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

Every year on Thanksgiving, many people blame the turkey for making them feel sleepy after the big meal. But in reality, it’s not the tryptophan in the turkey that’s causing that post-feast lethargy.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is commonly found in turkey and is often associated with feelings of drowsiness. However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not significantly higher than in other meats.

What really causes that post-Thanksgiving meal slump is actually the high carbohydrate content of the traditional holiday dishes. Carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, which in turn increases the levels of the amino acid tryptophan in the brain.

Once tryptophan enters the brain, it is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. So, it’s not the turkey that’s making you sleepy, but rather the combination of carbs and tryptophan in your meal.

Other foods commonly enjoyed on Thanksgiving, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, are all high in carbohydrates, contributing to that post-feast fatigue.

It’s also worth noting that overeating in general can lead to feelings of sluggishness. The body expends a considerable amount of energy to digest a large meal, diverting blood flow away from the brain and muscles and causing fatigue.

So, while it’s convenient to blame the turkey for your Thanksgiving food coma, it’s actually the carbs in your meal that are to blame. Perhaps next year, consider adding some lighter, lower-carb dishes to your holiday spread to help combat that post-feast sleepiness.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in holiday treats, and listen to your body’s cues to avoid that post-Thanksgiving slump.