Tryptophan, The Amino Acid For A Good Feeling

Tryptophan is a key player in the production of serotonin. This essential amino acid is one of the brain’s favorites because it helps you relax, and even helps with sleep disorders and anxiety disorders. As a precursor of serotonin, it is an essential ingredient for a good mood and a good feeling.

The scientific literature is very clear and conclusive: tryptophan makes you feel good and gives you a good feeling. Research indicates repeatedly that consuming foods rich in trytofan, or supplements that have it, helps with improving depressive states, lower the level of stress, slow down the aging process and even reduce aggressive behavior. It really is fascinating!

The truth is that every year we discover more things about this “magical” composition. However, it is important to clarify an important aspect: it is an essential amino acid, and as the word “essential” indicates, your body cannot produce it. You need to be careful about what you eat and include foods rich in tryptophan.

What is tryptophan and what are its properties?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. We already know that without it, we can not produce enough serotonin for good emotional balance, digestion and sleep. This multipurpose molecule is also the key to many other processes.

• It helps us synthesize proteins, as well as B-complex vitamins.
• Tryptophan stimulates the cone gland to secrete melatonin, which is fundamental to maintaining a proper sleep cycle and preventing premature aging.
• It has a remarkable antidepressant effect, as, as we already know, it helps to produce serotonin.
• Tryptophan is often used as a dietary supplement for overweight people to regulate appetite.

Where is tryptophan synthesized?

Here is an interesting fact. Most of us think that a lot of our hormones, neurotransmitters and some amino acids are synthesized in the brain, but that is not true. For example, only 5% of our total serotonin levels are found in our central nervous system. So… where is the rest? Where is it produced? In the small intestine.

We have a fascinating connection between the intestinal system and our brain. It is a two-way system that connects the emotional and cognitive centers in the brain to our digestive tract. One thing we must not overlook is the fact that having a strong, healthy intestinal flora is the same as having better tryptophan, and hence, serotonin production, which can give you a good feeling.

All this leads us to the simple conclusion that it is necessary to take care of what we eat. We can not just cut out certain unhealthy foods (saturated fat, refined flour, etc.). We recommend organic vegetables and fruits as they contain necessary vitamins and amino acids, tryptophan included.

Which foods can give a good feeling using the tryptophan content?

What we all know is that online health food stores are full of tryptophan supplements. It is easy to find tablets with combinations such as tryptophan with melatonin, or tryptophan with magnesium and vitamin B6. Now, is it a good idea to take them?

The answer is simple: you need proper medical advice before taking them. Not all people can consume them. In fact, if you are already being treated for anxiety or depression, then it may not be a good idea to take them. Talk to a doctor if you are interested in supplements, and do your part by eating right.

Let’s look at which foods are rich in this essential amino acid:

• Poultry, such as chicken or turkey.
• Salmon, sardines, cod, tuna.
• Yogurt and kefir.
• Watercress.
• Oats and brown rice.
• Fava beans, green peas, lentils.
• Pineapple and banana.
• Artichoke.
• Almonds and walnuts.
• Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
• Dark chocolate.

To conclude, the goal is to eat a varied and balanced diet tailored to your own needs and without excesses. If you have any medical conditions, are already taking certain medications, or have allergies, then it is best to consult a doctor. That being said, it never hurts to remember that what you eat (or what you do not eat) directly affects your mood. Here, tryptophan is often the secret to a good feeling.