Lots of St Peters Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, chasing the elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you are not the only one. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many searching for natural solutions to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected ally in a classic holiday food—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our St Peters chiropractic patients at Old Mill Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone in charge of managing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help boost these processes, making it simpler to drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your St Peters Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most well-known sources of tryptophan, and acknowledgement of its deliciously lean protein, it’s a terrific addition to your diet if you’re looking to boost sleep quality. When paired with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is enhanced, increasing the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Old Mill Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It features the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without relying on heavy pharmacological interventions—inspiring for anyone seeking gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond aiding with insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a greater effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin taken from tryptophan isn’t just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, making your holidays a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle can lead to stress levels, generating a calm mental state that supports physical health.
- Nutrition Boost: Turkey is not just about tryptophan! It’s also packed with lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a host of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not indulge in your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of gratitude for the sleep-enhancing benefits it offers? Pair 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 support sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of sleep-filled nights!
CONTACT Old Mill 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.
