Author: Andrea Barrett | Registered Holistic Nutritionist
About Andrea Barrett | Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Andrea is a freelance health and wellness writer and registered holistic nutritionist. She has a BA in Communication Studies from McMaster University and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition.
Branched-chain amino acids, also known as the BCAAs, are a group of three amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—that play a significant role in muscle growth and repair. But do BCAAs break a fast? The answer is yes. While some supplements may not break a fast, some amino acids can trigger an insulin response, and taking […]
Read More… from Do BCAAs Break A Fast?
Lysine is an essential amino acid (EAA) that’s mainly found in animal products. It’s used as a substrate for building proteins and is required for carnitine synthesis. Lysine supplements offer benefits for gut health, calcium absorption, cold sore healing and prevention, anxiety reduction, and blood sugar regulation. Quick Look What Are Lysine Supplements? Lysine is […]
Read More… from Everything You Need to Know About Lysine Amino Acid Benefits
Amino acids are organic molecules that consist of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R-group or side chain bonded to a central α-carbon. There are hundreds of amino acids in nature, but there are only 20 in the human body, nine of which are essential. Amino acids structure is all the same—a carbon […]
Read More… from Everything You Need to Know About Amino Acids Structure
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that serves as a substrate for nitric oxide production, which is essential for regulating blood pressure (BP) and immune function. Arginine also offers benefits for heart health, blood sugar regulation, immunity, athletic performance, and erectile dysfunction. The recommended arginine dose varies based on the condition being treated, but […]
Read More… from What You Need to Know About Arginine Amino Acid Benefits
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are three essential amino acids (EAAs) that support muscle growth, enhance muscle repair, and reduce intra-workout fatigue. BCAAs can be taken in doses of up to 12 grams daily with minimal side effects and can be taken pre-, intra-, or post-workout for optimal results. Quick Look What Are Branched Chain Amino […]
Read More… from What Is BCAA Powder? Everything You Need to Know
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid that is a building block for protein synthesis. It’s also needed to produce antioxidants, hormones, and a slew of other compounds required for your body to run optimally. Your body naturally produces glycine, but external glycine supplements may benefit antioxidant defenses, sleep, memory, immunity, and more. Quick Look: What […]
Read More… from 8 Benefits of Glycine You Should Know About
Glycine is a tiny amino acid that plays a big role in sleep. It’s involved in producing serotonin, the precursor molecule to your sleep hormone, melatonin. Taking 3g of glycine before bed can improve sleep latency, increase sleep efficiency, reduce insomnia symptoms, and promote better quality sleep. Quick Look What is Glycine? Glycine is a […]
Read More… from Glycine Dosage for Sleep
Glycine is a non-essential amino acid touted for building proteins required for tissue maintenance and hormone synthesis. Although glycine is considered safe and is well-tolerated by most people, side effects like nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, and fatigue may occur in some people taking glycine supplements. Quick Look: What is Glycine? Glycine is a non-essential amino […]
Read More… from Glycine Side Effects
GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and glycine are two major amino acid neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibitory neurons in the nervous system use either compound, but glycine tends to be more localized than GABA. Besides calming effects, glycine and GABA may also help with insomnia, stress/fatigue, improving cognitive performance, and more. Quick look: What […]
Read More… from Glycine vs GABA: A guide to two inhibitory amino acids