L-Glutamine is not just an Athlete's best friend
L-Glutamine in a nutshell:
L-Glutamine, the protein-synthesizing champion. Protein is an essential nutrient needed for good health and Glutamine is the most versatile and abundant non-essential amino acid that helps to make proteins, other amino acids, and glucose, which plays a vital role in nearly every system in your body.
Our cells need L-Glutamine to function optimally and it supports and aids these systems by providing your cells and muscles with the fuel they need to repair themselves after intense activity and/or exercise. It also provides your body with the amino acids it needs to boost your immune system while recovering from injury, illness, or surgery.
As our bodies experience physical stress on a daily level, this causes the body to use more Glutamine. This depletes the natural Glutamine levels in your body and it is vital to replenish these levels. L-Glutamine is also renowned for its ability to assist in curbing sugar and carb cravings, making it the ideal supplement for anyone looking to stay fit, healthy, and in tip-top shape all year round.
What is L-Glutamine and how does it work?
L-Glutamine is a versatile and useful amino acid that can be found all over your body. Seriously, it’s everywhere. Although your body can produce this amino acid on its own, and it is one of the most copious amino acids in your body it can also be found in many foods that you enjoy. This super friend can help with everything from supporting a healthy digestive system to helping you get back to the gym faster after an intense workout. One of their more important jobs in your body is to help create proteins.
It works by promoting cell growth in your intestinal lining and is a fuel source for cells that manage your immune system. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent and helps to create Glutathione, which is one of the main antioxidants that your body creates.
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We can find L-Glutamine in different types of food
According to healthline.com, these are some of the foods with the highest L-Glutamine count:
- Eggs: 4.4% (0.6 g per 100 g of eggs)
- Beef: 4.8% (1.2 g per 100 g of beef)
- Skim milk: 8.1% (0.3 g per 100 g of milk)
- Tofu: 9.1% (0.6 g per 100 g of tofu)
- White rice: 11.1% (0.3 g per 100 g of rice)
- Corn: 16.2% (0.4 g per 100 g of corn)
Here are a few other sources of L-Glutamine, according to Dr. Axe that contains L-Glutamine such as:
- Bone broth
- Spirulina
- Chinese cabbage
- Cottage cheese
- Asparagus
- Broccoli rabe
- Wild-caught fish (cod and salmon)
- Venison Turkey
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Did you know these interesting facts about L-Glutamine?
There is more than one type of glutamine.
L-Glutamine comes in two forms. The form of L-Glutamine that we know and love is called free form and is best ingested with food to ensure that it is properly absorbed in the body.
The other form of L-Glutamine is called Alynyl-L-Glutamine. This amino acid is stuck to another amino acid called L-Alanine. This combination helps the body to digest this amino acid much faster it also means that you can take it without needing to eat a meal.
No matter form of L-Glutamine you prefer, it is best to take it within the 30-minute window after a workout to ensure that you get the most benefits out of this hard-working amino acid.
L-Glutamine could be used on rest days.
There is a lot of debate on this topic in the fitness world. One source claims that is best to take L-Glutamine every 2 to three hours to keep the amount of glutamine in your system consistent. While another source recommends that it is best not to use this product at all on days that you don’t work out.
In the end, it all depends on why you are using this product. If it is simply to aid in muscle recovery it might be best to use this supplement only as needed to help in post-workout recovery. However, if you wish to use this product for more than just muscle recovery then it is best to use it according to the recommended dosage and instructions are given with the product and with the recommendations of a health care professional. It is always best to do your own research and decide which route is the best for you.
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Are L-Glutamine and L-Glutathione the same thing?
The short answer to this question is no, not exactly. The longer answer is that while L-Glutamine is an amino acid, L-Glutathione is an Antioxidant. As stated above, Glutathione is produced by L-Glutamine but can also be taken separately as a supplement. Glutathione can also be found in plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
L-Glutamine is water soluble
Yes, L-Glutamine can be dissolved in water. This also means that it can pass through your body within 48 to 72 hours. Your muscles can also store this amino acid and use it whenever they need it to repair themselves.
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How do I know If I need more L-Glutamine?
There are different reasons why you might be deficient in L-Glutamine. Some of these reasons include:
- Not eating enough protein.
- You may be dealing with a great deal of stress.
- Undergoing an intense workout regime.
- You could be suffering from some kind of illness or infection.
- You might be undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.
- You may have an autoimmune disorder or a condition that compromises your immune system.
- You might also be suffering from a chronic intestinal condition.
