Glutamine And It's Side Effects

Glutamine, one of the twenty special amino acids that have been encoded by
the standard genetic code, is also one of the most common amino acids that
occur naturally in the human body. It makes up more than sixty percent of
the skeletal muscle tissue, and is fuel for both the digestive tract and the
immune system, while also playing a pivotal role in responsibly conducting
nitrogen to muscles around the body. High concentrations of Glutamine are
especially available in the brain, the gut lining, the lungs, the heart, the
kidney, the liver, and the muscles. In short, no human body can survive
without this vital amino acid; in fact most bodybuilders and athletes use it
as a supplement to enhance their performance or to strengthen themselves
physically. Glutamine can be found in protein powders (mostly favored by the
likes of athletes, weightlifters, and bodybuilders); and is also rich in
other high-protein foods including fish, red meat, beans, poultry and dairy
products.

While the human body does not take well to anything taken in excess, however
useful it might be, studies regarding the side effects of excess Glutamine
use have even churned out inconclusive results. Still, it's safe to say that
it's never a good idea to take high doses, and it has been proved that
excess use might lead to an an upset stomach, if nothing else.

It is now widely believed that since Glutamine occurs naturally in the human
body, supplementing a diet with the amino acid comes free of any major
health risks or adverse side effects, as long as it's done in low doses. In
fact, it is mostly encouraged; Glutamine deficiency is so common in our day,
that medical practitioners check for Glutamine deficiency as one of the
primary tests when searching for clues in patients with symptoms of chronic
illnesses or dysfunction in cognitive functioning and mood swings.

Nevertheless, it's important to understand that anybody thinking of starting
a regimen including Glutamine supplements should consult a physician or
nutritionist first; especially those suffering from either Type I or Type II
diabetes since they are usually advised to exercise extreme caution with
respect to Glutamine powders or supplements. This is mainly because surplus
amounts of Glutamine in the human body are broken down by the liver and the
kidneys for the production of glucose.

Aside from being used as a diet supplement by bodybuilders and athletes,
Glutamine has been deemed effective in treating muscle cramps or pain in the
elderly. It can also speed up the Krebs Cycle and aid in weight loss while
retaining muscle mass.
However, the principle use of Glutamine is still the replenishment of the
body's stores of amino acids; which is why supplementation is considered
particularly healthy after strenuous exercise or long workouts. Furthermore,
people suffering from any kind of physical trauma, immune deficiencies, or
cancer also tend to find Glutamine very helpful.

Thus, as the article suggests, Glumatine use (in a controlled
manner) has many favorable effects, yet most often comes free of any adverse
side effects; which is why it's become such a popular fixture on the market
for health supplements.

About The Author: http://www.creatinejournal.com, free information on
creatine and other popular sports supplements.