This post presents a new chapter in the series regarding the best enhancing supplements for the natural bodybuilder. In particular, this post is devoted to glutamine, which is a somehow controversial supplement, but which has demonstrated to be highly effective under stressful conditions (very intense and heavy training or dieting phases).
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that is present in the body in large amounts. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the body, achieving the 60 percent of the total amino acid pool at some times. Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid because it can be synthesized from other amino acids, namely glutamic acid, isoleucine, and valine. In addition, it is found in many high protein foods such as dairy products, fish, beef and beans.
Glutamine plays a key role in synthesis of muscle-tissue (promoting anabolism) and is a contributor to muscle cell volume. In addition, it boosts the immune system, increases HGH secretion, and is a major building block for DNA. Glutamine also acts as a powerful ammonia scavenger, eliminating it from the body. Ammonia is a highly toxic substance to muscle cells, which occurs as a residue of nitrogen processing. More importantly, glutamine is released from the muscle during times of stress (such as intense workouts) and dieting in order to prevent muscle catabolism occurred due to cortisol action, enhance glycogen replenishment and maintain the acid/alkaline balance (thus reducing lactic acid). This makes glutamine a vital agent for faster recuperation from weight training workouts.
There is some controversy about the need of supplementing glutamine, especially in a bulking phase. In such a phase, you should cover the most part of your glutamine requirements through the diet, though additional supplementation can reap some benefits. While on a dieting phase, supplementing with glutamine is highly recommended, especially to prevent muscle catabolism. Recall that muscle protein can be used as an energy source for the body (via gluconeogenesis) when the supply of carbohydrates is low. In addition, the additional glutamine will allow your body not to break down other amino acids to make glutamine under stress conditions.
Glutamine supplementation is typically carried out using 1-3 doses of 5 grams per day. To exploit glutamine benefits, it is best taken after the workout, with your protein shake, but it can additionally be used first thing in the morning or right before sleep. To get the best absorption, L-glutamine in powder form is recommended. No side effects have been reported due to glutamine supplementation. However, some people experience slight stomach discomfort during the first days of use.
Additional information about the benefits of glutamine supplementation and how to perform it can be found in the article “Supplementation For Maximum Growth: Part 2” by Hugo Rivera, the article “The Benefits of Glutamine” by Nick Nilsson, and the article “Glutamine: The Pinnacle Of Supplements” by David Robson.
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that is present in the body in large amounts. In fact, it is the most abundant amino acid in the body, achieving the 60 percent of the total amino acid pool at some times. Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid because it can be synthesized from other amino acids, namely glutamic acid, isoleucine, and valine. In addition, it is found in many high protein foods such as dairy products, fish, beef and beans.
Glutamine plays a key role in synthesis of muscle-tissue (promoting anabolism) and is a contributor to muscle cell volume. In addition, it boosts the immune system, increases HGH secretion, and is a major building block for DNA. Glutamine also acts as a powerful ammonia scavenger, eliminating it from the body. Ammonia is a highly toxic substance to muscle cells, which occurs as a residue of nitrogen processing. More importantly, glutamine is released from the muscle during times of stress (such as intense workouts) and dieting in order to prevent muscle catabolism occurred due to cortisol action, enhance glycogen replenishment and maintain the acid/alkaline balance (thus reducing lactic acid). This makes glutamine a vital agent for faster recuperation from weight training workouts.
There is some controversy about the need of supplementing glutamine, especially in a bulking phase. In such a phase, you should cover the most part of your glutamine requirements through the diet, though additional supplementation can reap some benefits. While on a dieting phase, supplementing with glutamine is highly recommended, especially to prevent muscle catabolism. Recall that muscle protein can be used as an energy source for the body (via gluconeogenesis) when the supply of carbohydrates is low. In addition, the additional glutamine will allow your body not to break down other amino acids to make glutamine under stress conditions.
Glutamine supplementation is typically carried out using 1-3 doses of 5 grams per day. To exploit glutamine benefits, it is best taken after the workout, with your protein shake, but it can additionally be used first thing in the morning or right before sleep. To get the best absorption, L-glutamine in powder form is recommended. No side effects have been reported due to glutamine supplementation. However, some people experience slight stomach discomfort during the first days of use.
Additional information about the benefits of glutamine supplementation and how to perform it can be found in the article “Supplementation For Maximum Growth: Part 2” by Hugo Rivera, the article “The Benefits of Glutamine” by Nick Nilsson, and the article “Glutamine: The Pinnacle Of Supplements” by David Robson.
Posts
