L-Glutamine We hear a lot about protein and the need to make sure that we get enough protein each day. Lately, we’ve been hearing more and more about L-Glutamine and that it’s very important for us. But,

  • What is it?
  • Why do we need it?
  • Where can we get it?

Keep reading to find out if L-Glutamine looks good ‘naked’ or if it’s a marketing fad! 

What is L-Glutamine?

L-Glutamine is the “all-star” amino acid when it comes to amino acids. It is the “all-star” because it is the most abundant amino acid circulating in our bodies. L-Glutamine concentration in the blood is typically 3-4 times higher than all other amino acids, if you’re healthy. But for many people, Glutamine is often below normal. For clients with chronic disease, autoimmunity, poor mental health, or anxiety and depression, it is RARE to see normal levels.

Glutamine is:

  • a major fuel source for the body
  • concentrated in the brain, skeletal muscles, gut lining, lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver (serving MANY important and critical functions)

Why do we need it?

Glutamine serves many functions in the body and therefore looks extremely good ‘naked’. Glutamine is no ‘marketing fad‘.

The 9 key functions Glutamine serves:

  1. Improving brain function. Did you know that Glutamine is a neurotransmitter? It modulates stimulating and calming neurotransmitters: Glutamate and GABA, respectively.
  2. Stabilizes blood sugar. Did you know that Glutamine stops insulin from being produced when blood sugar is low so that blood sugar levels don’t get lower? It’s amazing! It also helps stimulate glucose (and can also be made into glucose) to be released into the blood to help increase blood sugar levels to normal.
  3. Increases the production of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic what? You may be taking digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion of food. These are often called pancreatic enzymes because your pancreas produces them. You may also want to zone-in on foods listed below that are high in L-Glutamine to help your pancreas produce these digestive enzymes on their own.
  4. Promotes gut healing and keeps gut wall strong. Glutamine is the main fuel source for intestinal cells, keeping them healthy and strong. It helps to promote healing of the gut wall and mucosa and can be helpful for individuals living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative colitis) or ulcers. Bacteria, fungi, parasites and even certain foods can create small punctures or holes in the intestinal lining, allowing contents inside the gut to cross over the wall and ‘talk’ with the immune system. Not good. This can increase the risks of developing an allergy reaction to those ‘spilled-over’ contents or even an autoimmune condition, where a person’s immune system starts attacking itself!
  5. Supports healthy muscle function and muscle metabolism. Glutamine helps directly with muscle recovery, especially important post-workout for muscle regeneration and recovery.
  6. Supports wound healing.  When there is a wound, Glutamine is a major fuel source for cells and healing. Glutamine also accounts for 30% of the energy that these cells use. Wow! Who would have guessed that an amino acid could be used as fuel?
  7. Supports healthy acid/alkaline balance. We drink our lemon water in the morning to help support our liver and support a healthy acid/alkaline balance in the body, but did you know that Glutamine also works hard in your kidneys to keep your body at optimal pH? It does! It’s a wonderful thing!
  8. Supports the making of glutathione – an important antioxidant made by our bodies in the liver. Yes, our bodies have the ability to make antioxidants and help keep free radical damage at bay. It’s also important to eat a variety of antioxidant-rich whole foods from every color-category in the rainbow.
  9. Supports the making of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), an important vitamin for combating stress and keeping our arteries clean.

Where do we get it?

We get most Glutamine after our body converts it from food to Glutamic acid and then to Glutamine. In order to convert Glutamic acid to Glutamine, our bodies need Vitamin B6, manganese and other vitamins and minerals. This is why it’s important to eat a variety of foods to ensure we’re getting our daily nutritional requirements. Glutamine is certainly no marketing fad – our bodies rely on it daily for everyday functioning. Reach for food sources before you think about reaching for a supplement.

Foods high in Glutamine are:

L-Glutamine is also available in free form as a supplement. Check in with your licensed health care provider or registered holistic nutritionist if you are interested in knowing what your Glutamine levels are, interested in supplementation and/or finding out if you would benefit from a supplement. It is important to work with a licensed health care provider when considering any kind of supplementation.

Are you actively engaged in physical exercise? Are you getting enough Glutamine to support the needs of your body? What have your experiences with L-Glutamine been? Please share your comments below. I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and questions.

Did you enjoy this article? Do you know someone that could benefit from this information? Use the social media links to share this article with friends, family and coworkers to educate them about L-Glutamine, what it’s used for, and what food sources they can get it from.

 

Sources:

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