What Is It
Every cell in the body needs and uses amino acids. Your body
breaks down the protein from foods into its individual amino
acids, which are then recombined to create the specific types
of proteins the body requires.(Each cell, in fact, is programmed
to produce exactly the right combination for its needs.)There
are two types of amino acids: non-essential and essential.
The body can manufacture nonessential amino acids, but must
obtain essential amino acids from the foods you eat. Nonessential
amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic
acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline,
serine, taurine, and tyrosine. Essential amino acids include
histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine,
threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
What Does It Do
Amino acids are needed to maintain and repair muscles, tendons,
skin, ligaments, organs, glands, nails, and hair. They also
aid in the production of hormones (such as insulin), neurotransmitters
(message-carrying chemicals within the brain), various body
fluids, and enzymes that trigger bodily functions. When even
one amino acid is lacking, serious health problems will eventually
occur.
Though the major cause of an amino acid deficiency is a poor
diet (particularly one low in protein), amino acids may also
be affected by infection, trauma, stress, medications, age,
and chemical imbalances within the body. Nutritionally oriented
doctors often give blood tests to determine whether a patient
has a deficiency. Amino acid supplements can compensate for
deficiencies and can also be taken therapeutically (even when
patients aren't deficient) for a variety of health problems.
Common Uses
• Maintain and repair muscles.
• Treat heart disease.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Boost immune function.
• Improve some nerve disorders.
Major Benefits
Different amino acids (and their by-products) are
very effective in the treatment of heart disease. Highly concentrated
in the cells of the heart muscle, carnitine - a substance
similar to an amino acid that the body produces from lysine
- strengthens the heart, helps those with congestive heart
failure, and can improve the chances of surviving a heart
attack. Because it is also involved in fat metabolism, carnitine
may help lower high levels of trigylcerides (blood fats related
to cholesterol).The nonessential amino acid arginine reduces
the risk of heart attack and stroke by widening blood vessels
and lowering blood pressure; it easesthe symptoms and pains
of angina as well. Taurine treats congestive heart failure
and lowers high blood pressure by balancing the blood's sodium-to-potassium
ratio and by regulating excessive activity of the central
nervous system.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a by-product of the amino acid cysteine
that's better absorbed than cysteine, stimulates the body's
production of antioxidants and may be an antioxidant itself.
As such, it aids in repairing cell damage and boosting the
immune system. NAC also thins the mucus of chronic bronchitis
and has been used to protect the liver in overdoses of acetaminophen
(Tylenol).It may also be of value for disorders involving
damage to the brain or nerve cells, such as multiple sclerosis.
Additional Benefits
Concentrated in the cells of the digestive tract,
glutamine can help heal ulcers and soothe irritable bowel
syndrome and diverticulosis. By enhancing the production of
certain brain chemicals, taurine may be a boon to people with
epilepsy .It's also a key element in bile and may prevent
gallstones .People with diabetes can also benefit form taurine
because it facilitates the body's use of insulin.
Carnitine feeds the muscles by making it possible for them
to burn fat for energy. Lysine is one of the most effective
treatments for cold sores and is also useful for shingles
and canker sores. (Arginine, on the other had, can trigger
cold sore or genital herpes outbreaks.)
How To Take It
Dosage: When using any individual amino acid for
longer than one month, take it with a mixed amino acid complex,
a supplement that contains a variety of amino acids, to be
sure you are receiving adequate, balanced amounts of all the
amino acids.
Guidelines For Use: Amino acid supplements
are more effective when they don't have to compete with the
amino acids in high-protein foods. Take the supplements at
least an hour and a half before or after meals (first thing
in the morning or at bedtime may be best).
Individual amino acid supplements should not be used for longer
than three months, unless you are under the supervision of
a doctor familiar with their use. Take mixed amino acid supplements
on an empty stomach and also at a different time of day than
you take the individual supplement.
Possible Side Effects
Amino acid supplements have no side effects as long as they
are taken in the recommended amounts. High doses of certain
amino acids, however, may be toxic and produce nausea, vomiting,
or diarrhea.
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