Glutamine, the most abundant protein constituent in the body, and
maybe the most important. There are many benefits of glutamine. The secret to its significance is that it supplies nitrogen more readily to the human body than any other amino acid. Glutamine calms addictive cravings, treats intestinal maladies, and offers more to nutritional medicine than most any other substance.
What are the Benefits of Glutamine?
In order for our bodies to recover from any maladies, we need certain proteins. No matter what is needed, all can be helped with L-glutamine. With its extra nitrogen atom, glutamine will synthesize other amino acids as needed. In doing so, it takes proteins to where it is needed and from where it can be spared. In addition, glutamine helps the body create other important nutrients such as glutathione, glucosamine, and B3. Glutamine is the most important nutrient for gastrointestinal health. In fact, it has been dubbed “intestinal permeability factor.” Every patient at the Salerno Center with severe intestinal or inflammatory bowel issue gets a strong dose of glutamine. While it’s primary benefit is in the small bowel, glutamine helps restore the mucous membranes in the large bowel.
During surgical recovery or times of stress, our bodies cannot produce enough glutamine to heal wounds, preserve lean tissues, and nourish the immune system, among other things. After draining its reserves, the body must draw from muscle and branched-chain amino acids. Providing supplemental glutamine avoids all of these complications, normalizes amino acid levels, speeds up healing of wounds and burns, and improves overall surgical recovery. Glutamine also increases the levels of T cells and macrophages, so it is important in combating cancers and infections, particularly viral. When given in doses of 20 to 40 grams, the immune system responds. AIDS patients and those with chronic viral fatigue are particularly benefited from this treatment.
Glutamine provides a strong balance between lethargy and excitement in the brain. It is a major source of important building blocks of several neurotransmitters. As such, I have found glutamine to be extremely beneficial for drug, alcohol, food cravings, and addictions. A daily dose of 12 grams per day of glutamine controlled alcohol addiction in one study in 75 percent of patients. For sugar cravings in my practice, I have patients take at least 2 to 3 grams of l-glutamine, preferably with some heavy cream. It is quite effective in reducing sugar urges.
Glutamine is also very beneficial for muscle recovery and bodybuilding and is used by many weight lifters as such. Glutamine replaces decreased production during exercise. The extra nitrogen released also allows the body to fill stockpiles of glycogen, the form of carbohydrate stored in muscle and liver tissue for use during physical activity. With enough glycogen on hand, less muscle tissue is broken down for energy. Glutamine also increases growth hormone levels, which can spur muscle growth.
At the Salerno Center, glutamine is used intravenously for general, health, healing injuries, surgeries, for weight loss, and for additions. It is also used orally for gastrointestinal issues and is a true staple nutrient for most patients.
