7 replies to this topic

[jack black]

I've been experimenting with various supplements for 2-3 years and while there are short term beneficial results, long term results are not very impressive.

Incidentally, I figured out that every time I have cooked beans (different types) for lunch, usually together with other cooked vegies, and with the galactosidase enzyme (beano) I'm much calmer and content in the next several hours. The effect is much stronger compared to the various supplements I'm taking.

 

What would be the mechanism for that? I'm thinking slow and steady release of carbs helps with tryptophan transport in brain and serotonin production, but I don't experience that with any other complex carbs.

 

Ironically, I tended to avoid beans most of my life due to gas and reading how legumes/lectins are supposedly bad for humans. Now, I stocked up on generic enzyme capsules and carry it with me when I go out to lunch.

 

Anyone noticed anything similar?

[Kinesis]

The slow carb serotonin theory was the first thing that occurred to me too. If that’s what it is, then why would legumes produce a greater effect than other complex carbs?

One possibility is that the type of fiber in them is providing a different nutrient profile to your microbiome, causing the production of a different set of metabolites. I can’t think of any scientific support for that though beyond the general proposition that the microbiome is known to be able to exert notable effects on mental state. The field is still in its infancy and much remains to be learned about this complex area.

Another possibility is that there are some micronutrients in legumes that are behind it. But then again I have nothing more specific to offer.

[jack black]

One possibility is that the type of fiber in them is providing a different nutrient profile to your microbiome, causing the production of a different set of metabolites. I can’t think of any scientific support for that though beyond the general proposition that the microbiome is known to be able to exert notable effects on mental state. The field is still in its infancy and much remains to be learned about this complex area.

 

I like that idea. Maybe i should try beans (+enzyme) for every meal and see what happens. For the record, i tried various fibers and probiotics in the past and none had these effects. It's also very reproducible.

 

Maybe the effect is not so much a positive effect, but competing with bad bacteria producing toxins and thus removing negative effects?
 

Edited by jack black, 29 November 2017 - 11:43 PM.

[Kinesis]

One possibility is that the type of fiber in them is providing a different nutrient profile to your microbiome, causing the production of a different set of metabolites. I can’t think of any scientific support for that though beyond the general proposition that the microbiome is known to be able to exert notable effects on mental state. The field is still in its infancy and much remains to be learned about this complex area.

I like that idea. Maybe i should try beans (+enzyme) for every meal and see what happens. For the record, i tried various fibers and probiotics in the past and none had these effects. It's also very reproducible.

Maybe the effect is not so much a positive effect, but competing with bad bacteria producing toxins and thus removing negative effects?

Seems worth a try, Jack. I realize there is some controversy about legumes, but they’re part of the highly touted Mediterranean diet, and worse case eating them for a few days (or even weeks) seems unlikely to do any permanent harm. Personally the only legumes I eat a lot of are peanuts, so I’m not sure my personal experience would be much help to you. But it’s not because I have health objections, it just happens that peanuts are really convenient...

[jack black]

 

 

One possibility is that the type of fiber in them is providing a different nutrient profile to your microbiome, causing the production of a different set of metabolites. I can’t think of any scientific support for that though beyond the general proposition that the microbiome is known to be able to exert notable effects on mental state. The field is still in its infancy and much remains to be learned about this complex area.

I like that idea. Maybe i should try beans (+enzyme) for every meal and see what happens. For the record, i tried various fibers and probiotics in the past and none had these effects. It's also very reproducible.

Maybe the effect is not so much a positive effect, but competing with bad bacteria producing toxins and thus removing negative effects?

Seems worth a try, Jack. I realize there is some controversy about legumes, but they’re part of the highly touted Mediterranean diet, and worse case eating them for a few days (or even weeks) seems unlikely to do any permanent harm. Personally the only legumes I eat a lot of are peanuts, so I’m not sure my personal experience would be much help to you. But it’s not because I have health objections, it just happens that peanuts are really convenient...

 

 

I used to eat peanuts a lot, and was sort of addicted to them at some point, but stopped because of the know dangers of aflatoxin contamination and it gave me GI discomfort from hard to digest fats if I ate too much of them.

I didn't eat them with the enzyme, maybe that would make a difference?
 

[Kinesis]

I used to eat peanuts a lot, and was sort of addicted to them at some point, but stopped because of the know dangers of aflatoxin contamination and it gave me GI discomfort from hard to digest fats if I ate too much of them.
I didn't eat them with the enzyme, maybe that would make a difference?

Taking the enzyme with peanuts could definitely help with digestability. If they’re contaminated with aflatoxin though, it wouldn’t get rid of the contamination. Is that still a big concern?Since the big publicity on aflatoxin, I was under the impression that had pretty well been cleaned up. Double check me on that though. In any case, as with any other food or supplement you take, making sure you’re getting a high quality product always makes sense.

I’m not advocating eating mass quantities of peanuts though. Really more just noting that they’re a convenient way to help people to get their legume quota, especially if they don’t have the time or inclination to cook beans. Ideally I’m in favor of a diverse diet with a variety of vegs. Sometimes I make chile or have Mexican food with beans, but when I don’t, peanuts are one way to keep legumes in my diet.

[truboy]

 

 

 

One possibility is that the type of fiber in them is providing a different nutrient profile to your microbiome, causing the production of a different set of metabolites. I can’t think of any scientific support for that though beyond the general proposition that the microbiome is known to be able to exert notable effects on mental state. The field is still in its infancy and much remains to be learned about this complex area.

I like that idea. Maybe i should try beans (+enzyme) for every meal and see what happens. For the record, i tried various fibers and probiotics in the past and none had these effects. It's also very reproducible.

Maybe the effect is not so much a positive effect, but competing with bad bacteria producing toxins and thus removing negative effects?

Seems worth a try, Jack. I realize there is some controversy about legumes, but they’re part of the highly touted Mediterranean diet, and worse case eating them for a few days (or even weeks) seems unlikely to do any permanent harm. Personally the only legumes I eat a lot of are peanuts, so I’m not sure my personal experience would be much help to you. But it’s not because I have health objections, it just happens that peanuts are really convenient...

 

 

I used to eat peanuts a lot, and was sort of addicted to them at some point, but stopped because of the know dangers of aflatoxin contamination and it gave me GI discomfort from hard to digest fats if I ate too much of them.

I didn't eat them with the enzyme, maybe that would make a difference?
 

 

 

Jack, are you still eating beans with positive results (calming, etc)?

I've noticed similar thing my self, plus there is an interesting report here
 

[jack black]

Jack, are you still eating beans with positive results (calming, etc)?

I've noticed similar thing my self, plus there is an interesting report here
 

 

cool find. i try to eat 1-2 servings a day, but not always possible. today i had a big serving and clearly more tired in PM. there is clearly a calming effect, sometimes too much.