Getting Enough Tryptophan?

Dr Emmons has written a book about a natural way to alleviate depression. His cure emphasizes dietary changes as well as partaking in regular meditation. In his book, The Chemistry of Joy he differentiates between three different kinds of depression;

Anxious Depression is characterized by low levels of serotonin and feelings of inadequacy and excessive worry, together with insomnia and potential carbohydrate cravings.

Agitated Depression is said to result from an excess of dopamine and norepinephrine resulting in restlessness, anger, irritability and digestive problems.

Sluggish Depression is characterized by increased sleep, withdrawal and passivity due to low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.


It's possible to be a combination of all three types but your depression will most likely be primarily one of these types.

His book recommends different eating plans for these three different types of depression.

He recommends a diet high in tryptophan (the precursor to serotonin) together with 5-HTP. If you have a deficit of dopamine and norepinephrine then he recommends dopamine/norepinephrine enhancing foods.