When is the best time of day to take l-glutamine to receive the most benefits from the most abundant amino acid?
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in the human body, vital for supporting human health. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is especially important for aiding immune function and healing muscle tissue. During times of need, glutamine supplementation can benefit individuals whose body needs the extra boost in immune support and wound healing.
This article will detail the best time to take glutamine for gut health and for the human body to achieve optimal results from this beneficial amino acid. Continue reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
The Best Time to Take L-Glutamine Supplements
What is the best time to take l-glutamine supplements?
From our research, one study examined the difference in tissue damage and physiology and how the timing of glutamine supplementation affected results. Results showed that l-glutamine taken after exhaustive exercise was more productive than before exercise.
The study revealed that taking the glutamine supplement after intense exercise reduced tissue damage in the kidneys and cardiac muscles. The group also had a higher platelet and red blood cell count, which can enhance oxygen-carrying capacity.
Which Supplement Form of Glutamine to Take
Whichever supplement form you choose, whether it be glutamine powder or an oral glutamine supplement, taking glutamine can provide a range of benefits.
A powder glutamine supplement mixed with a liquid or protein smoothie will be digested more quickly than a tablet or capsule, meaning you’ll receive the benefits of this amino acid faster. It is recommended that l-glutamine be taken on an empty stomach for maximum efficiency.
The Importance of Glutamine on Health
Now that you know the best time to take glutamine, you must also be made aware of the health benefits of this amino acid. Taking glutamine at the right time can enhance the benefits received to get the most out of your supplement. Find out the importance of glutamine on health below!
Improves Immune Health
Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that the human body naturally synthesizes, and it can also be found in foods. It is considered a conditionally essential amino acid for its importance in times of stress or injury and is highly used by immune cells.
This amino acid is essential for the immune system, promoting wound healing and removing excess ammonia from the body. Used for critically ill patients to boost healing processes, one study revealed that patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation and took glutamine had lower infection levels and shorter hospital stays thanks to a boosted immune system.
Supports Brain Health
Another important benefit of glutamine is its effects on brain health and function.
Chronic stress is associated with numerous adverse health repercussions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Glutamine is a productive method of counteracting the harmful effects of chronic stress.
The amino acid glutamine is also crucial for supporting the functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid, two vital neurotransmitters for the brain and everyday function. Glutamine fuels these neurotransmitters, supporting brain function and enhancing focus and alertness.
Essential for Muscle Health & Recovery
Glutamine is the anti-fatigue amino acid critical in sports training and nutrition.
Crucial for enhancing exercise performance and supporting muscle recovery, glutamine is favored for its immunomodulatory role that aids in cell proliferation and reducing fatigue markers. It supports muscle tissue health, helping reduce muscle soreness and preventing skeletal muscle breakdown while supporting lean muscle mass.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
One of the most recent discoveries of glutamine and its benefit to the human body is its contribution to cardiovascular health.
Studies revealed that glutamine reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors like insulin resistance, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. It was shown that glutamine supplementation can act as a deterrent to cardiometabolic disease and sickle cell disease and can be beneficial for patients suffering from heart failure.
Aids Gastrointestinal Health
One of the most commonly used benefits of glutamine is its support of the digestive system, including intestinal health and all the organs in the digestive tract.
This powerful amino acid is productive in modulating inflammatory responses, aiding the gut microbiome, and functioning as a fuel source for the cells lining the intestines. Glutamine is beneficial in preventing intestinal permeability caused by leaky gut syndrome and other damaging conditions such as stomach ulcers.
Glutamine helps reduce symptoms of the following diseases:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Side Effects & Risks of L-Glutamine Supplementation
When glutamine levels are low, taking a glutamine supplement can be productive for various purposes, whether to increase physical performance, aid the digestive system, or promote muscle recovery. It’s important to consider that, with anything, there are risks and side effects associated with taking a supplement.
Some side effects associated with l-glutamine supplementation:
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Bloating
Who Should Take L-Glutamine?
When individuals don’t get amino acids, such as glutamine, through their normal diet, dietary supplements can be beneficial. Not getting enough glutamine can result in delayed wound healing and decreased support of daily functions in the human body.
Examples of situations where taking l-glutamine is recommended:
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Cancer patients
- Surgical procedures
- Intense exercise
- Critically ill patients
Of course, it is vital to consult your doctor before taking any supplement. Please speak with a medical professional first before beginning glutamine supplementation.
Foods High in Glutamine
There are foods that are naturally high in amino acids. High-protein foods are the best place to consume higher concentrations of amino acids. Eating a well-balanced diet is even more crucial for consuming essential amino acids not synthesized by the human body to promote overall health and support bodily functions.
Examples of foods high in glutamine:
- Dairy
- Meat
- Leafy greens
- Fish
- Soy
- Nuts and seeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you take l-glutamine with food?
Taking l-glutamine supplements on an empty stomach before eating a meal is recommended. The reason for this is that the amino acid is better absorbed by the body when taken on an empty stomach compared to when taken with food.
Does l-glutamine detox your body?
Glutamine is the main amino acid that removes ammonia, a common waste product, from the human body. A buildup of ammonia in the body results in serious negative effects, including seizures, vomiting, headache, and sometimes even death. Because of its natural properties, glutamine detoxes the body from toxic waste.
What should you not mix with l-glutamine?
You should not mix hot liquids with l-glutamine. When mixing l-glutamine powders into liquids, it is advised to use cold or room temperature liquids. This is because heat destroys glutamine, meaning you will not receive the amino acid benefits if mixed with hot liquids.
