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l-GlutamineCan A Low Cost Supplement Like Glutamine Really Work Wonders?What is l-glutamine? L-glutamine is an amino acid much used in our bodies. It comprises about 60% of the skeletal muscle amino acid composition. It is currently classified as a conditionally essential amino acid. That means that while our bodies are capable of creating l-glutamine, we may need additional supplementation due to situations that place huge demands on our bodies. When we exercise intensely, l-glutamine levels get significantly depressed in our bodies and the depressed level of l-glutamine will remain depressed for hours, sometimes for days. L-glutamine is the amino acid that can combat heightened levels of cortisol this is a catabolic (muscle wasting) hormone that is manufactured when the body is under stress. That stress can be physical or mental. L-glutamine Properties Include:
In exciting Research glutamine has been shown to promote anabolic conditions in muscle cells and increase the rate of protein synthesis. It seems that glutamine indirectly promotes growth by increasing the hydration state of muscle cells. When cells are swollen with water, this inhibits the breakdown of protein, glycogen, and glucose. It also stimulates protein and glycogen synthesis. If a cell is dehydrated, it shrinks and immediately goes into a catabolic state, breaking down the protein in the muscle. Intense exercise increases the demand for glutamine. Glutamine levels can drop 50% after intense exercise, with glutamine levels staying low for up to six days after the exercise session! This can lead to a state of over training for an athlete. Over training often involves an increase in cortisol, the major inducer of muscle protein breakdown, with a decrease in the levels of anabolic hormones, such as testosterone. This is bad news for athletes. By supplementing with glutamine, glutamine levels will be high, protecting your muscles from breaking down in a catabolic state. Entering the Krebs cycle as a non-carbohydrate source of energy, glutamine converts to glutamate and produces ATP, which is an energy molecule. With adequate amounts of glutamine in the body through diet and/or supplementation, little or no muscle is broken down to provide glucose. And remember, too little glutamine results in muscle atrophy. How to Take l-Glutamine: The most important times to supplement with glutamine are 30 minutes before your workout and immmediately afterwards. Take 5 to 10 grams at these times. Also, to make sure your glutamine levels are continuously high, creating an anabolic condition in the muscles, take an additional 5 to 10 grams upon awaking and right before bedtime. L-Glutamine Warnings: Current research shows that diabetics should use caution when supplementing with glutamine because they metabolize glutamine abnormally. Also, supplementation with cancer patients is controversial because of the reaction of glutamine on rapidly dividing cells, which is characteristic of a tumor. But the latest research shows that glutamine prolongs survival of cancer patients by slowing down catabolic wasting and helps the depleted immune system. As with all supplements, you should consult your physician before taking glutamine. See also our article on which l-glutamine product you should pick: l-glutamine product review Health and Fitness Home |
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