What Are The Benefits Of Tryptophan In The Body?

The Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the diet. This is used as a building block in protein synthesis.

Similarly, it has a large number of specialized functions, which can bring great benefits to the body.

Read this article and discover what foods contain tryptophan and what are its benefits and properties for your body.

What foods are rich in tryptophan?

If we want to consume foods that are a good source of tryptophan, we must first visit the dairy section of the supermarket. These products are rich in this amino acid.

On the other hand, we can also eat some foods such as the following:

• Eggs
• Pumpkin
• Peanuts

• Sunflower seeds
• Chocolate
• Red meat
• Poultry

What are the benefits of tryptophan?

Once we know through which foods we can provide tryptophan to the body, it is time to see what properties it has.

If you have trouble sleeping or even some severe form of PMS, take a look at the benefits that this amino acid can bring you.

However, do not forget that you should always go to a specialist and that tryptophan should never be a substitute for its treatment. It is only a complement.

It is a great ally to sleep

As scientific studies point out, tryptophan is a sleep-inducing amino acid.

Tryptophan supplements, in doses of 1 gram, are sometimes a great aid to sleep, as they can cause:

• Effects of increasing subjective drowsiness.
• A decrease in the time to sleep.

This supplement generally favors patients with mild insomnia or anyone who takes some time to fall asleep.

It has also been suggested as an ally for patients with sleep apnea, although there is not enough research to support this effect. More studies are required to determine if it is safe to use tryptophan in these treatments.

Useful against winter blues

Winter depressive disorder is a mood disturbance where people experience symptoms of depression in winter.

According to some scientific studies,  patients who are treated with L-tryptophan every day for two weeks significantly reduce depression. However, we remind you that you should always consult a professional in these cases.

May become antidepressant

Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a hormone that contributes to feelings of well-being. People with low serotonin levels are prone to depression.

On the contrary, as scientific studies indicate, when tryptophan is consumed, through food or supplements, it is converted into serotonin. An increase in the level of serotonin can help reduce the symptoms of depression.

It should be noted that this amino acid can also serve as a supplement to enhance the effect of other antidepressant drugs. 

Now, at this point, you should be clear that you always have to take these drugs under a medical prescription.

Foods rich in tryptophan are never a “miracle cure” to serious problems such as depression. 

Helps against premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a much more severe form of PMS, which can be debilitating due to either physical, mental, or emotional symptoms.

Tryptophan can sometimes significantly improve mood  in some patients with PMDD.

Pay attention!

Again, it is important to point out the need to always consult a specialist. Tryptophan supplements should always be taken under medical recommendation, due to their possible side effects.

An excess of serotonin in the body can produce unwanted effects such as confusion, rapid heartbeat, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, fever, diarrhea and sweating, among many others.

Therefore, the safest way to obtain tryptophan is through diet, through the ingestion of foods that contain it naturally.