Drinking a whey protein shake is a good way to get serotonin into the body. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter that controls mood. A lack of it’s presence in the body is linked to anxiety and depression. Whey protein shakes contain the essential amino acid called tryptophan, which converts to serotonin in the body. Tryptophan is found naturally in eggs, milk, and lean meats such as turkey. Additionally, eating high carbohydrate foods and tryptophan together will allow the tryptophan to work better in the body. This is because carbs tend to release insulin in the body which clears the blood stream of other amino acids that compete with tryptophan. This is generally what a whey protein shake provides is high carbohydrate and tryptophan levels.
Drinking whey protein can also help you lose weight. Studies have shown that elevated moods are associated with weight loss. This is because many people eat more when they feel anxious or depressed. In addition to drinking a whey protein shake once or twice a day, you may want to consider taking a fish oil capsule and a multivitamin. Fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to elevate mood and multivitamins contain essential vitamins and minerals that help the body function better.