Tryptophan Isn’t What Puts You Under on Thanksgiving. It’s the Carbs

Each Thanksgiving, there’s always the joke about how eating turkey puts you to sleep due to the tryptophan content. However, the truth is that it’s not the tryptophan in the turkey that makes you feel tired after a big meal, it’s actually the high carbohydrate content of the meal.

Carbohydrates like bread, potatoes, and stuffing are broken down into glucose, which triggers the release of insulin. This insulin spike leads to an influx of amino acids except for tryptophan. This amino acid is then able to enter the brain more easily and is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can make you feel relaxed and sleepy.

So, it’s not the tryptophan in the turkey that’s causing your post-Thanksgiving dinner slump, but rather the carbs in the side dishes. It’s the combination of a large meal rich in carbohydrates and fats that can lead to that sleepy feeling, not just the turkey alone.

So next time you’re feeling drowsy after a holiday feast, remember that it’s the carbs doing their job, not the tryptophan. And maybe consider a walk around the block to help digest that heavy meal instead of heading straight for the couch.

But don’t worry, the tryptophan in the turkey is still good for you. It’s an essential amino acid that plays a role in the production of serotonin and melatonin, which can help regulate your sleep cycle. Just don’t blame it for your Thanksgiving food coma!