Topic starter
If you exercise a lot and therefore eat a lot of protein with every meal, you should become less depressed. However, things don't always go well. Some athletes consume so much protein that it can make them depressed. How is that possible?
Our theory
We have not yet come across the following conclusion online, and it is an idea that arose from combining a number of facts.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a building block of protein and serotonin, which we need to a lesser extent than other amino acids. Our body prioritizes the absorption of other amino acids that are needed more, such as leucine. If you increase protein intake to such an extent that leucine is always present and takes priority, the absorption of tryptophan is excessively restricted. Too little tryptophan means too little serotonin and therefore depression.
Solution
The solution is simple. Reduce protein intake slightly or take only tryptophan or 5-HTP before going to sleep. The body can then effectively absorb tryptophan and/or 5-HTP in the absence of other amino acids.
Posted : 13 May 2019 13:14