1) What neurotransmitter is the amino acid Tryptophan converted into?
2) Where in the body is the majority of this neurotransmitter produced? (hint: it's not the brain)
We all are familiar with the rap turkey gets that it makes us sleepy because if the tryptophan in it. The one of the roles the neurotransmitter that tryptrophan is converted into plays is in regulating sleep.
The truth is, many foods contain as much if not more tryptophan than turkey has! Some of these are chicken, pork, shrimp, tuna and salmon, beans and legumes. Additionally, tryptophan is best used by the body on an empty stomach!
The reason we feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner is that most have us have consumed loads of carbohydrates in the form of dressing, mashed potatoes, sugar-fortified cranberries, rolls, pie, etc. Blood is redirected to the gut so it can get to work breaking down all this food, reducing the brain's supply of blood which will contribute to feelings of lack of motivation.
American will consume and average of around 4,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day! (side note- 3,500 calories is equal to one pound) Do something that will help balance all the overeating that is likely to take place! Take a walk with the family and get some fresh air or maybe register for the Turkey Trot; enjoy the nice weather while it's here. I have a Thanksgiving day tradition of getting up early and going for a hike. My 2 favorite trails for Turkey Day morning are Mormon Trail or Holbert Trail, both at South Mountain.
The winner of our raffle this month will receive in time for Christmas an organic, free-range turkey!
Take some time this holiday to reflect on everything for which you are thankful and Happy Thanksgiving!
0 comments:
Post a Comment