The Importance Of L-Glutamine Unveiled.
L-Glutamine is the most plentiful of all amino acids found in the blood. It is not an essential amino acid. That being said, supplementation is necessary for individuals afflicted with gastrointestinal disorders that impede its absorption from the diet. Also, it is central to muscle recovery following an intensive physical activity, the reason why it is marketed to bodybuilders and endurance athletes.
Dietary sources of L-Glutamine are readily available as it is found in all food groups, including meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, and even juices. This amino acid has an affinity for epithelial cells found in the small intestines and colon. This explains why it is more easily absorbed in comparison with other amino acids. Intravenous administration of L-Glutamine reduces healing time after surgery.
Protein Synthesis
L-Glutamine belongs to the group of amino acids encoded by the standard genetic code. It is also incorporated into the synthesis of protein in many different tissues throughout the human body. It is present in almost all organs, including the lungs and skin. It is one of the few amino acids that cross the blood brain barrier.
L-Glutamine And Muscle Health
Muscle Recovery
Ninety percent of the glutamine endogenously produced is found in muscular tissues. Its availability in the human diet benefits the skeletal muscles in particular. In fact, muscle mass appears to be directly proportional to dietary intake. More importantly, it speeds up recovery of muscles after subjected to athletic performance or physical trauma.
Healthy pH
L-Glutamine is a natural detox that cleanses the body of toxins. First, it is a transport of ammonia in the bloodstream. Second, it alleviates disorders of the gastrointestinal tract by strengthening the self-cleansing capacity of enterocytes, or gut barrier. Third, it is one of the compounds that help maintain a healthy pH throughout the body.
Growth Hormone
There is strong evidence that oral administration of L-Glutamine influences the physiological functions controlled by the pituitary gland. For one, it stimulates the anterior pituitary gland and increases the productions of human growth hormone, or HGH. This of course results in an increase of plasma levels of HGH, the reason why L-Glutamine supplementation appeals to weightlifters and bodybuilders.
Metabolic Rate
L-Glutamine is involved in many metabolic pathways. Apart from its role in protein synthesis, it contributes to the enhancement of chemical reactions by increasing the metabolic rate. It participates in the construction of tissues as a protein and a donor of nitrogen. It is also a source of carbon in the citric acid cycle.
Cellular Energy
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the molecular currency of energy that fuels all cellular events. Carbohydrates in the form of glucose are the biological source of ATP. L-Glutamine is one of the glucogenic proteins, the group of proteins that can be converted into glucose to power cells amid intense physical activities. This makes L-Glutamine especially beneficial to athletes.
You Need L-Glutamine daily!
Get it at your local health food store!