I’ve been thinking about this question as I explore the emerging research on microtubules, quantum biology, and the nature of consciousness. In many presentations at The Science of Consciousness Conference this week in San Diego, many scientists are talking about these connections, and with my lens into the topic as a medical scientist, I’m seeing that our societal fixation on protein may be (in part) symbolic.
I’ll explain...
Microtubules are tiny structures inside our cells, including our neurons. They are made of proteins containing tryptophan (and other aromatic amino acids), an essential amino acid we obtain from food. Most of us know tryptophan as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. But here’s what really caught my attention.
Researchers are studying how networks of tryptophan within microtubules interact with light and exhibit collective optical properties. Other scientists are exploring whether quantum processes within microtubules might contribute to consciousness.
This brings me back to food.
We’re living in a time when protein seems to be everyone’s nutritional priority. I understand the interest in protein for muscle, metabolism, and healthy aging.
But I find myself wondering something else. Could there be a deeper relationship between our nutritional needs and the biology underlying conscious experience?
Eating more tryptophan has not been shown to enhance consciousness through microtubules, but I think we need that research to happen. I find it fascinating that an amino acid we eat becomes part of the microscopic architecture of our neurons, while also contributing to molecules involved in mood and sleep.
There’s more to explore at the intersection of nutrition, cellular structure, light, and consciousness.
For me, this is where science and spirituality meet: not in having all the answers, but in asking new questions.
What if food nourishes not only the machinery of life, but the biological foundations that make our experience of life possible? ✨🌈
4 days agofoodandmoodby_minnawood
Love how you step outside the conventional box with your ponderings to connect the dots. 💜
5 days agodr.aysegulcoruhlu
Triptohan and other aromatic aa s have benzen ring which is also a photon trap.
5 days agomincinnutritionist
You always have a uniquely fascinating take. Here's some further food for thought,alao a less common perspective. Optimizing protein doesn't just mean eating MORE protein. It also means making the best use of the protein you consume. 🔑 🔑 2 keys to optimizing protein digestion & utilization, and avoiding the hazards of excess protein consumption are 1. Effective enzymatic digestion and 2. Proper food combining 👇 1. Digestive ENZYMES from stomach, liver and pancreas are vital and often lacking. For example stomach acid production notoriously declines from age 40 on. To determine stomach acid sufficiency I instruct my patients in a therapeutic trial at home self test which is as meaningful as a $300 Heidelberg capsule where a radio transmitter is sent down the throat to measure stomach acid 🤔 Think about it, all the best quality protein in the world, if not properly digested & absorbed, not only doesn't provide protein nourishment, but produces nitrogenous waste by-products becoming a toxic burden in the gut, liver, kidneys & brain. It is entirely possible to get too much of a good thing . 2. PROPER FOOD COMBINING What you eat with what matters. Did you know that a bean + a grain although providing complete meat like protein, is not well digested. The same bean & grain eaten separately will provide the same complementary amino acid protein profile while being better digested, absorbed and utilized. See recent post fully dedicated to this important topic You are what you digest & absorb is more true than UR?U8 . Supportive posts on my page including the PROTEIN MYTH and the ESSENTIAL GUT HEALTH series, especially those about digestive enzymes and proper food combining + Most all PROTEIN POWDER supplementation is not only unnecessary but overly processed & detrimental.. See example below 👇
5 days agoheartful_earth_cuisine
Wow so much to ponder. Salmon avocado or sardines avocado 🥑 changes the way my whole day goes. So I wonder when I start my day with protein and more sometimes its magical
5 days agoamandaparkerloves
Great conversation ! Believe this is where we are going with a deeper more coherent relationship between our physical and metaphysical- so exciting ✨🌀✨
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