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A Simple Way To Be Happier This Winter Winterb�s in full swing and itb�s time to have some fun. But what if youb�re not quite feeling up to it? Sometimes our good moods are sabotaged by life getting in the way b� money stress, an argument with a loved one, unmet expectations, or maybe you just feel down and canb�t explain why. Whatever the reason, there IS an easy way to be happier this winter. What is it? Get more of natureb�s b� antidepressant.b� Itb�s called tryptophan. Itb�s an amino acid your body canb�t make it on its own. And the research is clear: Getting enough tryptophan makes you happier (and nicer!). For example, a study published in 2006, in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience hypothesised that supplementing with tryptophan would make both men and women more agreeable. They recruited both men and women who described themselves as b� quarrelsome.b� For 15 days, the researchers gave participants 1,000 mg of tryptophan three times a day. By the end of the study, participants reported being in a much better mood. They were more agreeable b�& on better behaviour b�& and less aggressive. [1] Pretty impressive for an all-natural b� antidepressant.b� But it turns out that tryptophan works across the board b� even in kids. French and Canadian researchers recruited 23 ten-year old boys. The boys had a history of physical aggression. They were split into two groups. One group got a milkshake supplemented with 500 mg of tryptophan. The second group just got a milkshake. The results were surprising. Just ONE 500 mg dose caused the boys in the tryptophan-supplemented group to respond more maturely to provocation. Plus, they were able to gain a broader perspective in certain situations and were more willing to offer help. [2] So why does tryptophan work so well at calming us down and getting us in a better mood? Itb�s used in your body to manufacture serotonin, also known as the b� happiness hormone.b� When youb�re not getting enough tryptophan, your body canb�t make enough serotonin to keep you feeling great. Thatb�s why many studies on behavioral and mental issues focus on tryptophan depletion. Simply put, the less tryptophan you have, the more likely youb�ll feel depressed, frustrated, stressed, and angry. The good news is, itb�s pretty easy to get it back to normal levels in your body. You can buy it as a supplement at your local health food store or simply get it from food. Tryptophan-rich foods include meats and seafood, like chicken, turkey and shrimp. Cheese, yogurt, eggs, and milk are also good sources. So there you have it. Get a little more tryptophan in your life, and youb�ll be happy (or even happier!) this winter. Oh and by the way, if you’re serious about taking your overall health and fitness to the next level,B why notB take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation? (an $87 value) During this consult, you’ll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that’s tailored to YOUR body. There’s no obligation and it’s totally and completely free. To sign up, click here References: [1] aan het Rot M, Moskowitz DS, Pinard G, Young SN. Social behaviour and mood in everyday life: the effects of tryptophan in quarrelsome individuals. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2006 Jul;31(4):253-62. [2] Nantel-Vivier A, Pihl RO, Young SN, et al. Serotonergic contribution to boysb� behavioural regulation. PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e20304. Read more articles that our Bodyconnect Personal Trainers and Boot camp Trainers Ballarat Recommend |
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