The first rule is Glutamine is good
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid - that is, our bodies can create it from other amino acids. However, that description belies its vital importance, and recent research means that it is rapidly becoming a modern day panacea.
I first came across L-Glutamine 5 years ago (L-glutamine means its the form humans can absorb). Jim McCartney, the then coach of Thames Rowing Club men's squad recommended it to the squad. Jim was of the old school of rowing coaches (lots of scowls and knowledge, few words and no concept of pain) and thus the boys in the main did as they were told, and ordered a tub and took the stuff. By the end of the year I think you could physically see the improvement in who had taken it - and Jim was later voted 2003 Coach of the Year by the sport's ruling body the ARA. Glutamine is now described by Science in Sport (good sports drink & supplement supplier) as the "hottest supplement since creatine" (see separate post on Creatine for an explanation of what it is).
The magic lies in the fact that L-glutamine is a very versatile amino acid, by far the most abundant building block of muscle (60%+) and white cells alike, and participates in many reactions in the body. Glutamine is a precursor for many other amino acids; an important fuel for the immune system, the brain and gut mucosal cells; and appears to enhance lean muscle growth and glycogen production (fuel for your muscles).
There are a whole range of applications - L-Glutamine can be helpful in the treatment of arthritis, intestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, can enhance mental functioning, and has been used to treat a range of problems including developmental disabilities, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, schizophrenia, and senility. L-Glutamine decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol, and is useful for recovering alcoholics.
From a sports point of view - during intense training, Glutamine level are greatly depleted in your body, which decreases strength, stamina and recovery. This is particularly true for people training in cold, damp conditions; which tends to depress the immune system. Thus a Glutamine supplement is vital for anyone who is training hard, particularly in cold weather.
However, Glutamine's role in the immune system and digestive system means that its not just a useful supplement for crazy sportsmen, its a useful supplement for anyone who is working hard, or even if you are just feeling a bit under the weather.
Instructions
Buy from a reputable source - Science in Sport is a good supplier, and follow the instructions on the tub. Don't forget that amino acid supplements are more effective when they don't have to compete with the amino acids in high-protein foods. Ideally take L-Glutamine at least an hour and a half before or after meals (first thing in the morning or at bedtime may be best). Oh and don’t put hot water on it unless you fancy a gelatinous goo – it is sugary in taste, and many people mix it with orange juice or squash.
Glutamine Information Sources:
http://www.scienceinsport.com/Glutamine.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamine
http://pdrhealth.com/drug_info/
nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lgl_0125.shtml
Cold conditions for training/illness prevention etc:
http://www.cyclecoach.com/pageID-articles-Illness.htm
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0905.htm
I first came across L-Glutamine 5 years ago (L-glutamine means its the form humans can absorb). Jim McCartney, the then coach of Thames Rowing Club men's squad recommended it to the squad. Jim was of the old school of rowing coaches (lots of scowls and knowledge, few words and no concept of pain) and thus the boys in the main did as they were told, and ordered a tub and took the stuff. By the end of the year I think you could physically see the improvement in who had taken it - and Jim was later voted 2003 Coach of the Year by the sport's ruling body the ARA. Glutamine is now described by Science in Sport (good sports drink & supplement supplier) as the "hottest supplement since creatine" (see separate post on Creatine for an explanation of what it is).
The magic lies in the fact that L-glutamine is a very versatile amino acid, by far the most abundant building block of muscle (60%+) and white cells alike, and participates in many reactions in the body. Glutamine is a precursor for many other amino acids; an important fuel for the immune system, the brain and gut mucosal cells; and appears to enhance lean muscle growth and glycogen production (fuel for your muscles).
There are a whole range of applications - L-Glutamine can be helpful in the treatment of arthritis, intestinal disorders, peptic ulcers, can enhance mental functioning, and has been used to treat a range of problems including developmental disabilities, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, schizophrenia, and senility. L-Glutamine decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol, and is useful for recovering alcoholics.
From a sports point of view - during intense training, Glutamine level are greatly depleted in your body, which decreases strength, stamina and recovery. This is particularly true for people training in cold, damp conditions; which tends to depress the immune system. Thus a Glutamine supplement is vital for anyone who is training hard, particularly in cold weather.
However, Glutamine's role in the immune system and digestive system means that its not just a useful supplement for crazy sportsmen, its a useful supplement for anyone who is working hard, or even if you are just feeling a bit under the weather.
Instructions
Buy from a reputable source - Science in Sport is a good supplier, and follow the instructions on the tub. Don't forget that amino acid supplements are more effective when they don't have to compete with the amino acids in high-protein foods. Ideally take L-Glutamine at least an hour and a half before or after meals (first thing in the morning or at bedtime may be best). Oh and don’t put hot water on it unless you fancy a gelatinous goo – it is sugary in taste, and many people mix it with orange juice or squash.
Glutamine Information Sources:
http://www.scienceinsport.com/Glutamine.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamine
http://pdrhealth.com/drug_info/
nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/lgl_0125.shtml
Cold conditions for training/illness prevention etc:
http://www.cyclecoach.com/pageID-articles-Illness.htm
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0905.htm
posted by Ems at 9:05 PM
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