Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids in our bodies. In fact, we have nearly twice as much glutamine in our muscles as we do protein. The human body uses glutamine to build muscles, heal wounds, and support the digestive system. That means that if we want to build lean muscle mass, we should be eating foods high in glutamine.
In order to increase glutamine levels in your body, eat these foods regularly.
1. Salmon
If you want to get more glutamine into your diet, try eating salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help boost levels of glutamine in the body. In fact, one study showed that people who ate two servings of fish per week had higher levels of glutamine than those who didn’t eat fish at all.
2. Eggs
Eggs are one of the best sources of glutamine, which makes them a great addition to your diet if you want to get more of this important nutrient into your system. The yolk contains high levels of glutamine, while the whites contain moderate amounts. You can eat eggs raw or cooked; however, cooking them destroys some of the glutamine content.
3. Chicken
If you want to get more glutamine into your diet, try eating chicken. The amino acid is found in higher concentrations in poultry than in other meats. In fact, one 3-ounce serving of cooked chicken contains nearly twice as much glutamine as beef.
4. Milk
Milk is one of the richest sources of glutamine. One cup of whole milk has more than 100 milligrams of glutamine. If you’re looking for other ways to boost your intake of glutamine, try adding some cottage cheese or yogurt to your diet.
5. Other Sources
Other sources of glutamine are found naturally in foods like cheese, yogurt, beans, lentils, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.
You can also find glutamine supplements at online stores.
