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Glutamine Benefits
Glutamine is an amino acid found in your
muscle that must be obtained from your diet or through supplementation and
has been shown to have many benefits. Most bodies cannot produce glutamine
in sufficient quantities. Supplements are commonly found in the form of in
a powdered drink mix, pill or tablet. Animal and plant protein are dietary
sources of glutamine. A diet high in fish, poultry and legumes is
recommended for sufficient natural glutamine production.
Body builders, weight lifters and athletes
commonly supplement their diet with glutamine because of it’s many benefits
in regard to muscle growth and fortification. Patients with intestinal
problems often supplement because of it’s immunity and intestinal tract
protection properties. People who are trying to lose weight may use
glutamine to boost human growth hormone and to replenish glycogen, reducing
sugar cravings. Patients who have muscle deteriorating ailments like AIDS
may benefit from glutamine’s immune system boosting, improved recovery and
increased cell reproduction properties.
Prevents Catabolism, Promotes Anabolism
Catabolism refers to the breaking down of
molecules into smaller units. During and after physical exercise,
catabolism typically occurs in muscles. This is counterproductive to
building strong muscle tone. Anabolism is the opposite, it actually
encourages the building of larger muscle fibers. Glutamine boosts the
production of human growth hormone, which in turn promotes anabolism.
Glutamine has been clearly linked to increased protein synthesis. The added
glutamine is synthesized into new protein tissue as well.
Enhances Immune System Function
Glutamine enhances the intestine’s ability
to resist invasion by harmful microorganisms. Glutamine is also one of the
building blocks of glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant. It is often
given to patients who have cancer, AIDS, trauma, burns and other infections
as it promotes healing wounds. Glutamine is a common supplemental treatment
for peptic ulcers and in preventing asprin-induced gastric lesions.
Glutamine is often used as an oral rinse to
reduce mouth sores usually associated with chemotherapy to treat cancer. It
is also used to treat other cancer complications such as stomach
irritation.
Accelerates Fat Burning
Anabolic properties of glutamine are
helpful in the fat burning process by promoting muscle growth and the human
growth hormone production. HGH builds and protects lean muscle mass.
Glutamine is also used to help sugar-addicts through withdrawal.
Improves Mental Sharpness
Glutamine is one of the building blocks for
the production of neurotransmitters (glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid,
known as GABA) in the brain. Glutamine is converted to glucose when the
brain isn’t receiving enough. Users of glutamine often report a better
overall mood and less fatigue.
Alcoholism and Sugar Addition
Alcoholics and sugar addicts may find
glutamine supplementation a way to ease the stomach pain and mental toxicity
that comes when they stop using alcohol or sugar. It is thought glutamine
may reduce cravings.
Side Effects and Dosage
There are side effect warnings when
supplementing glutamine but some users have experienced minor headaches.
There are no known drug interactions or nutrient problems associated with
glutamine.
The typical dosage is between 2 and 20
grams. The intestines will consume up to 5 grams at a time. This means
that any supplementation for the purpose of building muscle, added immunity
strength beyond the intestines, fat burning or mental clarity should take
doses above 5 grams. The typical patient will take in glutamine twice a
day, once first in the morning and again after a workout or before bed.
It’s best taken on an empty stomach.
Choose L-glutamine over D-glutamine, as it
more closely resembles the substance in it’s natural form. While studies
are still out concerning other uses for glutamine, many benefits are already
proven and widely accepted.
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