Glutamine is an amino acid that helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining. It also plays a role in immune function, energy production, and protein synthesis.
The Gut-Friendly Benefits of Glutamine.
Glutamine is an amino acid found naturally in foods like meat, dairy products, eggs, beans, and vegetables. It helps maintain gut health by supporting intestinal cells and helping them absorb nutrients.
The proven roles of glutamine include:
- promoting gut mucosal integrity by acting as an energy source and preventing bacterial translocation
- providing a major fuel source for cells of the immune system; and,
- improving nitrogen balance in times of stress.
However, when we eat processed meats, fast food, and other high-carbohydrate diets, our bodies do not produce enough glutamine. This leads to a decrease in the number of good bacteria in the intestines, which can cause digestive issues.
Some of the digestive issues may include:
- bloating
- constipation
- cramping
- diarrhea
- general irregularity
- chronic stomach upset
How to Take Advantage of Glutamine Supplementation.
Taking a supplement containing glutamine can help improve digestion by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It also helps maintain a healthy intestinal lining and supports immune function.
In addition to that, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that people who took a daily dose of 1 gram of glutamine had better bowel movements than those who didn’t. Another study found that taking 2 grams of glutamine per day helped prevent constipation.
