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Glutamine…
The Healing Protein

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, but in stressed, healing or active individuals, the demand outweighs the supply.  What is truly amazing is the variety of functions that depend upon or are improved with abundant supplies of glutamine.

Immune Function

Glutamine supports the natural synthesis of our key anti-oxidant and immune-boosting chemical, “glutathione”, which provides overall disease-fighting insurance.  It also helps prevents pathogens from entering the system, primarily through the intestinal wall.

Intestinal Healer

Glutamine is the key protein for ensuring intestinal health. It is the primary ‘fuel’ for regenerating intestinal lining.  When the lining is functioning well, it allows nutrients to pass into the blood stream and prevents toxins from entering the system. 
This is crucial for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, celiac or Crohn’s disease.
In fact, if the availability of glutamine is low for these sorts of conditions, then skeletal muscle tissue is utilized.

Muscle Repair

There are basically two principal functions of glutamine in muscle tissue.  First of all, it’s the most abundant free-form protein in muscle tissue.  As tissue is destroyed due to stress (illness and emotional) or exertion (exercise), higher levels of glutamine are required for repair.
Glutamine also protects muscle tissue from cortisol, a hormone released from the adrenal glands as a result of stress.  Cortisol attaches itself to muscle cell receptor sites and ‘consumes’ the tissue.
An ideal time to take glutamine is prior to bedtime.  It supports the natural release of human growth hormone which not only supports skeletal muscle repair but also supports overall cellular recovery – an important anti-aging property.

Brain Function

Glutamine is an abundant protein in the fluid surrounding the brain and spine.  It is an important precursor to key neurotransmitters which send impulses in the brain and to nervous system tissue throughout the body.  There have also even been studies that show glutamine to function as an antidepressant as well as an aid in addiction recovery.

Sources of Glutamine

Glutamine-rich foods include fish, meat, dairy, grains, and beans.  Glutamine supplements are usually derived from the protein in whey or wheat.  There are two forms that are generally available – l-glutamine (the free form amino acid) and glutamine peptides (partially digested).
L-glutamine, although it is the purest form of supplemental glutamine, is less stable to store over time.  It should be kept in a cool, dark location.  Since l-glutamine can elevate ammonia levels in the body, the ideal usage would be in smaller amounts (2-4g) throughout the day. 
Glutamine peptides, on the other hand, are more easily digested, but have a distinctive taste.
However, l-glutamine or glutamine peptides both provide significant building blocks for healing.  The normal dosages range from 2-20g per day and even levels of 40g per day show no negative side effects.

Written by Elaine Munro, an active business woman and training athlete, who conducts seminars focussing on active lifestyle & healing nutrition, as well as raising consumer awareness about the natural health industry.

Precision`s Glutamine is available at local Health Food stores in the Okanagan, Vancouver, and across Canada.

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