drtbear1967
Musclechemistry Board Certified Member
Most people attribute eating turkey, which isnt extremely high in the amino acid tryptophan, to being tired. This isn't entirely true. Tryptophan is the body's source of serotonin, the "feel good" neurotransmitter. Most anti-depressants, as well as street drugs like Molly affect serotonin levels.
The problem is 1) BCAA and other aromatic amines can decrease tryptophan absorption due to competing for the same transporters which will lower serotonin levels and 2) serotonin can't cross the blood-brain barrier, so it needs insulin(carbs) to do so. From an evolutionary standpoint, this is also why you crave sugary foods/carbs when you are depressed: your body is desperately trying to elevate serotonin levels. Insulin is known to cause drowsiness, and usually thanksgiving dinners include tons of carbs. This is most likely what's making you tired, and also feel good(why people binge eat on junk food is to help increase serotonin levels). Serotonin also is a precursor to melatonin, which also can make you tired. So don't blame the turkey(which doesn’t have an extraordinary amount of tryptophan compared to other meat sources)
The problem is 1) BCAA and other aromatic amines can decrease tryptophan absorption due to competing for the same transporters which will lower serotonin levels and 2) serotonin can't cross the blood-brain barrier, so it needs insulin(carbs) to do so. From an evolutionary standpoint, this is also why you crave sugary foods/carbs when you are depressed: your body is desperately trying to elevate serotonin levels. Insulin is known to cause drowsiness, and usually thanksgiving dinners include tons of carbs. This is most likely what's making you tired, and also feel good(why people binge eat on junk food is to help increase serotonin levels). Serotonin also is a precursor to melatonin, which also can make you tired. So don't blame the turkey(which doesn’t have an extraordinary amount of tryptophan compared to other meat sources)
