Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on November 18, 1999 at 11:19:53:
In Reply to: meat or no meat posted by Karen M on November 18, 1999 at 09:22:13:
Just the kind of info I need. We can probably assume that due to your diet you have lowered serotonin levels. Any problems with mood swings or insomnia (both effects of low serotonin)? Enough info like this and we could make some fact based conjectures.
I read that Chers have high serum 5-HT, low platelet 5-HT but haven't heard about central nervous system (brain) 5-HT levels. I continue to read that migrainers have low brain 5-HT but no mention of CHers (duh). I just can't help thinking that because the 5-HT agonists and SSRIs work (by acting like 5-HT or actually increaing available 5-HT) that we have low brain 5-HT. Maybe taking the 5-HTP suppliment and increasing 5-HT levels is the ticket. If anyone tries this, you're not supposed to take B-6 (niacin) at the same time as the suppliment. The niacin converts the 5-HTP to body 5-HT and not brain 5-HT.
I also think these are all just prophalactic measures, if they even work. I still believe the root cause of CH is in the hypothalamus but who the heck knows. This is really bad to say but I almost wish I was in an active cluster so I could try some of these ideas (man that's really sick, somebody stop me!).
LYG
Bob P