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Tryptophan is an amino acid that is increasingly used in the form of a supplement. It is supposed to improve our well-being or alleviate the symptoms of stress. However, these are not the only benefits of taking this amino acid. Most people do not know that diet is important in the treatment of depressive disorders, and tryptophan is one of the most important amino acids for which the body needs then.
Tryptophan is not produced by our body, so it must be provided in the diet. It is primarily responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system, therefore, if the body registers its deficiency, we will feel a decrease in energy and feel worse.
The human body cannot synthesize tryptophan on its own. Therefore, this amino acid should be supplied from external sources. There are many tryptophan-rich products in pharmacies. However, not everyone should take this amino acid in the form of a supplement, so consult a specialist before taking it.
Tryptophan is also found in natural food products, for example: meat, fish (e.g. cod), dairy products and pulses, Parmesan, as well as dried egg whites, spinach, bananas and spirulina. Pumpkin seeds, nuts and soybeans are also a good source of tryptophan. The concentration of tryptophan in food is not high, so you can consume such products without restrictions.
You can also order the L-tryptophan Viridian dietary supplement available at an attractive price on Medonet Market.
Read more: What products is tryprophan in?
Tryptophan is an exogenous amino acid, and therefore supplied to the body with food. It is an important building block of proteins, it affects the functioning of the nervous system, well-being and appetite. Tryptophan is responsible for the proper course of many functions of our body, so it is important to provide it to the body in the right amount.
This amino acid performs in the body such functions as:
- participation in the production of serotonin, the so-called the happiness hormone;
- participation in the production of melatonin, the hormone that induces us to sleep when the twilight arrives;
- participation in the synthesis of rhodopsin – a photosensitive dye, thanks to which we can see after dark;
- reduction of hyperactivity and tension;
- regulation of metabolism;
- improvement of immunity;
- participation in the reproductive process;
- effect on lactation;
- influence on the work of the nervous system, regulation of norepinephrine and dopamine;
- production of kinurein, i.e. a chemical UV filter produced in the eyeball.
Also read: Sleep supplements – natural sleep aid
As a result of tryptophan deficiency, we can, for example, experience a drop in mood, sleep problems, growth inhibition, hair loss or hardening of the skin. The consequence of tryptophan deficiency is also the stoppage of lactation, problems with smooth muscles or anemia.
Tryptophan deficiency can occur as a result of dietary mistakes if there is too little tryptophan in our diet. In some cases, a deficiency may occur if a person has a medical condition that causes malabsorption.
See also: Stress – how to prevent it?
Excess tryptophan – if there is too much of this amino acid in our body, resulting from overuse of the supplement, we may become sleepy, feel dry in the mouth, have headaches or nausea, and have blurred vision. In extreme cases, there may be problems with motor coordination, the growing process, and muscle wasting.
Not sure if your body has the right amount of tryptophan? Perform a Shipment Profile Test of 26 Amino Acids that you can buy on Medonet Market.
Tryptophan and slimming
This amino acid affects not only the nervous system, but also the digestive system. It can effectively suppress the appetite, even in the case of carbohydrates, which promote the production of serotonin, i.e. improve our mood. When we consume too much carbohydrate, our body produces more insulin, which in turn promotes the absorption of more tryptophan by the brain.
Read: 10 ways to lose weight healthy
Therefore, the low level of tryptophan makes you want to eat carbohydrates, so this property of the amino acid can be used to reduce calories in our diet. However, for people who care about the healthy appearance of their body, tryptophan has another advantage – it participates in the production of growth hormone, is important in the process of producing muscle tissue, and also accelerates the process of fat burning.
Tryptophan in the treatment of depression
The brain converts tryptophan into serotonin, the happiness hormone. If we do not take the right amount of this amino acid, serotonin deficiency occurs, which results in mood drops, anxiety, insomnia, aggressiveness or even depressive disorders. Serotonin is also responsible for our impulsive behavior or sexual needs. In the treatment of depressive disorders, drugs are used to make the same amount of serotonin work longer and more intensely.
The significant effect of the level of this amino acid on depressive states was confirmed when the deficiency of this amino acid in the body was artificially induced. Most people have experienced worsening of their depression symptoms. Giving these people tryptophan supplements for about a month has been shown to be effective in fighting depressive disorders.
See also: Depression in children – causes, symptoms. How to help a child with depression?
Before taking both dietary supplements and medications of any kind, be sure to read the leaflet and follow the instructions provided there. Thanks to them, we are able to avoid any undesirable effects and side effects. The dosage of tryptophan is 500 to 1000 milligrams at bedtime.