Effects of tryptophan...depression relief?

As we get older, the effects of tryptophan, and its relation to depression and moods, should be getting the attention it deserves.

What is tryptophan?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid needed to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in our brains. And the effects of tryptophan and serotonin deficiency can result in anxiety, overeating, carbohydrate binging, insomnia and depression.

But, aren’t we getting enough tryptophan in our food?

The tryptophan amino acid is the least plentiful of all. Even foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey, can fail to supply the body’s requirement. If you are susceptible to depression, the effects of tryptophan deficiency can be more serious if you have a consistently bad diet.

Why?

Tryptophan is like the body’s high-school beauty queen; it’s in very high demand. It has a vital function in the making of essential proteins. Vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 attract a large amount of tryptophan for their production in the liver.

Frequently, what is left over is an inadequate amount for the brain to make the all-important serotonin. This is where the effects of tryptophan depletion can be really felt.

Many studies have been done which support the link between tryptophan depletion and depression, insomnia and weight-gain.

I’ll just eat more turkey then?

It’s not as simple as that. As we get older, the enzymatic breakdown of tryptophan accelerates due to increased inflammation and normal aging of the body. These tryptophan-degrading enzymes (TDO and IDO) ambush and deplete this essential amino acid resulting in lower serotonin.

So, I’ll take more tryptophan pills then?

Nice try, but, if you take more supplements, more TDO and IDO enzymes will be induced which will, in turn, degrade the new tryptophan. You still might end up with a deficiency and a possible tryptophan depression.

The solution: Take it with a combination of other nutrients. Research has now shown that the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan is suppressed by taking it in combination with:

• Niacinamide• Hops • Ginger extract• Lycine • Rosemary extract

The result: We can start to feel better as we grow older by restoring our tryptophan to optimal levels.

Isn’t this complicated?

Actually, it’s not. Products are available which contain all these ingredients in pill form.

Another way of taking it is in the form of a nutritional drink. There are many excellent ones available. Just check the ingredients closely to make sure that it has most, or all, of the above ingredients.

You may benefit with less food cravings, better quality sleep and improved moods.

Ideally, though, a nutritional cleanse or detoxification should be done first. The absorption of tryptophan will be greatly increased due to your rejuvenated liver.

It’s just another way of treating depression naturally through the Body-Mind connection.

Let’s cleanse the body to clear the mind.

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