Thanks: 
Likes: 
Dislikes: 
Re: Saddo's Supplement Dictionary;
L-Glutamine
Although it is less commonly used and known than Creatine, Glutamine is important supplement IMHO, it is under appreciated and under used. It can be purchased is in solo, pure form, and it is sometimes part of designer protein or supplements blends.
Definition and Science
L-Glutamine is the most common amino acid found in muscle tissue. It is 19% nitrogen, so it helps carry nitrogen into your muscle cells. Glutamine also helps stimulate the natural production of HGH. Intense training causes glutamine levels to be depleted. It can take up to 6 days for Glutamine levels to return to normal after intense workouts. Taking a glutamine supplement helps return those levels to normal faster.
Risks
No risks have been found associated with Glutamine. Taking too much may cause upset stomach. I've never had this happen.
Usage and Benefits
Glutamine comes as a tasteless white power. It can be mixed with any liquid. You can take it up to three times per day, 5 grams per dose. I've always just mixed a rounded teaspoon in with my protein shake. I've also mixed it with plain water. It's tasteless and a very fine power, so this is not a problem. Bodybuilding sites recommend it in the morning, post-workout, and before bed. Personally, I mostly take it just post-workout. If I wake up particularly sore, I'll have some in the morning. When I was having a protein shake every morning, I would always add it to my shake.
I started taking because a personal trainer told me it was great for muscle recovery, and he was not wrong. Glutamine in your post workout shake, or even in a post workout glass of water, will reduce next day muscle soreness and speed recovery. Case and point - My skeptical girlfriend and I work out at the same gym. After a particularly hard session, I mixed her a glass of water with Glutamine. She drank it. They next day, she was amazed at the difference it made in her level of soreness, and now she takes it regularly after her workouts.
Glutamine has anti-catabolic ability. It helps prevent the breakdown of muscle. As a result, it helps you loose fat without muscle loss. It's great when you are trying to cut weight and stay strong/get stronger at the same time. If you are cutting calories, you have to worry about the body burning protein for fuel as well as fat, but Glutamine helps counteract that. I only recently learned about this, but looking back my experience with it, I will vouch for this benefit. Several times, I've needed to get myself back in shape and I've managed to get stronger while cutting body fat. How much it helps is hard to quantify, but it's a nice bonus considering that it's worth it just for the faster recovery.
Final Thoughts
It's not as sexy as Creatine, but it is very beneficial. It's a bit expensive, but your $40 can will last a long time. Two or three teaspoons per day is the max you will use. I recommend mixing it protein shakes. I've used Whey protein, Creatine, and Glutamine together and they make a great trio. This is a safe and effective combo. I've Glutamine used in on and off for years, and I think it's a great product.
 |
|
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Salty
Bookmarks