L-Glutamine and Its Benefits

The more I read about L-Glutamine and the benefits it offers in building muscle...the more I realize how important this supplement really is.

If L-Glutamine isn't part of your diet plan just yet...keep on reading, because this supplement is by far one of the most important building blocks for anyone undergoing grueling workouts. Based on results I've experienced, and input I've received from others, this is by far one of the best bodybuilding supplements, and should be taken regardless of the intensity of your fitness program.

You've got to give it some time though once you begin taking Glutamine. Results will not occur immediately...as is the case with many supplements. If you do begin to see results too quickly, don't assume they will be long term, since proper supplementation should always be thought of as a long term investment.

Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids, and is the most abundant and naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid found in the human body. Specifically, it is found circulating in the blood and stored in the muscles. Aside from taking Glutamine in supplement form, it can also be consumed through everyday foods. Some examples of naturally occurring Glutamine include:

A. Animal Sources: Meat, Fish, Eggs, Milk, Yogurt, Ricotta Cheese, and Cottage Cheese.
B. Plant Sources: Beans, Spinach, Parsley, Cabbage, Vegetable Juice, and Fermented Foods.

A. Glutamine accelerates muscular recovery and growth. Every time you subject your body to a grueling workout...your muscles go through a breakdown process. Muscular growth and rebuilding actually takes place while resting...so by taking Glutamine, you provide your body with additional fuel for growth. When these amino acids are more readily available, your body can recover faster, allowing you to train harder and more often...therefore allowing you to grow more efficiently and naturally.

B. Glutamine increases muscle-cell volume by allowing your muscle cells to fill-up with water. Increasing the volume of muscle cells provides a strong stimulus for growth; that is, cell volumization enhances the potential for growth.

C. Glutamine enhances digestion by allowing your digestive system to run smoothly. When you take Glutamine regularly, you'll become more regular. Glutamine helps your body process and absorb nutrients better. If Glutamine is taken over the long haul...you will get benefit out of all your other supplements. Not only will you grow faster...you will also save lots of money, which is always a good thing.

D. Glutamine will strengthen immune system...a key component to your overall health. Over training will cause you to over-tax your body, thus lowering your immune system. This isn't good because now you will be more suceptable to catching a cold or the flu.

If you're looking to grow, you can't be spending too much time away from the gym, so a strong immune system is very important!

You can either consume Glutamine through every day foods as mentioned above, or in supplement form, which ensures your body is getting the right amount. Glutamine can be consumed as a micronized, instantly soluble powder, in either water or your favorite beverage. To be certain that you will reap the full benefit from taking Glutamine...it should be consumed various times spread out through the day. Refer to the instruction label on the container...but normally it is taken one to four times a day in 5 - 10 gram dosages. I normally take it at least 3 times per day spread out evenly.