Not having enough L-Glutamine in your system may cause the following symptoms:
According to Nutrikey.net you might need more L-Glutamine if you have:
- Anxiety
- Sugar or alcohol cravings
- Compulsive or disordered eating
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Poor immune system
- Low muscle mass
- Poor wound healing
- Slow recovery after workouts
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Digestive issues like Colitis, IBS, diverticulitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, or symptoms from food sensitivities
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Let’s take a look at what makes L-Glutamine so special
It may help to curb sugar cravings
Tired of standing in front of the candy aisle with sugar cravings and fighting the urge to take as many sweets as you can? Try using L-Glutamine for a while to curb those pesky cravings. It is said that L-Glutamine can help with this by quickly changing into glucose, which means your body won’t need to get this from an outside source. Another theory as to why it helps is that because it is a building block for protein, it helps to keep you satiated for longer periods, which means you are far less likely to snack on whatever is right there in front of you.
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L-Glutamine helps to keep the immune system healthy
L-Glutamine is very important for the health of your immune system. Your white blood cells and the cells in your intestines use this amino acid as a source of fuel. Without enough L-Glutamine in your body, your cells may resort to using the protein in your muscles and other parts of your body to produce more. If your L-Glutamine levels are low, your immune system can stop functioning at its best and you will be more susceptible to illness and infections.
When your immune system is under stress, such as when you have a serious injury or underwent surgery, increasing your L-Glutamine levels can help you heal faster and get out of the hospital quicker. It can also reduce the risk of developing infections after injury or surgery.
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L-Glutamine may help to keep your digestive system healthy
Did you know that your intestines are thought to be one of the biggest parts of the immune system? This is all thanks to the cells and bacteria that live in your intestines that affect and support your immune system. L-Glutamine also helps to keep the barrier that separates your inner intestine from the rest of your body healthy and intact so that the toxins and dangerous bacteria don’t cause havoc with the rest of your body. What lives in your intestines must stay in your intestines.
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L-Glutamine may help to kick Leaky gut’s butt
First things first. What is Leaky gut?
Your intestines have a barrier of cells that allows water and nutrients processed from the food you eat to enter your bloodstream and be sent to where it needs to go, but when gaps in this barrier form, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream. It is said that this condition may be one of the biggest causes of Autoimmune diseases that we know about today. It can cause havoc in your thyroid and cause conditions such as Arthritis, Psoriasis, and even Hashimoto’s disease.
L-Glutamine may be one of the best ways to reduce the risk of ever developing these conditions in the first place and has been said to help treat these conditions by boosting the cell growth that maintains the barrier.
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L-Glutamine could help to keep your muscles in good condition
As most athletes know, intense training puts a great deal of stress on your muscles and can sometimes tear slightly. Your body loses a great deal of Glutamine during these intense workouts and your body can enter a muscle-wasting state, which means your body uses your muscles as fuel instead of carbs. Taking an L- Glutamine supplement after a workout can stop this process from happening and greatly speed up the healing process for your muscles, making it possible to push them past their limits for a slightly longer time. L-Glutamine can also help you to build muscle since it is important for the creation of protein.
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L-Glutamine can help to speed up recovery time for wounds
L-Glutamine helps to create collagen, which is important in helping to heal wounds and keep your skin looking great. By increasing your intake of L-Glutamine you can increase the production of Collagen, which speeds up recovery. Since this supplement also helps to support a healthy Immune system it can prevent infections from setting in.
When you are injured, your body produces cortisol, which is a stress hormone that tends to lower the amount of Glutamine in your body. As stated above, less Glutamine can lead to many problems, including slow healing. The longer it takes for a wound to heal, the more risk you have for developing infections and scaring, two things that are best avoided.
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L-Glutamine may aid in the management of type 2 Diabetes
Not only does L-Glutamine play a role in the production of insulin, but it is said to also help increase an individual's insulin sensitivity. This means that your body can more easily manage the glucose in your system and helps to lower your blood sugar levels. Higher levels of insulin or your body’s inability to use insulin effectively have been linked to weight gain.
As stated above, L-Glutamine also helps to create the antioxidant Glutathione, which helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in a certain type of cell in those with Diabetes.
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Risks and recommended dosage for L-Glutamine
Take a look at the dosage suggestion offered by our L-Glutamine supplement.
1/2 to 1 Teaspoon 1-3 times daily with water, before meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Each serving (5ml) contains approximately 5000mg of L-Glutamine. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Too much of a good thing is bad for you. The same may be said about using too much L-Glutamine. Consuming high amounts of this product may result in side effects such as your skin changing colors, pain in your lower back, an abnormally fast heartbeat, dizziness, a rash, and worst case scenario, blood in your urine. Thankfully these side effects are relatively rare. Less drastic side effects may include a cough, adverse effects on your bowel movements, nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, and a cough.
