Lots of Montreal Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, trying anything to get that elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you’re not alone. Insomnia bothers millions, leaving many searching for natural answers to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected help in a classic holiday staple—turkey. With its high concentrations of tryptophan, turkey offers a yummy and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our Montreal chiropractic patients at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is a vital amino acid that plays a key role in producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, the hormone responsible for managing your sleep-wake cycle. Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help increase these processes, making it easier to fall off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Montreal Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most highly recognized sources of tryptophan, and acknowledgement of its deliciously lean protein, it’s a terrific addition to your diet if you’re looking to enhance sleep quality. When paired with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is optimized, raising the likelihood of improved relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic 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 emphasizes the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without the reliance 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 cascading effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan is not just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, making your holidays a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle leads to lower 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 bunch 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? 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) Here is a shout-out to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he fostered relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
