You’ve heard of Tryptophan, it’s the amino acid that always takes the fall for those Thanksgiving Naps. But here’s the scoop: tryptophan is so much more than an after-dinner nap enabler, as a matter of fact, if you are falling asleep after a dinner high in Tryptophan, it can be your body alerting you that you are deficient in sleep and Tryptophan!
In Human Design, this amino acid has a special spot in Gate 35 in the Throat Center, tied to the energy of change, experience, and emotional balance. Scientists are even exploring tryptophan as a possible 4th stop codon—a major “stop sign” in protein synthesis, putting tryptophan center stage in our health!
(Did you know that all stop codons are found in the Throat Center in Human Design – and tie into Thyroid, Autoimmune, Gut Health, Liver Health, & MTHFR Mutations?)
Gate 35 - is the only gate in its codon group, just like Gate 41, the Start Codon for methionine, which tells your body to start building proteins. Methionine is the “Go!” amino acid, while tryptophan may be working as part of a “Stop” team to finish up protein synthesis through a process called methylation. Why is this start-stop process a big deal? Methylation helps our bodies “turn on” and “turn off” certain genes, playing a major role in detoxification, immune health, aging, and more. If methylation goes off track, so do a lot of other things! And here is the thing - both are essential amino acids, meaning you can only get them through diet or supplements.
Here’s Where It Gets Real: Tryptophan Deficiency
Now, you might think you’re getting enough tryptophan, especially if turkey, eggs, and nuts are regulars on your plate. But tryptophan has some fierce competition—it has to fight with other amino acids to get absorbed. And thanks to modern diets, stress, and gut issues, getting enough tryptophan isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Low levels of tryptophan can leave you with mood swings, restless nights, and emotional burnout, making it harder to handle all of life’s ups and down – regardless of if you have Gate 35 or not.
Tryptophan and Telomeres: Your Anti-Aging Ally
Now let’s get into telomeres—those tiny caps on the ends of our DNA that keep cells from aging too quickly. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get a little shorter, which is part of the natural aging process. But guess what? Tryptophan helps keep telomeres from wearing down too fast, helping you age more gracefully and stay resilient. It’s like a “fountain of youth” nutrient, working behind the scenes to protect your cells.
Mood, Sleep, and Emotional Balance
Beyond anti-aging, tryptophan is the building block for serotonin, our “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Think of serotonin as the VIP in mood regulation and sleep quality. Without enough tryptophan, serotonin levels can dip, leaving you cranky, sleep-deprived, or just plain exhausted.
So, Why Should You Care?
Tryptophan is an MVP whether it’s in your Gate 35 or not. This amino acid is key for proper methylation, telomere protection, emotional balance, and restful sleep. It’s not just the Thanksgiving nap early warning system—it’s a wellness powerhouse supporting your gene expression, resilience, and mental health. So next time tryptophan comes up, remember: it’s way more than turkey.