There isn’t enough information on the safety of pregnant and breastfeeding women, so make sure to talk to a healthcare professional before you use this supplement. It may also be best to avoid using L-Glutamine supplements during this time.
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Possible interactions may include:
L-Glutamine could increase the risk of experiencing more seizures and could interact with medications meant to prevent seizures.
Other interactions include:
- Lactulose can increase the amount of ammonia in your system, making this medication less effective
- Although L-Glutamine may increase the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, there is a chance that L-Glutaminemay make some tumors grow more instead. Make sure to speak to your doctor before taking this supplement while undergoing Cancer Therapy.
- Avoid the use of this product if you have Bipolar disorder, MSG sensitivity, conditions that cause seizures, and individuals who suffer from liver disease, as using L-Glutamine with this condition can alter your state of mind.
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Final thoughts about this amazing supplement
It is clear to see that L-Glutamine isn't simply useful in the athletics world. It also provides many benefits to the human body. It is involved in protein synthesis, immune function, and gut health, among other things. It is easy to see that using a good quality L-Glutamine supplement can do wonders for you, even if you are not an athlete. Our high-quality L-Glutamine supplement can help you reap all of the benefits this amino acid has to offer. Our L-Glutamine is pure and free from any fillers or additives, so you can be sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Not only is our L-Glutamine effective, but it's also reasonably priced. So if you're looking to improve your health and performance without breaking the bank, look no further than Skinny Maverick!
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References:
- Axe, D. J. C. (2022, December 6). L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/l-glutamine-benefits-s...
- Byrne, S. (2021, October 4). When To Take L-Glutamine for Muscle Recovery? Bodies by Byrne. https://bodiesbybyrne.com/when-to-take-l-glutamine...
- Cadman, B. (2022, December 20). Does L-glutamine work for IBS? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320850
- Cartier, J. (2019, June 3). Could You Benefit from Extra L-Glutamine? Nutritional Weight and Wellness. https://www.weightandwellness.com/resources/articl...
- Doyle, C. (2021, September 4). Targeted Nutrition Therapy: Key Ingredients to Support Wound Healing. General Surgery News. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.generalsurgerynews.com/Wound-Care/Arti...
- Eske, J. (2023, January 6). What to know about leaky gut syndrome. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326117
- Glutamine. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/suppleme...
- GLUTAMINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-8...
- Goldstein, N. S. D. (n.d.). Does L-Glutamine Help With Sugar Cravings? https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/does-l-glutamine...
- Health Benefits of Glutamine. (2020, November 18). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-glutami...
- Hipwell, K. (2022, January 21). Learn About L-Glutamine in 5 Minutes. Feel. https://wearefeel.com/blogs/learn/what-is-l-glutam...
- Link, M. R. S. (2020, November 11). Does L-Glutamine Help You Lose Weight? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/l-glutamine-w...
- Lockwood, C., PhD, & Lockwood, C., PhD. (2021, March 8). Benefits of Glutamine: When To Supplement. Bodybuilding.com. https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/all-about-glu...
- Madhu. (2022, October 4). What is the Difference Between L Glutamine and Glutathione. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-diff...
- Miller, K. (2022, September 27). What Are The Benefits Of L-Glutamine And Is It Worth Taking? Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a41345109/l...
- Potential Benefits of Glutamine Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes. (2014, July 18). DIABETES IN CONTROL. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/potential-benefi...
- Rueb, K. (2022, March 21). Could You Benefit From Extra L-Glutamine? NutriKey. https://nutrikey.net/blogs/news/could-you-benefit-...
- Sally-Ann Creed. (2023, January 27). L-Glutamine Powder. https://sallyanncreed.co.za/product/l-glutamine-po...
- The Health Benefits of L-Glutamine. (2022, March 15). Verywell Fit. https://www.verywellfit.com/l-glutamine-89469
- Tinsley, G., PhD. (2018, January 13). Glutamine: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/glutamine
- Tinsley, G., PhD. (2022, October 20). The 6 Best Supplements to Gain Muscle. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-f...
- Woznik, M. P. N. D. & Examine.com. (2023, January 9). Glutamine. Examine. https://examine.com/supplements/glutamine/
- Jafari-Vayghan, H., Varshosaz, P., Hajizadeh-Sharafabad, F., Razmi, H. R., Amirpour, M., Tavakoli-Rouzbehani, O. M., Alizadeh, M., & Maleki, V. (2020). A comprehensive insight into the effect of glutamine supplementation on metabolic variables in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. Nutrition & Metabolism, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-020-00503-6
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