Glutamine for Gut Health
L-Glutamine for Healing the Gut
L-glutamine is an essential amino acid necessary for the repair and healing of leaky gut.
This essential amino acid is also commonly used to lose weight, burn fat and build muscle.
Research shows that this abundant nutrient is especially helpful in repairing the gut lining and improving overall health.
L-glutamine promotes digestive health, and brain health and is essential for muscle growth.
L-glutamine helps to balance mucous production in the gastrointestinal tract, making it very beneficial for IBS and improving diarrhea. Research has also shown L-glutamine to be an important neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating memory, focus, and concentration. Another great benefit seen with L-glutamine supplementation is the curbing of sugar and alcohol cravings. It has also been found to be very important in fighting cancer and combating high blood sugar.
Some foods that are highest in L-glutamine are bone broth, wild-caught salmon, broccoli raab, asparagus, spirulina, and cabbage. It is recommended that a variety of these foods be eaten up to 3 times a day for benefits to be seen.
Supplementing with L-glutamine has been proven to be beneficial in healing leaky gut (intestinal permeability) in amounts from 2-5 grams for adults. Starting at a lower dose is recommended and increasing it as needed.
L- Glutamine and Autism
The decreased level of l-glutamine has been frequently reported in autism. Current research reports that many children with autism have difficulty metabolizing amino acids properly which may account for the increased need. L-Glutamine has shown promise in improving speech and language, and concentration and focus, as well as overall health in those with autism. Glutamine is very helpful in managing inflammation and it crosses the blood-brain barrier to stimulate focus, calming erratic behaviors, and assisting in memory recall. A 30 day glutamine supplementation trial is recommended to notice improvements in children with autism. 1,000mg for children up to age 9 is sufficient and older children can supplement up to 1500mg daily.
One of the best food sources for glutamine is eggs, as well as nuts and seeds and animal protein!
References:
Van der Hulst, R.R.W.J., et.al, Glutamine and the preservation of gut integrity, The Lancet, Volume 341, No. 8857, p1363–1365, 29 May 1993
Ahmad Ghanizadeh, Increased Glutamate and Homocysteine and Decreased Glutamine Levels in Autism: A Review and Strategies for Future Studies of Amino Acids in Autism,Dis Markers. 2013; 35(5): 281–286.
Albrecht J, et.al, Roles of Glutamine in Neurotransmission, Neuron Glia Biol. 2010 Nov;6(4):263-76.
