Glutamine for Post Workout Recovery

by Kris Pitcher

There are lots of choices to be made around supplements. Some you can do without, some you should save your money, and others just might be a good idea. Glutamine falls into the last category.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are eight essential amino acids which we must get from our foods, and 20 non-essential amino acids that our body can make. Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid. It's one of the most abundant in our body.

We can easily get the amount of glutamine we need from our diet if we are eating rich sources of protein such as dairy products, steak, fish, poultry, and beans. Many people don't eat a variety of those items, or in the amounts or qualities needed - or they don't eat them at all.

Glutamine is stored in our muscles, and our immune system relies on it. As a building block, it's job is to build and repair tissue and this particular amino acid is like your best employee. They will show up where ever you need them and do any job needed.

During exercise, we release glutamine from our muscles into our bloodstream depleting our stores by up to half. Now, the problem is a deficit can cause muscle wasting. This is a huge issue for all types of chronically ill people, and a huge issue for athletes, endurance and strength alike.

Research shows having readily available glutamine in our system post workout prevents muscle breakdown. It also helps cells attract water - so it can help our muscles stay hydrated.

Glutamine taken post workout in your protein shake might be a smart way to help your body optimize recovery. Something to consider! It's commercially available and the Protein Factory makes a great one called Ajinomoto L-Glutamine. Click the "supplements" tab.