Glutamine Supplement

Glutamine Supplements

Glutamine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein that is linked together by peptide bonds in specific chemical arrangements to form proteins. It is found in both plant and animal proteins and is available in a variety of supplemental forms.

Glutamine helps the body maintain the correct acid-alkaline balance and is a necessary part of the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Glutamine also helps promote a healthy digestive tract.

Unlike other amino acids that have a single nitrogen atom, glutamine contains two nitrogen atoms that enable it to transfer nitrogen and remove ammonia from body tissues. Glutamine readily passes the blood-brain barrier and, within the brain, is converted to glutamic acid, which the brain needs to function properly. It also increases the amount of GABA, which is needed to sustain proper brain function and mental activity.

No other nutrient is as important for gastrointestinal health. Glutamine rapidly facilitates healing and restores the health of mucous membranes inside the colon (large intestine). Just 1.6 grams per day, is used to treat peptic ulcers. Research proved that supplementation lessens stomach inflammation caused by chemotherapy and can be useful in treating diarrhea.

The body cannot synthesize enough glutamine to heal wounds, preserve lean tissue, and nourish the immune system following surgery or physical stress. Providing supplemental glutamine avoids these complications, normalizes the amino acid levels, speeds healing, and improves overall surgical recovery.

The primary source of energy for the immune system is glutamine. One of the reasons that cancer patients lose lean tissue and muscle mass is because of a depletion of glutamine. Polyps in the colon, have a significantly lower glutamine content than healthy tissue.

Animal studies show that with glutamine supplementation chemotherapy's toxic side effects can be shielded from the liver and the cancer-killing ability of certain chemotherapeutic drugs may be strengthened.

When our T cell reserve is low, a standard measurement of immune activity, the cells, called macrophages, lose strength. But when L-glutamine is given in dosages of 20-40 grams daily the immune system responds, as demonstrated by the extra infection safeguard it provided in studies of patients with bone marrow transplants.

Glutamine is an essential treatment for AIDS or viral chronic fatigue syndrome.

Glutamine has been used to curb the desire to drink alcohol. A daily dose of 12 grams (about 3 teaspoons) helped 75 percent of the people studied in one experiment. Curbing cravings for sugar can be alleviated by taking 1-2 grams of L-glutamine. The National Institute of Mental Health also acknowledged glutamine's influence on sugar cravings.

By preserving lean tissue, which contributes to burning off fat, the amino acid helps cleanse the body and liver of waste products that are created by fat metabolism. In this way, glutamine may help obese persons with weight loss.

Weight lifters can benefit from glutamine supplementation because it assists in the repair and preservation of muscle tissue. Prolonged exercise causes microscopic injuries to the muscles and, for a long as two weeks after a workout, lowers body's glutamine stores.

Deficiency: Conditions that have been treated with L-glutamine supplements include fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, intestinal ailments, peptic ulcers, diseases of the connective tissues, tissue damage caused by radiation treatment, developmental disabilities, epilepsy, schizophrenia, fatigue, and impotence.

Sources: Many plant and animal substances contain glutamine, but cooking easily destroys it. If eaten raw, spinach and parsley are good sources. Soy proteins, milk, meats and cabbage are additional sources. Supplemental glutamine should be kept absolutely dry or the powder will degrade into ammonia and pyroglutamic acid.

Precautions: Glutamine should not be taken by persons with cirrhosis of the liver, kidney problems, Reye's syndrome, or any type of disorder that can result in an accumulation of ammonia in the blood. For such individuals, taking supplemental glutamine may only cause further damage to the body. Be aware that although the names sound similar, glutamine, glutamic acid (also sometimes called glutamate) glutathione, gluten, and monosodium glutamate are all different substances.

Proper nutrition and a balanced diet supplement is essential. When this is accomplished, any individual can enhance their health. At Supplement Central, it is easy to find just what you need and get information about glutamine and other nutrients. If you have questions, or are ready to start experiencing these benefits in your life contact us today.