Whether you’re looking to aid recovery or build muscle, glutamine should be an integral part of your diet. The amino acid helps repair damaged tissue, promotes muscle growth and aids weight loss – benefits that are backed up by science. While popular with bodybuilders, l-glutamine has a wide range of applications; it’s also recommended for treating digestive disorders, nerve pain, insomnia, depression, stomach ulcers and Crohn’s disease.
Why Is l-glutamine important?
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It can be found in the brain, lungs, liver and stomach tissues. Its metabolic properties are quite amazing, ranging from muscle building and repair to intestinal health and immune system regulation. This amino acid is also available as a dietary supplement. It can be taken as powder or in capsule form, and has no side effects.
Research shows that glutamine supplementation promotes recovery after exercise. When used as part of a balanced diet, the compound may enhance physical performance and help you build lean muscle. Your body can utilise l-glutamine for energy too. Under certain conditions, cells can survive and multiply in a low glucose environment with a proper supply of l-glutamine. This amino acid also reduces oxidative stress, improves digestion and boosts immunity.
L-glutamine’s remarkable properties don’t just end there, either. It helps maintain gut metabolism and spares muscle tissue while on a low calorie diet. It supports protein synthesis and prevents catabolism. According to health experts, the amino acid increases cell volume and promotes insulin secretion. One study found that people who took glutamine experienced a greater increase in muscle glycogen storage. L-glutamine may also increase the insulinogenic effect of post-workout shakes.
How glutamine can boost your workouts
Bodybuilders and athletes have been using l-glutamine for decades. The amino acid helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, accelerates recovery and puts your body in an anabolic state. A protein powder like Healthy Whey provides a generous 4.5 grams of l-glutamine per serving; studies indicate that just two grams can increase growth hormone levels by over 400%.
The l-glutamine in Healthy Whey maintains cell volume and hydration, improves muscle metabolism and helps restore glycogen. Every time you train hard, your immune system will take a hit. Intense exercise puts stress on the body and raises cortisol levels. As a result, you may become more vulnerable to diseases. The risk is even higher for athletes on a strict diet. Glutamine can help prevent these problems by increasing the body’s immunity. Researchers have found that glutamine supplementation after intense training may enhance the body’s ability to deal with exercise-induced stress.
The amino acid also increases growth hormone levels, leading to greater muscle and strength gains. Glutamine will reduce the damaging effects of overtraining and help you get the most out of your workouts. If you’re serious about maximising your performance and minimising your recovery time, glutamine is for you.
