This article explores the link between diet and serotonin levels. It discusses how tryptophan, an amino acid found in various foods, plays a crucial role in serotonin production, which is associated with mood regulation and mental well-being.
Most of us are aware that a healthy diet is good for our mental and physical health. But some research suggests certain foods may help boost levels of serotonin, known as the ‘feel-good’ chemical. Is this true?You might have heard of serotonin. It’s a chemical messenger – known as a neurotransmitter – that’s found in the gut, brain and other parts of the body. Itin everything from our sleep quality and appetite to memory and learning. And, it’s also involved in our emotions and mood.
“Once digested, tryptophan is transported through the blood into the brain where it gets converted to serotonin,” Nutt says. This evidence suggests that for some people, boosting their intake of tryptophan rich foods might protect against depression, Nutt says. However, tryptophan alone can’t lift depression, he stresses. “But it can help prevent it, especially in people with a vulnerability to depression.”
“To increase your serotonin levels by making some changes that are consistent with a healthy, balanced diet is a good thing to do,” Dr Walsh says. “But on its own, it’s not sufficient.” He recommends consuming tryptophan-rich foods in their whole, unprocessed form, reducing your intake of refined sugar and looking after your gut health.Other scientists argue there’s no robust evidence that boosting our intake of foods rich in tryptophan can improve our mental health.
Serotonin Tryptophan Mood Mental Health Diet
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