Guest guest Posted July 14, 2002 Report Share Posted July 14, 2002 CancerAnswer, " mrsjoguest " <angelprincessjo> wrote: Tryptophan Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means we are unable to make it within our own bodies and therefore must depend upon our food supply for it. Until 1989, it could be purchased over-the-counter as a supplement. It has been found to be directly linked with the neurotransmitter seratonin. Serotonin is thought to be an inducer and regulator of sleep. It also controls states of consciousness, mood, and may reduce sensitivity to pain and have tranquilizing effects. The newest antidepressant medications attempt to change the serotonin balance in the brain to elevate a person's mood, but they have many side effects. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered that the serotonin concentration in the brain is directly proportional to the concentration of brain and plasma tryptophan. This was the first accepted demonstration of the direct dietary control of brain neurotransmitter by tryptophan, a single amino acid. Tryptophan is not an easy amino acid to get from your diet, but good sources are organic soy, brown rice, peanuts, pumpkin, lentils, and sesame seeds. Tryptophan is regarded by some as nature's weapon against depression and insomnia. From the book " Aging without growing old " By Judy Lindbergh McFarland --- End forwarded message --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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