If you happen to be familiar with bodybuilding, or athletics for that matter, you will almost certainly have heard people mentioning the importance of supplementation, when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and intensive training program of course. There are hundreds upon hundreds, if not thousands upon thousands of different health and sports supplements, with each one designed to serve its own unique purpose. Some are extremely effective, whilst others not so much. The amino acid L-Glutamine however, is one of the more effective supplements on the market. In fact, it is the third most popular supplement in the world, commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes to help aid recovery and improve performance. Here’s a look at just five reasons why Glutamine is considered so important and should be included in every supplement stack.
Glutamine aids in muscle growth
One of the main benefits of Glutamine is the fact that it has been found to aid in muscle growth. We build muscle when we rest following an intensive workout, but in order to do so, our body needs to manufacture new muscle proteins via protein synthesis. Glutamine increases protein synthesis, and kick starts it almost immediately, which is why it is so effective when consumed post-workout, when the muscles are most anabolically charged for maximum nutrient absorption.
Glutamine increases immunity
Your immune system is your body’s first and last line of defence against illness and disease. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will be to suffer from illnesses and viruses, and if you do, you will be able to fight them off and recover at a much quicker rate. Glutamine has been proven to help increase immunity within the human body, which means it actually helps to make us healthier and can help protect us against harmful illnesses and diseases, including cancer.
Glutamine helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
When we’re feeling particularly stressed, anxious, or depressed, our bodies secrete a chemical known as cortisol, which naturally lowers glutamine levels and makes us feel worse. Studies have found that increasing your glutamine consumption could actually help to reduce natural cortisol levels, which in turn means you’ll feel happier, calmer, and more relaxed as a result.
Glutamine helps regulate blood sugar levels
Another benefit of glutamine is that it has been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics or people struggling with abnormal blood sugar levels. Glutamine helps increase glucose utilization, which in turn keeps blood sugar levels stable, and as well as that, it also reduces the likelihood of insulin resistance as well.
Glutamine helps improve brain health
Finally, another great reason to add glutamine to your supplement stack is that it has been found to be beneficial for the health of our brains. It is a vital neurotransmitter within the brain, helping to improve memory, focus, and concentration.
