Sometimes I find that I get so caught up with new health products that I forget some of the most tried and tested ones. L-Glutamine is a really interesting supplement. It isn’t new (although there is a new digestive tablet called GI Naturals containing Glutamine that I will discuss further at the end). It can be helpful for a variety of different health conditions from athletes to IBS patients.
So, first things first – what is it? Glutamine is an amino acid protein found in the muscles of the body. It is one of the most abundant amino acids – over 60% of skeletal muscle tissue is Glutamine. It is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid, and it serves as a major “brain fuel”, enhancing memory and passing through the protective brain barrier. Glutamine works to build the lining of the intestines. It works to calm stomach upset, and some find that it can repair the lining, repairing problems such as minor ulcers.
L-Glutamine can be fantastic for healing inflammations of the gut, and is one of the most effective treatment approaches in treating the kind of persistent diarrhoea and poor digestion that IBS sufferers experience regularly. Since IBS is often triggered by stress, and since it has been shown that during times of stress the body needs more Glutamine than can be found in our diets alone, it makes sense to try out a Glutamine supplement and see if it soothes your digestive system. Glutamine directly nourishes and heals the mucosal lining of the intestine and causes the bowel to reabsorb the water in your stool, thus reducing the number and frequency of bowel movements.
Glutamine is one of the top muscle building supplements contributing to protein synthesis and muscle gains for athletes. For anyone engaged in power sports, or who is about to undergo a particularly difficult training schedule, I would recommend researching Glutamine as a way of building muscle mass, preventing infections that can occur after heavy training, and ensuring that protein is metabolised correctly. The doses for athletes in this situation would be fairly high so it would be important to be well informed.
Glutamine is also being explored as a way of reducing cravings, ranging from sugar cravings to giving up cigarettes and alcohol. The online Addiction Recovery Guide says ‘Glutamine: Anti-craving, anti-stress. Levels blood sugar and mood’. Sounds good doesn’t it?
Glutamine can support other arthritis treatments by repairing damaged cartilage tissues due to age-related joint degeneration. Glutamine supplemental therapy may also reduce damage due to auto immune diseases. For more information on taking Glutamine if you have a serious health condition please contact a nutritionist.
Dietary Sources of Glutamine are mainly foods high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beetroot, beans and milk and other dairy products. It can also be found in cabbage, raw spinach and parsley.
Normally healthy people will generally not need to supplement their diet in order to have enough glutamine since the body will create its own supply. However, if you have any of the health issues mentioned or are participating in any bodybuilding or intense regular athletics, then you would likely find some benefit from a glutamine supplement. For more information call in to Organico or contact a local nutritionist.
L-Glutamine comes as a powder or as capsules or tablets and in a couple of blends specifically for healing digestive problems. Nature’s Plus have just brought out GI Naturals that contains 1000mg of L-Glutamine along with a really good range of probiotics, digestive enzymes and vitamins and minerals. We have had amazing feedback from customers in the Shop regarding this formula, it seems to be an excellent strength and the bi-layer tablet form means that the right nutrients are delivered to the right part of the digestive system at the right time. Ideally you want to take a tablet after each meal and continue for a month to give your digestive system a chance to heal.
Don’t take Glutamine if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or are pregnant or are breast-feeding.
It is certainly worth trying, as if your other symptoms improve often the constipation will reduce. If you still find you have an issue with constipation even after other symptoms improve you could try Caricol, it's a papaya puree from Solgar that helps the peristaltic action of the bowels to re-start. But I would try GI Natural first for a month and see how you do.
Regards,
Hannah