The word glutamine may seem familiar. You were probably taught about it back in science class. But did you know it has far-reaching importance in day-to-day life and enhances your workout period significantly? Here’s some helpful information on the functions of this amino acid to jog your memory.
Definition
Glutamine is also called L-Glutamine. It’s the most needed, plentiful amino acid in the human body. So, amino acids are the building blocks for protein and are in three categories. First, they can be non-essential, which means that the body can produce them independently. Second, they can be essential, meaning the body must get them from supplements or foods. The third category is conditional amino acids.
Glutamine is considered a conditional amino acid. When the body is undergoing many stressful or physical challenges, it cannot keep up with the demand for amino acids. Therefore, it may require supplements. Glutamine supplements come in capsules or powder forms, such as mp glutamine (musclepharm glutamine).
Any foods high in proteins are also rich in glutamine. Examples are eggs, dairy products, fish and seafood, seaweed, seeds and nuts, meats, pulses, leafy greens, and soy products.
Benefits of Glutamine
- It Aids with Injuries and Illnesses: Glutamine helps heal wounds. Studies show that glutamine rebuilds damaged tissues because it acts as a power source for multiplying healthy, new cells. It also protects vulnerability to infections since it’s a great immunity system booster that fuels white blood cells. But, for all this, glutamine is most beneficial to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or people recovering from surgeries and fitness-related trauma.
- It Supports Gut Health: Glutamine charges the intestinal lining of the digestive tract with energy. The intestinal lining, which is also called the intestinal mucosa, helps with the absorption of food nutrients and is vital for the functioning of the immune system because it stores immunoglobulin. Therefore, this means there’s protection and improved healing from gastrointestinal disorders. These disorders include leaky gut syndrome, gastritis, IBS, ulcerative colitis, malabsorption, and Crohn’s disease.
- Improves Physical Fitness after Intense Exercises: Muscle tissues have a very high percentage of glutamine. Therefore, fitness enthusiasts consume glutamine supplements to preserve muscle mass. This muscle preservation and rehydration reduces soreness because of the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of glutamine.
Healthy muscle mass is beneficial not only to gym goers but also to older adults. It improves endurance for demanding daily activities and strengthens their abilities to move.
Side Effects
There’s no known toxicity from high doses of glutamine, and it’s safe to use even in minimal quantities. However, some people should avoid glutamine supplements. They are people with seizure episodes, mania, liver diseases, or pregnant and breastfeeding women.
To summarize, always consult with a health care professional to ascertain that glutamine is the right and safe supplement for you. Also, follow the dosage on the supplement jars.
Glutamine supplements are very beneficial pre-workout and even post-workout. Remember to balance your daily diet with foods rich in essential and non-essential amino acids to keep your muscle tissues strong and healthy.
