Glutamine Introduction:

How many of you have heard of the amino acid glutamine?  If you have researched on any bodybuilding site then you have probably stumbled upon glutamine…but do you know why it’s so popular?  You’re about to…

In order to understand glutamine we have to realize that it is an amino acid.  Amino acids are what compose proteins, but as you may have guessed not all amino acids are created equal.

You may have heard of essential amino acids and non-essential.  Essential means that in order to obtain those amino acids you must ingest them.  Non-essential simply means your body can produce them on its own.

Glutamine = non-essential — then why is it important?

First, here’s a list of all the major essential & non-essential amino acids.

Glutamine in natural foods:

Glutamine can be found in many foods such as fish, chicken, beans, beef, etc.  So why should you even worry about glutamine if you can just eat these things?

This supplement is used mostly to regulate your small intestine, but also serves purposes in your muscles, skin, and liver.  It also helps repair the places it is found in the body from injuries and tears.

When you exercise you create tears in your muscle, so with the extra supplementation of glutamine, you will be able to speed up the recovery process in your muscles.  This means faster muscle growth from the glutamine.

Ok, I want me some glutamine! But…how much?

Although it varies from person to person, an average amount of supplemented glutamine is between 1-5 grams each day.  Like any supplement whether it be glutamine, whey protein, or creatine you want to try to use the right amount without wasting it; however, you also want to make sure your body is absorbing as much as possible.

It is best to take any supplement when your body needs it the most…upon waking up from sleep and post-workout.  Another ok time would be right before you go to bed, about 30-40 minutes.

Glutamine does what again?

1. Glutamine helps you recovery faster
2. Prevents DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
3. Keeps your body healthier in general
4. Helps the release of growth hormones
5. You won’t become Superman with this but it will help behind the scenes in your muscle growth.

Optimum Nutrition Pure Glutamine Powder – 300gGlutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and plays vital roles in muscle repair and recovery. Optimum Nutrition’s Glutamine Powder is made from pure L-Glutamine and is flavorless, making it easy to mix!