What Is Glutamine?
Glutamine is an amino acid that is extremely beneficial for bodybuilders. When taking glutamine as a supplement, it’s important to know how to manage the timing of it. This is why we are discussing when to take glutamine. Proper timing can make all the difference in the world.
Glutamine can be found naturally in foods such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, cabbage, beans, beets, and more. However, sometimes these foods just aren’t enough. Especially if you don’t eat animal products! This is where supplements come into play.
Glutamine is popular in the bodybuilding world because of its positive effects on the body. Glutamine is an amino acid that is used in the synthesis of protein. It supports the production of muscle. It also supports and regulates the immune system, is used as an alternate fuel source for the brain, supports and regulates the dietary system, and much more!
When To Take Glutamine
The most important part of this supplement is knowing when to take glutamine. A great deal of research shows that glutamine raises growth hormones levels drastically if taken right before bed. It can also be taken as soon as you wake up. This is because your muscles will have gone 6 to 8 hours without any substantial nutrition in them.
The recommended dosage of glutamine for bodybuilding adults is 5 grams each day. If you are taking glutamine for other conditions such as IBS, the recommended dosage is 2-3 grams each day.
Benefits of Glutamine
- Promotes muscle growth
- Decreases muscle waste
- Improves gastrointestinal health
- Helps heal ulcers and leaky gut
- Aids with memory, focus, and concentration
- Improves IBS and diarrhea
- Improves athletic performance and recovery from exercising
- Boosts metabolism and cellular detoxification
- Cuts sugar and alcohol cravings
- Fights against cancer
- Improves diabetes
- Improves blood sugar levels
Risks of Glutamine
While there are not too many risks for glutamine supplements there are a few things to note when taking the supplement. First, if there is an excess of glutamine in the body, it will go to waste. Glutamine cannot be stored in the body for an extended amount of time so if you are on a maintenance diet (not trying to lose or gain weight) then the supplement may not be very effective.
Second, there are a few conditions where glutamine should not be taken. It’s important to avoid glutamine supplements in these scenarios:
- Not for children
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Avoid if you have cirrhosis
- Not safe if you have severe liver disease
- Avoid if you suffer from a mental disorder
- Not suitable for seizure victims
Top Brands of Glutamine
- Spartan Elite Nutrition
- Optimum Nutrition
- AMRAP Nutrition
- NOW Foods
- Kaged Muscle
Glutamine can be a very beneficial supplement for men and women who are focused on bodybuilding. If you are planning on supplementing with glutamine, remember to note when to take glutamine.
