Consider Glutamine

It was about five years ago that I discovered glutamine and it's benefits. After months of studying different supplements and their uses, I read about glutamine and was intrigued by it's role in protein synthesis and muscle repair. Since then, glutamine has been a staple in my supplement cabinet and after seeing how useful this amino acid is it will probably be a must have for you too.

What Is Glutamine?
Glutamine is the most common amino acid found in your muscles. Over 60% of the free-form amino acid in skeletal muscle is made up of glutamine. Glutamine was at one point thought to be a non essential amino acid because the body has the ability to product it's own. It has since been reclassified, however, as a conditionally essential amino acid because in times of physical stress, such as intense exercise and surgery, the body requires more of it to maintain its glutamine stores in blood and muscle. When glutamine stores are low you experience a decrease in strength, stamina, immune function and recovery. Glutamine can be found in protein rich foods like meat, fish and chicken. Most protein supplements have glutamine in them.

Why Glutamine?

• Glutamine is the most important component of muscle protein, and helps repair and build muscle.
• Glutamine has been shown to prevent your muscles from being catabolized.(broken down)
• Research has shown that glutamine helps you produce growth hormone which can help in fat loss.
• Glutamine has been shown to improve the immune function of the body. This is important to weight lifters because heavy training tends to depress the immune system.

Should I take Glutamine?

In a word, yes. Glutamine isn't only for people who engage in intense training. Because it is essential for maintaining normal intestinal function as well as helping to maintain the immune system, it is good for 'ordinary people' who want to experience all of the benefits that it provides. Glutamine has not been shown to have any side effects and because it occurs naturally in your body it has no health risk.

So, what are you waiting for? Glutamine can be useful to everyone whether you are a heavy lifter or not and because it is relatively inexpensive, you won't break the bank buying it. My suggestion, give it a try. What do you have to lose? Thanks for your ear and keep reading!