Depressive symptoms are common and are often treated with antidepressants. Some people prefer to treat their depressive symptoms with a natural product. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is often linked to depression. Tryptophan ensures that the “happiness chemical” serotonin (5 HTP) can be produced.
Depressive complaints
People with depressive complaints suffer from a depressed mood and/or get little or no pleasure from activities that they used to enjoy. To officially speak of a depressive disorder, a number of criteria must be met. For example, the depressive symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and other symptoms must be present, such as loss of energy and recurring thoughts of death.
Depressive symptoms and depression are common. About 15% of people will develop a depressive disorder in their lifetime. Depressive complaints without meeting the official criteria for a depressive disorder are much more common.
Most people will get out of their slump on their own . However, getting out of depression without help is much more difficult. Doctors often prescribe antidepressants such as an SSRI, but not everyone likes this. Antidepressants often have unpleasant side effects. Some people therefore turn to alternative ways to treat depressive symptoms. The amino acid tryptophan appears to play a role in depressive symptoms.
Amino acids
Tryptophan is a so-called amino acid, a molecule that plays an important role in the production of proteins in the human body. Proteins, in turn, ensure that various bodily processes can function properly. Some amino acids can be produced by the body itself. Other amino acids cannot be produced by the body itself, these are called essential amino acids . Fortunately, humans can obtain these essential amino acids from food. However, essential amino acids are not found in all foods. It is therefore important to ensure a varied and responsible diet, so that you get enough essential amino acids.
Tryptophan
The amino acid tryptophan is often associated with mood. Tryptophan ensures that the body can produce sufficient serotonin . Serotonin, also called 5 HTP , is a substance that occurs in the brain and is involved in mood. In people with depressive complaints, something often appears to be wrong with the serotonin housekeeping. There is often too little serotonin available. This can be caused by insufficient production of serotonin. Serotonin can only be produced when the body has a sufficient supply of tryptophan. You can contribute to this yourself by ensuring that you get enough tryptophan.
Tryptophan nutritional supplements for depressive complaints
Normally you get more than enough tryptophan with a healthy and varied diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people consume at least 4 mg of tryptophan per body weight every day. Tryptophan is present in chickpeas, milk, chocolate, bananas and certain types of cheese. However, due to circumstances some people are unable to consume sufficient products containing tryptophan. An average Western diet contains only 0.5 mg of tryptophan per day. A tryptophan supplement can then offer a solution. Food supplements containing tryptophan are available at drugstores and pharmacies, among others. Before you start taking such nutritional supplements, it is wise to consult your doctor. This can advise you on the correct dosage and any other assistance.
