L-glutamine is the most plentiful amino acid found in the human body. This important amino acid is made by the body but during times of heavy exercise of injury, your body may need more L-glutamine than it can produce. Most L-glutamine in your body is stored in the muscles and lungs, where most is made.
So what does L-glutamine actually do in your body? This amino acid is an important factor in a range of things going on within your body. When it comes to removing excess ammonia in your body, L-glutamine has got you covered. It supports the function of your immune system, assists with brain function and digestion. L-glutamine makes protein for muscle tissue, fuels cells that protect our intestines, and helps detoxify the liver of foreign substances. So if you add extra L-glutamine into your diet, what are the benefits? And what does it do for your body? Let’s take a look!
Gastrointestinal and Immune System
L-glutamine benefits your overall health by supporting both gut function and your digestive process. L-glutamine can reduce intestinal inflammation and help people recover from food sensitivities. Also, it plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. L-glutamine can help reduce intestinal colonization and bacterial overgrowth of pathogens which can result in widespread gut issues (i.e weight gain and constipation).
Muscle Recovery
L-glutamine is important when it comes to maintaining muscle protein. In the supplement space, L-glutamine was first believed to be used for muscle gain and fat burning. While scientists continue to study these claims, it may help reduce muscle fatigue and exercise recovery. Studies have shown that when supplementing with L-glutamine, athletes had less muscle soreness and strength loss.
Food Sources
As mentioned before, L-glutamine is naturally produced in the body for those who workout a lot or need the extra L-glutamine for extra immune and gut support, there are plenty of foods that offer L-glutamine. These foods include:
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Milk
- Grass fed beef
- Spirulina
- Cottage cheese
- Asparagus
- Cod / Salmon
- Venison
- Turkey
- Corn
- Rice
