Eating carbohydrates turns off NPY through its effect on which brain chemical?

Eating carbohydrates influences the brain's chemistry by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, appetite control, and overall well-being. When carbohydrates are consumed, they lead to an increase in insulin secretion, which in turn facilitates the uptake of tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, into the brain. Increased serotonin levels can contribute to a sense of satisfaction and fullness, effectively turning off Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a neuropeptide associated with hunger and food intake. This mechanism highlights the relationship between carbohydrate consumption and brain chemistry, emphasizing how certain foods can impact appetite regulation.

In contrast, while other options like oxytocin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine have their own roles in brain function and can influence eating behaviors in various ways, they are not directly linked to the action of turning off NPY in response to carbohydrate intake like serotonin is.