Hi there! Dr. Avery Scott here, board-certified in internal medicine. I've dedicated my career to understanding how the body works, including the fascinating ways that food impacts our systems. So, let's dive into this intriguing question about bananas and whether they can get you "high."

The idea of getting high from bananas might sound amusing, like something out of a cartoon. However, there is a grain of truth behind it, albeit a very tiny and misunderstood one. To understand why, we need to break down a few things:

**1. What Does "Getting High" Mean?**

When we talk about feeling "high," we're usually referring to altered states of consciousness. These are typically induced by substances that directly affect the brain and nervous system, altering our perceptions, moods, and thoughts. Think of common drugs like marijuana (cannabis), alcohol, or hallucinogens. These contain psychoactive compounds that bind to specific receptors in the brain, triggering a cascade of effects.

**2. Bananas and Tryptophan: A Misunderstood Connection**

Bananas do contain a substance called tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Now, here's where the confusion often arises. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, among other functions. Serotonin is often called the "feel-good" hormone.

Some people believe that eating bananas will lead to a surge in serotonin, thus making them feel happier or even "high." However, this is a vast oversimplification.

**3. The Blood-Brain Barrier and Why It Matters**

Here's the catch: simply consuming tryptophan-rich foods doesn't automatically translate to a significant increase in brain serotonin. The brain is a highly protected organ, and there's a tightly regulated gateway called the blood-brain barrier. This barrier prevents many substances in the bloodstream from freely entering the brain, including tryptophan.

Furthermore, even if tryptophan does manage to cross the blood-brain barrier, the process of converting it to serotonin is complex and involves multiple steps, other nutrients, and enzymes.

**4. The Placebo Effect and the Power of Suggestion**

We also can't discount the powerful influence of the placebo effect. If someone strongly believes that eating a banana will make them feel euphoric or "high," they might actually experience those feelings, even if there's no direct pharmacological effect from the banana itself. The mind is incredibly potent!

**5. Bananas for Overall Well-being, Not Intoxication**

Now, this isn't to say that bananas are not good for you. On the contrary, they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're a great source of potassium, which is crucial for muscle function and blood pressure regulation.

In Conclusion:

So, can you get "high" from eating bananas in the way you might from consuming drugs known to alter consciousness? The answer is a resounding no. While bananas contain tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, the idea that they induce euphoria or a "high" is a misconception. The blood-brain barrier, complex biochemical processes, and the power of the placebo effect all come into play.

Instead of looking to bananas for a quick mood boost or a recreational high, embrace them for what they are: a nutritious and delicious part of a healthy diet. If you're struggling with mood disorders or seeking to alter your state of consciousness, it's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
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According to Garson, you could get high by smoking banana peels. The high was said to be psychedelic like LSD, but pleasant and calming like opium. All that needed to be done was to obtain some bananas and scrape off the stringy white stuff on the inside of the peels.read more >>