Here we are again. That time of year we begin preparing for that holiday feast meal whether going out, to family or friends or making a feast of your own the sleepy turkey and tryptophan is bound to enter the conversation.
So is it true? Well, let's break down some facts first.
What is Tryptophan?
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, plays a vital role in the body's protein synthesis and tissue repair processes. Unlike some amino acids, the body cannot manufacture tryptophan on its own, necessitating its inclusion in your diet. While turkey is a well-known source of tryptophan, it's not the sole provider; cheese, chicken, fish, milk, peanuts, egg whites, and various other foods offer this amino acid as well.
Amino acids serve a broader purpose beyond building muscle; some of them act as the foundational components for brain neurotransmitters, as explained by Fernstrom.
For instance, tryptophan can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in promoting a sense of calmness, inducing sleep, and carrying out various other functions, contingent upon the presence of the appropriate enzymes.
So maybe it's not just the turkey!
Boosting your tryptophan intake through high-protein foods like turkey might sound like a serotonin party waiting to happen, but there's a twist.
You see, tryptophan isn't the only guest knocking at the brain's "door." It's got some fierce competition from other amino acids, all vying for entry into the brain using the same doorway. There's a traffic jam going on up there! The catch? There's a much larger crowd of these other compounds than tryptophan, and when you're feasting on a protein-packed meal, like a mouthwatering roast turkey, they pretty much overshadow tryptophan's entrance, leaving your serotonin levels unfazed.
If you're aiming for a serotonin-boosting brain party, you might find better luck with a pile of mashed potatoes or rolls at your Thanksgiving feast. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out the secret to getting more tryptophan into your brain's exclusive club lies in consuming pure carbohydrates.
Here's the trick: Carbs prompt the release of insulin, which does a little crowd control by dialing down the levels of those other amino acids in your system. With the competition cleared out, tryptophan gets a free pass into the brain, all set to work its serotonin magic. Yawn.
But when it comes to those post-Thanksgiving meal siestas, don't go pointing the finger at the turkey – it's innocent in this drowsiness game!
Noticing that post-meal, "slow-down" mode? It's all part of the fascinating metabolic activity dance that happens during digestion. Your body, the ultimate party host, sends out signals to give digestion top billing, which is pretty much its VIP treatment.
Now, let's not forget the stars of the show: glucose and insulin. These dynamic duos can throw in some plot twists, impacting both your brain and the whole digestive crew. It's all part of the thrilling post-feast performance!
Want to keep your energy levels high and stay in the alert zone? It's all about mastering the art of meal moderation, my friends. Take a strategic approach to your indulgent favorites – consider swapping out one food for another to create room for the dishes that truly tantalize your taste buds. And here's a golden rule: avoid going overboard – set that fork down just before you hit the "completely stuffed" mark. It's all about enjoying your culinary journey without overloading the engine! 🍽️💡
Or indulge for this once a year occasion with family and friends, and go ahead and blame the turkey when you're caught dozing off pretending to watch football.
