Do you suffer from a leaky gut or ulcers? Or any type of digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, an inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis? You need the daily benefits of the powerful amino acid – L-Glutamine.
What is L-Glutamine?
It is the most abundant amino acid and plays an important role (as well as other amino acids) in the synthesis of proteins and for this reason, they are called the basic protein building blocks. Produced mainly in the lungs and stored in the muscles, L-Glutamine is referred to as a non-essential amino acid because the body can synthesize enough of it for its regular physiological needs.
However, under certain stress conditions, the body’s demand for the acid cannot meet the needed supply. And subsequently, if such stress continues without intervention, the immune system weakens and neurological issues could develop. This is when supplementation is recommended.
L-Glutamine’s Role in Gut Health
L-Glutamine supports digestive health for both healthy people and for those with problems. One of the problems that can benefit from this supplement is a leaky gut; a disorder where the gut’s nutrition absorption abilities are compromised and it’s lining develops defects that allow relatively big food particles to get into the body (high gut permeability).
This creates a range of problems that include:
- Gut inflammation
- Immune response (Allergies)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain foods intolerance
- Poor absorption of certain foods and minerals such as iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and magnesium
L-Glutamine supports gut health and helps to repair the leaky gut by:
- Promoting normal cellular proliferation and repair in the gut
- Acts as a Band-Aid for already existing gut ulcerations. This helps to reduce new damage.
- Promotes mucus production, which further protects the gut lining
- Supports better bowel movement which reduces food stagnation in the gut and promotes better elimination
- Helps to reduce diarrhea associated with HIV/AIDS treatment
Other uses of L-Glutamine in the Body
- It supports the production of glutathione; a powerful antioxidant that has earned the name ‘supper antioxidant’ because of its importance in managing free radicals to healthy levels
- Supports cell signaling
- Plays a role in the synthesis of glycogen
- Supports the excretion of ammonia from the body
- Supports brain functions. Resembles glutamic acid – an important neurotransmitter.
- Supports healthy digestion
- Promotes better blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
- Supports better athletic performance and other high-intensity activities that need endurance
- Good for body building
- Reduces the side effects associated with radiation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment
- May reduce the risk of cancer
Natural Sources of L-Glutamine
These can be from both animal and plant protein foods. Plant sources include beans, peas and red cabbage. Other good sources include:
- Bone broth
- Cottage cheese
- Beef (grass-fed); deep sea salmon
- Turkey
- Pork
- Poultry
- Broccoli
- Chinese cabbage
- Asparagus
When to Supplement Diet with L-Glutamine
- When engaging in high physically intensive activities
- When going through any form of stressful situations
- In specific health conditions as discussed above
- When dietary sources are unreliable
Conditions that May Benefit from L-Glutamine Supplementation
- Surgical wounds
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sickle cell (FDA approved)
- ADHD
- Alcohol withdrawal
If you suffer from gut issues or would like to learn more about the L-Glutamine amino acid, contact Ascends Natur’l Medicine today. We offer many natural solutions to help you get back to feeling great again!
References
Glutamine and the preservation of gut integrity van der Hulst, R.R.W.J. et al. The Lancet, Volume 341, Issue 8857, 1363 – 1365
Rao, R., & Samak, G. (2012). Role of Glutamine in Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junctions. Journal of Epithelial Biology & Pharmacology, 5(Suppl 1-M7), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.2174/1875044301205010047
Minna K. Salminen, Soile Tynkkynen, Hilpi Rautelin, Tuija Poussa, Maija Saxelin, Matti Ristola, Ville Valtonen, Asko Järvinen. (2004) The Efficacy and Safety of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Prolonged, Noninfectious Diarrhea in HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study. HIV Clinical Trials 5:4, pages 183-191.
Glutamine as indispensable nutrient in oncology: experimental and clinical evidence European Journal of Nutrition, 2010, Volume 49, Number 4, Page 197 Katharina S. Kuhn, Maurizio Muscaritoli, Paul Wischmeyer
