What are the health benefits of tryptophan?

Tryptophan is an amino acid required by the human body to process proteins. Since the body does not naturally produce this nutrient, people must get it from food sources or tryptophan supplements. The health benefits of tryptophan seem numerous and it is one of the few nutrients sold as a pharmaceutical drug. It can treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), help with smoking cessation and help regulate the sleep cycle and mood. When the body makes serotonin, some of them are converted to melatonin, which helps normalize sleep formulas. Disorders such as PMDD, seasonal affective disorder, attention disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome are considered to be due to low levels of serotonin in the brain. By increasing the intake of this nutrient, either food, supplements or medicines, it can potentially increase serotonin in the brain, thereby alleviating some symptoms of these disorders.

towerDCI found that regularly using nicotine products, such as cigarettes, changes the balance of chemicals in the brain. Even after the end of nicotine products, it may take a while for the chemical to be exported again. Tryptophan supplements have been found to accelerate this process and may reduce some of the abstinence symptoms associated with stopping smoking. It is often used in conjunction with other measures to quit smoking and has been found to increase the likelihood of successful ending of nicotine habit.

While the studies are mixed with the use of this supplement in the treatment of insomnia or sleep disorders, some have found that this can help people fall asleep faster and remain sleeping longer. Melatonin, which creates the brain in response to amino acid, is one of the primary chemicals in the brain that says the body is time to sleep. In some cases, doctors may prescribe tryptophan in conjunction with a slight sleep help.

doctors and scientists also found success in using tryptophan to treat mood disorders, especially bipolar disorders and medium to severe depression. It has been found that this amino acid increases the body's response to antidepressants, especially for those who are difficult to find a suitable drug to solve depression. The pharmaceutical version of tryptophan is often prescribed by lithium to treat bipolar disorder. It may increase the effectiveness of the drug and in some cases reduce side effects.

In addition to supplements and drugs, this basic nutrient can naturally be found in several foods. While Turkey is often considered an unusually high amount, it actually contains nothing but no other poultry. Foods with the highest level are eggs, cod, soy beans and parmesanes. Other good sources are chocolate, dairy products and pumpkin seeds.