Neurotransmitters, what are they and why do bodybuilders use this kind of amino acids on an ongoing basis? Learn how to quickly gain lean muscle mass. During the aging of the human body, emotional disturbances can occur. Such phenomena should include increased irritability, decreased resistance to stressful situations, insomnia, depression, etc. All these phenomena have one thing in common - a low concentration of serotonin in the brain. This substance belongs to the group of neurotransmitters and is often called the hormone of happiness, which is quite justified.
The older a person becomes, the more active various inflammatory processes proceed, thereby preparing the ground for subsequent degenerative processes in all organs. Chronic inflammatory processes often become the main cause of various diseases, for example, diabetes or cancer. They also have a negative effect on the brain, reducing the concentration of serotonin.
To increase the level of the hormone of happiness, you must take the amine tryptophan. In today's article, we will look at how the amino acid tryptophan can be used in bodybuilding. Much of the knowledge about the effect of serotonin on human behavior and emotional state has been gained through research on tryptophan. With a decrease in amine production, the level of the hormone of happiness automatically drops. This negatively affects mood, increases aggressiveness, and also impairs memory.
Serotonin can only be synthesized in the body, but tryptophan can be supplemented. This will increase the concentration of all substances of the neurotransmitter group, including serotonin. As a result, such negative phenomena as hot temper, anxiety will be eliminated and resistance to stressful situations will increase.
How is tryptophan amino acid effective in bodybuilding?
Improving the quality of training
If a person is not in the mood, then it is almost impossible to conduct a high-quality workout. This is primarily due to the psychological state, when throughout the entire lesson you are pursued by the desire to complete the training as soon as possible and go home.
Scientists have well studied the effect of the amino acid tryptophan in bodybuilding on the training process. When using this supplement, overall performance is increased, as well as physical parameters are increased. However, the most significant effect of tryptophan in this case is an increase in the duration of training, as the perception of fatigue changes. In one experiment, subjects after taking tryptophan were able to increase the duration of training by almost 50 percent. Another study showed that runners were able to run 500 meters longer after taking this amine compared to the placebo group. Thus, thanks to the use of the amino acid tryptophan in bodybuilding, you can get satisfaction from training and reduce pain after training.
Increasing resistance to stressful situations
Psychological stress is known to cause increased cortisol secretion. As you know, this negatively affects muscle tissue, causing it to break down. Tryptophan helps reduce stress and thus becomes an anti-catabolic.
Improving sleep quality
Sleep deprivation can be a major cause of emotional distress. In the course of scientific research, it has been proven that with insufficient sleep time, people begin to consume more carbohydrates and fats. In turn, the number of vegetables in their nutrition program is reduced.
Sleep quality is directly related to the level of two substances - melatonin and serotonin. They both belong to the group of neurotransmitters and can only be synthesized from tryptophan. Back in the seventies of the last century, scientists discovered that if you take 1-15 grams of tryptophan before bedtime, then a person falls asleep faster. Even using just 0.25 grams, your sleep will be deeper and more restful.
These studies were continued and scientists found that one gram of amine improves the quality of sleep. Subjects who used the supplement fell asleep faster, and their sleep was good and deep. Upon awakening, they felt completely rested and ready for new challenges throughout the day.
It should be noted that tryptophan is free of side effects, unlike various sleeping pills. He does not have a feeling of drowsiness, and after taking an amine, you can always wake up quickly if necessary. All of this suggests that the amino acid tryptophan in bodybuilding can be a very effective and beneficial supplement.
For more on the role of amino acids in sports nutrition, see here: