Wouldn't it be wonderful to go to sleep and wake up weighing ten pounds less? Sleep, by itself, may not have the same effect on weight loss as do healthy eating and exercising, but sleep is still an integral part of losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle. L-Tryptophan can help you get a good night's sleep, which is a vital part of any weight loss program.

L-Tryptophan has been shown to provide an overall feeling of relaxation. You may recall that L-Tryptophan is also found in turkey, which is why you often feel sleepy and relaxed after Thanksgiving dinner.

L-Tryptophan also helps reduce carbohydrates cravings. When you eat a high-carbohydrate meal, it releases more serotonin in your brain, and this decreases your appetite. L-Tryptophan also releases serotonin in your brain, so by increasing your L-Tryptophan intake, you are less likely to eat extra carbs, since your body is already getting enough serotonin. If you are a stress eater, L-Tryptophan also provides the benefit of relaxing your body, making you less likely to overeat.

The body cannot produce L-Tryptophan on its own, so it needs to be obtained through food or supplementation. This essential amino acid does more than just support sleep, however. It is used to create proteins, enzymes and neurotransmitters. L-Tryptophan is also necessary to produce niacin, also known as vitamin B3, which turns calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrates into natural energy. Vitamin B3 also helps regulate your digestive system, encourages a normal appetite, and promotes healthy skin and nerves.

When we don't get enough L-Tryptophan, our hormone levels are off and our appetites are affected. All of these factors cause us to crave unhealthy foods, lose the desire to exercise, and have a less productive and focused day. Getting enough L-Tryptophan in your diet is important to your health as it supports a well-balanced diet and healthy nutrition.

There are many foods that contain some amounts of L-Tryptophan: oats, mangoes, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, fish, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds, to name a few. However, adding extra L-Tryptophan to your diet can help ensure you're getting the added benefits of solid sleep, reduced cravings and a relaxed feeling of overall well-being.





 Deborah is the Health Director for Organic Liaison, has been a Registered Dietitian for over 16 years, counseling clients on nutrition and fitness, and is the author of 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life published by McGraw-Hill, Inc. Her mission is to educate Organic Liaison members to achieve optimal wellness through balanced eating and exercise. For more on Deborah - click here.

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