Amino acids develop in your body and also come from foods. The organic compounds form proteins. When you eat protein foods, the protein breaks down into amino acids during digestion. Amino acids manufacture neurotransmitters, the chemicals in your brain that regulate your mood and behavior. Your body responds to amino acids by making you feel motivated, excited, relaxed or experience other reactions. Certain amino acids can boost your metabolism by providing you with energy and nutrients.
Tyrosine
When protein breaks down in your body, amino acids enter the bloodstream and travel on a pathway to the brain. The amino acid tyrosine increases production of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine when it reaches the brain network. These neurotransmitters improve your mental alertness and energy to enhance your emotional and physical tasks, according to Middle Tennessee State University. Eating foods high in protein provides your body with tyrosine. These foods include meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products.
Phenylalanine
Another amino acid, phenylalanine, converts to tyrosine when broken down in the body. It helps to activate adrenaline for energy. A deficiency in phenylalanine may bring about symptoms that include lack of energy, decreased alertness, confusion and memory problems. You can get phenylalanine by consuming high-protein foods, such as beef, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese and soy products. The artificial sweetener aspartame also contains phenylalanine.
Lysine
The body cannot make lysine, an essential amino acid, so you need to get it through foods. Lysine plays an important role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient that turns fatty acids into energy. The amino acid also helps the body form collagen for the development of bones and connective tissues. Along with energy-inducing capabilities, lysine also helps with proper growth. Red meat, pork, poultry, cheese, cod, sardines and eggs contain lysine. You can also get the amino acid by consuming nuts, soybeans and legumes.
Balancing Moods
Eating protein foods helps when you want to boost your metabolism, but carbohydrate foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can have the opposite effect by triggering another amino acid, tryptophan. Carbohydrates release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin enhances the performance of tryptophan, which converts to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin brings on a relaxed state and helps with sleep. Some protein foods, however, contain tryptophan if you want to balance your effects with energy and relaxation. For example, tryptophan may combat anxiety, MayoClinic.com notes. You may feel anxious about an event or performance and tryptophan can improve your mood. Protein foods containing tryptophan include poultry, milk, nuts and peanut butter.
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