to others. Dopamine is our excitatory neurotransmitter and is what aids us to concentrate and complete tasks. Dopamine is produced in both our gut and in our brain, but if we aren’t producing enough of it, we could start craving sweet foods such as chocolate. But why? Because the precursor substance to make dopamine is an amino acid called tyrosine, an essential component in the production of this neurotransmitter. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate contains tyramine which is converted to tyrosine. Although we may not be conscious of it, our body is usually always working behind the scenes to get its needs met. 

Serotonin

The neurotransmitter serotonin is our mood stabilizer. It plays a crucial role in various brain functions, not only mood stabilization, but learning, memory, cognition, sleep, and even sexual desire. People who have an abundance of serotonin tend to be free spirited and adventurous. A large portion of serotonin is made in our gut. If we lack a sufficient amount of this neurotransmitter, for example, if our body isn’t producing enough of it, it can affect our mood and cause difficulties in our ability to fall asleep. It’s important to understand that for our body to produce serotonin, we require a sufficient amount of an amino acid precursor called tryptophan. One key fact to note is that tryptophan cannot be naturally produced by our bodies hence, we must obtain it from food sources. Foods such as walnuts, pineapples and bananas are rich in tryptophan.

GABA

Those of us who are reliable and even-keeled might make more of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is known for creating a calming effect and plays an important role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress, and fear. It works by blocking brain signals (neurotransmissions) and by decreasing the excitation of nerve cells in the brain. According to Psychiatrist, Dr. Braverman, GABA individuals make up approximately 50% of the population. Think about that. Almost half of us lean towards being GABA dominant. GABA deficiencies for example may present as anxiety or early morning awakenings. Using Personality and Temperament to Predict Exercise Behavior: A Pilot Study of the Braverman Nature Assessment

Some Practical Advice

When it comes to our body, it knows what it needs. If we’re missing something, our body will do its best to seek out what it’s lacking. For example, if you’re craving something fried or high in fat, it may be because your body needs more acetylcholine. But instead of indulging in unhealthy options, consider satisfying your body’s needs with nutritious choices like wild salmon, walnuts, or avocados that are rich in healthy omega 3 fats.

Conclusion: 

As a professional in the field of weight loss, I often advise my patients that our bodies desire nutrients, not just food. It’s common to experience cravings or an increased appetite when our body lacks specific nutrients. Our body seeks out these precursor sources to replenish what it’s missing. So… by simply fulfilling our body’s needs, cravings have a tendency to disappear. Ultimately, this makes it easier for us to achieve our health goals, and thus, leaving us happier and more satisfied in the end. 

So, next time you’re tempted by a sweet treat or greasy burger, take a moment to listen to what your gut is telling your brain. 

Want to know what your gut brain personality is? Schedule a virtual wellness evaluation with me to find out what your dominant neurotransmitter personality is and whether you are deficient in any. I provide a customized analysis of your dominance and efficiency with a suggestion of foods and natural supplements to help optimize levels.

References:

Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food – Harvard Health

Food & Your Mood: How Food Affects Mental Health – Aetna | Foods That Help Your Brain Health