L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body. Its primary purpose? Helping your body build protein. But it does a lot more than that; L-glutamine also has a hand in waste removal and maintenance of your immune system!
Most healthy individuals can get by just fine with their body's natural L-glutamine levels. But under some circumstances, taking a supplement is recommended.
When your body is stressed by injury, infection or any other sort of trauma, it releases cortisol into your bloodstream. This chemical works against your body's natural L-glutamine levels, making it harder for you to recover from what ails you.
Research has shown that when L-glutamine is replenished through supplementation, the healing of everything from severe burns to the common cold can be expedited.
Individuals with HIV tend to have low levels of L-glutamine. This is linked to muscle loss, decreased immune function and a reduced rate of survival.
Studies have shown that L-glutamine supplementation reverses all three of those HIV effects. L-glutamine supplements also help the body absorb nutrients, increasing overall health.
Reasons To Take Additional L-Glutamine
#1 – You're Recovering
When your body is stressed by injury, infection or any other sort of trauma, it releases cortisol into your bloodstream. This chemical works against your body's natural L-glutamine levels, making it harder for you to recover from what ails you.
Research has shown that when L-glutamine is replenished through supplementation, the healing of everything from severe burns to the common cold can be expedited.
#2 – You Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease
L-glutamine protects the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, some doctors believe L-glutamine deficiency is at the root of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn's disease. Dr. Ronald Hoffman is one such doctor and he recommends L-glutamine supplementation as an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical and surgical treatment of IBDs.#3 – You Suffer From HIV/AIDS
Individuals with HIV tend to have low levels of L-glutamine. This is linked to muscle loss, decreased immune function and a reduced rate of survival.
Studies have shown that L-glutamine supplementation reverses all three of those HIV effects. L-glutamine supplements also help the body absorb nutrients, increasing overall health.
#4 – You Work Out Often
When you work out, you deplete your body's natural levels of L-glutamine. If your body does not have enough time to rest in between workouts, this places you at a higher risk of illness or hitting a gain plateau. There are a number of studies that show just how effective L-glutamine supplementation is at helping an athlete's body stay finely tuned. As a result, everyone from bodybuilders to runners have been using the supplement for decades.Precautions
As with any supplement, you need to speak with your doctor before taking L-glutamine. L-glutamine reactions have been noted in the elderly – namely, decreased kidney function. Doctors also recommend that anyone with a psychiatric disorder take caution when using L-glutamine as the condition may worsen. Follow your doctors dosage instructions. Most people find that 2-5 grams taken twice daily is effective. Only serious athletes should go beyond that. Looking to get your L-glutamine from foods? You can find it in the following:- Bone broth
- Beef
- Spirulina
- Asparagus
- Venison
- Turkey
