How Does Tryptophan Work

Before we go into how tryptophan works, let’s first look at exactly what tryptophan is. According to tryptophan information gotten from years of study, tryptophan (also referred to as L-tryptophan) is simply an important amino acid. Human beings must obtain this amino acid through dietary sources because the body is unable to produce it. Although tryptophan can be found in a lot of foods, there are dietary supplements available as well. Tryptophan supplements are used as a natural antidepressant in treating conditions like anxiety, how to overcome seasonal affective disorder, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), depression and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Top dietary sources of tryptophan include:

-Beef
-Chicken
-Turkey
-Tuna
-Lamb
-Cod
-Soybeans
-Halibut
-Calf’s liver
-Salmon
-Shrimp
-Scallops
-Snapper

There are other really great sources of tryptophan and they can be found in foods such as lima beans, brown rice, milk, tofu, kidney beans, green peas, onions, mustard greens, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, winter squash, kelp, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, almonds, sesame seeds, eggs and walnuts.

Tryptophan Information on How This Amino Works

As mentioned earlier, tryptophan is an amino acid, needed in the body for building proteins. Tryptophan used as a natural antidepressant because the body uses it to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter which actually has a vital role to play in anxiety and depression. The human body also uses mood disorders tryptophan to produce melatonin (a hormone) and niacin (a vitamin).

In spite of tryptophan information you may get online, it is not presently banned by the FDA. In the early 1990’s, due to safety concerns, tryptophan supplements were banned in the US for a while, but changes in the law allowed the tryptophan supplements to be re-introduced into the market.

Tryptophan Side Effects

Even though tryptophan is considered to be a natural antidepressant, it does have possible side effects. Common tryptophan side effects include:
Stomach pain
Gas and Belching
Indigestion or Heartburn
Diarrhea
Vomiting and  feeling nauseous

In order to avoid the aforementioned tryptophan side effects, it is important to consult your physician before you think about taking tryptophan supplements.

What Tryptophan is Not

Tryptophan is not a hallucinogen and one cannot get high off it! There are those who search for a healthy way to get high and pay good money for so-called tryptophan MDMA or tryptophan ecstasy pills. Please know that some of these recreational drugs branded as tryptophan MDMA or tryptophan ecstasy are simply increased dosages of 5-HTP, concocted by people who are completely clueless!

There is absolutely no such thing as “recreational tryptophan MDMA or tryptophan ecstasy!”

Side Effects of Tryptophan Overdose

Tryptophan side effects can be triggered by overdose. The most severe of these possible effects include:

EMS (Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome) – this condition is a life threatening one with the following symptoms:

-Nerve pain
-Serious muscle pain
-High eosinophil levels
-Fatigue
-Hair loss
-Dry, thick skin or other kinds of skin changes
-Rash

Serotonin Syndrome – this is another condition that is life threatening. The symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome are:

-Difficulty walking
-Confusion
-Sweating
-Hallucinations
-Muscle spasms.