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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Glutamine |
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Supplement Articles |
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GLUTAMINE
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Promotes faster muscle recovery and growth and also heals leaky gut ... |
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GLUTAMINE |
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Glutamine helps
muscle recuperation
after exercise |
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Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the body, and it is called "non-essential" because glutamine can be biosynthesized by the body from other amino acids. Just because it is non-essential does not mean that the body cannot benefit from its supplementation. It is especially useful for healing the gut lining in cases of leaky gut. |
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For more information on leaky gut, please click here. Glutamine is also often used for promoting faster muscle recovery after strenuous exercise, and increased lean muscle growth. There are a number of other benefits reaped from the supplementation of glutamine.
Glutamine's Role
Glutamine is depleted by stress, physical injuries and inflammation, particularly in areas like the intestine. It promotes muscle growth (anabolism), and stops the catabolism of muscle caused by the stress hormone cortisol. Glutamine can also act as an alternative fuel source for the brain when glucose is not readily available.
Muscle Building (Anabolic)
The promotion of lean muscle mass by glutamine is its most well known quality. Athletes have been using glutamine as a performance-enhancing supplement for many years. Medically, glutamine can rebuild lean tissue following periods of convalescence, surgery or after muscle wasting illnesses.
Food for Gut Cells
Glutamine is the primary fuel source for cells that line the digestive tract (enterocytes). These fragile cells can be rebuilt with L-glutamine after damage from intestinal inflammation like: infection (food poisoning), ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, chemotherapy and radiation during cancer treatment.
Other Benefits
In the liver, glutamine enhances the activity of glutathione, an antioxidant responsible for detoxifying drugs and alcohol. It has been show to optimize immune function in cases of HIV infection. In the brain, glutamine provides energy to neurons and is helpful in cases of depression, senility and developmental disorders. Glutamine can also reduce cravings for sugar and alcohol.
How can I take glutamine?
The biologically active and absorbable form of glutamine is L-glutamine. It is commonly found as a powder or in capsule form. Keep glutamine powder dry to prevent its degradation. It is often added to protein powders or other supplements to enhance athletic performance. It is also a component of formulas for repair of the digestive tract. The dose of L-glutamine depends on the required effect and can range from 1.5 – 12g daily. Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. |
Glutamine–
QUICK FACTS
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SOURCES
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Protein, raw
spinach and
parsley. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Wasting
illnesses,
post-surgical
healing,
HIV, cancer
therapy, low
immune
function,
alcoholism,
drug
overdose,
stomach
ulcers,
intestinal
inflammation,
improved
athletic
performance,
depression,
developmental
disabilities,
senility. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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1500-12000 mg (1.5-10g) daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Vitamin B
complex,
creatine,
antioxidants,
pancreatic
extract,
plant
sterols.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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There is no
known
toxicity or
serious side
effects for
the use of
glutamine.
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Do not use
glutamine if
you have
liver
cirrhosis,
kidney
disease,
Reye’s
syndrome or
an
accumulation
of ammonia
in the
blood.
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2012. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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