Tag: Tryptophan myth

Millions of people experience that sluggish feeling after a large meal, especially after eating turkey, but research suggests that tryptophan isn't the real cause. So, is it normal to feel tired after eating turkey, or is something else at play entirely?

An estimated 82% of Americans believe the myth that turkey's tryptophan content is the primary cause of post-meal drowsiness, particularly after Thanksgiving dinner. However, nutrition experts and researchers have repeatedly stated that other factors, not the amino acid, are responsible for that sleepy feeling.

Despite the popular belief that tryptophan in turkey is the primary culprit, medical experts agree that the post-Thanksgiving dinner 'food coma' is actually caused by a combination of factors. This feeling of lethargy, or postprandial somnolence, is a complex biological response to how we eat and celebrate the holiday.

Over 80% of individuals in a recent survey reported experiencing postprandial somnolence, commonly known as a food coma, with many feeling the effects after a large or heavy meal. The feeling of drowsiness or lethargy after eating is a widespread phenomenon, leaving many to wonder if it's a genuine biological response or simply a myth.

According to USDA data, a 3.5-ounce serving of skinless, roasted turkey breast provides about 26 grams of high-quality protein. Delving into what effect does turkey have on the body reveals a wealth of nutritional benefits, alongside important distinctions to consider between fresh and processed forms.

The idea that the tryptophan in turkey makes you sleepy is a widely-circulated myth, yet scientific consensus points to other factors for that drowsy feeling after a big meal. While tryptophan is a precursor to sleep-regulating hormones, its journey from food to the brain is more complex than commonly believed.

According to a study cited by Johns Hopkins Medicine, diets high in fat and protein can disrupt sleep patterns due to the heavy digestive load. This helps explain the common phenomenon that makes people wonder, does brisket make you sleepy?

Post-meal drowsiness, also known as postprandial somnolence, is a common phenomenon, but the idea that turkey's tryptophan is the primary culprit is largely a myth. Contrary to popular belief, it's not a specific meat but rather factors like high fat content and overall meal size that primarily determine what meat makes people tired the most.

While the myth that turkey contains a super-dose of the amino acid tryptophan—which is then converted to sleep-inducing melatonin—is widely accepted, experts confirm it's actually not the primary cause of your post-meal drowsiness. The "food coma," or postprandial somnolence, is actually the result of several physiological factors working in concert, including meal size and composition, rather than a single ingredient like turkey.