Lots of Richmond Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, chasing the promised dream of restful sleep? If so, you’re not the only one. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many looking for natural answers to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected friend in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to boost better sleep which is so important for our Richmond chiropractic patients at Johnson Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that is important in the process of making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed into melatonin, the hormone in charge of overseeing your sleep-wake cycle. Eating tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help boost these processes, making it easier to drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Richmond Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most highly recognized sources of tryptophan, and thanks to its deliciously lean protein, it’s a terrific addition to your diet if you’re looking to boost sleep quality. When combined with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, raising the likelihood of better relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Johnson Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite good. (1) It features the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to boost better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—encouraging for anyone looking for gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on overall wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin taken from tryptophan isn’t just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, allowing your holidays to be a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle can lead to stress levels, creating a calm mental state that supports physical health.
- Nutrition Boost: Turkey is not just about tryptophan! It’s also full of lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a host of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of thankfulness for the sleep-enhancing benefits it offers? Combine it with other healthy, tryptophan-friendly foods like bananas or milk—studies, such as one in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest these can also enhance sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he fostered relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
