What is Glutamine?

Glutamine is part of the protein building blocks in the body also known as the amino acids. It is one of the twenty amino acids in the body and is also the most abundant.

It is not as pertinent to the body because it is derived from glutamic acid, which is among the other amino acids as well.

While glutamine is among the other building blocks of protein, it also helps the body benefit from muscular structure, control blood sugar levels, and improve mentality.

Glutamine is known as a free amino acid because it floats around among the muscle tissue and helps to rebuild the muscular structure and the body’s immune system. It helps out with the immune system specifically when the body is stressed.

When you are stressed your body pulls the glutamine from the area of the muscles and brings it to the immune system for help. Under the same circumstances, it will then help regulate blood sugar levels as well. If you are under continuous stress, you may want to consider taking glutamine supplements.

Keep in mind that supplements alone will not reap the most benefits. Exercise is vital. Sign up for an Exercise.com PRO plan today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.

What Are Some Natural Sources of Glutamine?

Some natural sources of glutamine obtained by food include fruits, nuts, red meat, beans, and fish. These foods are typically a building block for protein as well.

Bodybuilders and athletes who are trying to build muscle mass will generally stick to a high protein or high glutamine diet in order to bulk up on muscle. Some other types of foods that they may indulge in include cabbage, chicken and even dairy products.

What Are the Health Benefits of Glutamine?

According to WebMD, glutamine can be used to fight off the detrimental side effects that come from a variety of medications, illnesses, and supplements. A good example of this would be that glutamine is used for the negative side effects that go hand in hand with cancer chemotherapy, such as nausea, diarrhea, and overall pain.

Glutamine is also used to benefit the digestive system. Not only can it help with mild indigestion symptoms such as gas, diarrhea and bloating, but it can also help to treat more serious gastrointestinal issues such as ulcerative colitis, Chron’s disease, and stomach ulcers. While some health providers may prescribe a powder supplement of glutamine, it is also available in capsule form as well.

Other various medical reasons that glutamine is used include attention deficit hyperactive disorder, alcoholism withdrawal and, cardiovascular issues. It can also be used to treat weight loss and malnutrition in humans due to its protein building mechanism.

Are There Any Known Side Effects of Glutamine?

Glutamine does not have any known serious side effects, yet it is not advised to take excessive amounts. Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, as always, should take precautions when using any type of supplement. A patient who is pregnant or breastfeeding should only use this supplement if a doctor or health professional has recommended it.

How Do I Know If I’m Low on Glutamine?

The body needs glutamine as one of the amino acids for the building blocks of protein. However, it is not an extremely pertinent part of the body. The body can produce its own glutamine, so people are not likely to have a glutamine deficiency.

The body will be able to tell if it is low on glutamine. Some of the factors that contribute to low glutamine levels include frequent overexertion during exercise, recurring viruses or flu, low muscle mass or gastrointestinal issues.

Just because a person is experiencing one or more of these situations does not mean that they are low on glutamine. It is best to check with a doctor.

When Does Glutamine Kick In?

Glutamine plays a large role in the building blocks of protein when the body is low in muscle mass or is starting to waste muscle. Wasting muscle may come about from malnutrition or not getting the essential vitamins in your diet.

Once the body begins to waste muscle in order to compensate for the other vitamins and fat that the body is missing, glutamine has to step up to the plate. Glutamine is known for rebuilding muscle tissue and being an important amino acid for your bloodstream.

Glutamine may also be used to repair muscles after a workout, or even recover the body from soreness. Due to the fact that glutamine is naturally produced within the body, yet it can be taken additionally as a supplement, it has become popular among athletes.

Supplementation alone is not enough. Pair it with an exercise routine that can positively influence your lifestyle and fitness needs. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.