Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid found in muscles, and it is distributed through the bloodstream reaching different organs that require it. It interferes with the formation of proteins, which has made it a great ally for bodybuilders by helping to regenerate muscle fibers. In addition to its use to avoid losing muscle mass, this amino acid has also been used in the medical field , such as in patients with AIDS, cancer, arthritis and fibrosis, among others. Its form of consumption can be in powders and capsules, and should not be administered to those with a higher level of amino acid in the blood. In this FastlyHealarticle we will explain what glutamine is for, how to take it and its contraindications.
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Glutamine as a sports supplement
Sports supplements have become popular in recent years, and glutamine has been one of those that has gained more ground among bodybuilders and athletes. This is due to its proven effectiveness as a means of meeting physiological demands in sport . The effectiveness of glutamine in this area is due to the fact that it contains two nitrogen atoms that allow it to satisfy the metabolic activities of the body.
When a person exercises, especially bodybuilders, the muscles release a high amount of glutamine in the blood, which causes the muscles to lack the amino acid for up to a few hours. The glutamine supplement allows to replace the loss of this amino acid during exercise, preventing the loss of muscles known as catabolism, and helping to better synthesize the protein that forms the muscles.
On the other hand, when exercising, the body produces muscular lactic acid producing fatigue. Glutamine reduces the amount of lactic acid, which translates into a greater ability to exercise for a longer amount of time and with greater intensity. One of the advantages of glutamine in this last fact is that it does not raise blood sugar levels, unlike other nutrients that are used for recovery. In addition, it helps to regenerate and increase muscles .
Medical use of glutamine
Glutamine is used in the medical field with the aim of reducing some side effects caused by certain treatments. Some of them are:
- Effects of chemotherapy.
- Inflammations.
- Diarrhea.
- Muscle or nerve pain.
- Joint pains
Another health benefit of glutamine is its supply of necessary cells in the immune system, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. Some conditions, such as being undergoing chemotherapy, have a weaker digestive system, so the use of the amino acid can help offset side effects to some extent and strengthen the immune system . In addition, other health uses of glutamine are those that contribute to optimal recovery after serious surgical interventions such as bone marrow transplants. After intestinal surgeries, digestive problems are frequent, and these can be treated with glutamine, acting against the formation of ulcers or ulcerative colitis .
In AIDS patients, this amino acid helps fight weight loss normally associated with the disease.
Finally, another use that it is given is to help treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD for its acronym, in order to improve attention and academic performance.
How to take glutamine
As we have explained previously, glutamine can be a great ally for those who want to do high intensity sports, by helping to maintain, regenerate and increase muscle. For its effectiveness in the sports field, it is necessary that adequate nutrition, training and breaks are also carried out . Otherwise, the benefits of this amino acid will not be experienced.
Glutamine is ingested at times when muscle catabolism occurs, that is, the loss of glutamine that leads to muscle loss. Therefore, it is recommended to take it as follows :
- In the case of a person exercising at a normal level: 5 grams after training and 5 grams before going to sleep.
- In the case of a bodybuilder: 5 grams when getting up in the morning, 5 grams after eating and 5 grams before going to bed.
It is advisable to go to a specialist to recommend a consumption based on your size, weight and other physiological factors. Since it will not be the same if someone is starting with their exercise routine and one that they are already used to.
In the case of its medical use, the specialist will be the one who will decide the administration of glutamine.
Contraindications of glutamine
Despite the properties of glutamine that enables its use in both sports and medical fields, its consumption should be moderate.
One of the effects of excess glutamine in the body is kidney damage . This is because the kidneys are the organs that are responsible for eliminating this substance through urine, so it will be an overstrain for them. In addition, those people who already have kidney problems should not consume this amino acid to avoid harmful effects.
On the other hand, glutamine should also not be administered in cases where a person has cirrhosis , Reye’s syndrome, or other problems that involve excess ammonia in the blood. Other people may experience allergic reactionsbefore this type of supplements showing symptoms such as hives, swelling of certain parts of the body, redness, respiratory problems, etc.
Lastly, glutamine can cause gastrointestinal damage such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.