GLUTAMINE! HARNESS THE POWER..
To most people, glutamine is just one of the 20 amino acids that are used to make protein. It’s not even considered to be an essential amino because the body is capable of making it. However, glutamine may be the single most important amino acid in the body for creating anabolic ( muscle building ) conditions in the muscle and protecting us from the ravages of overtraining.
When the human body is altered by factors such as stress or disease, its demands for extra glutamine can change drastically. One form of stress that occurs is when a person bodybuilds using heavy poundages and intense training. During this training the use of glutamine by the other organs of the body increases in response to bodily stress. Intense exercise also causes the production of lactic acid and ammonium by the muscles. As a result, the many tissues that need glutamine, but can’t produce it, are provided with ample supplies during the exercise induced stress. The problem is that the muscles are having their intracellular stores depleted in the process. Intense exercise also causes the release of catabolic hormones such as corticosteroids. These also contribute to the depletion of muscle glutamine stores by increasing the release of glutamine from muscle cells. The result is that muscles become severely glutamine depleted.
Glutamine - the Anabolic Stimulator
Glutamine is known to promote anabolic conditions in muscle cells and increase the rate of protein synthesis. It was long thought that glutamine was indirectly responsible for this anabolic state. It now seems that glutamine indirectly promotes growth by increasing the hydration state of muscle cells.
The amount of water in cells can change in a matter of minutes, going from being fully hydrated to a state of dehydration. It has been found that the amount of water inside a muscle cell can alter its metabolism, especially protein synthesis and turnover. When cells are swollen with water, this inhibits the breakdown of protein, glycogen and glucose and stimulates protein and glycogen synthesis. If a cell becomes dehydrated, it shrinks and goes into a catabolic state that breaks down the muscle’s vital proteins.
When glutamine levels are high in muscle cells, this stimulates the entry of other amino acids into the cell. Amino acids cannot directly enter the cell, but must be carried in by a special transport system. The unique thing about this system is that when it allows an amino acid to enter, it also allows sodium to enter. As the amino and sodium levels increase in the cell, this causes water to be absorbed across the membrane and the cell swells to an anabolic state. When glutamine levels are depleted during intense exercise the cells become dehydrated and enter a catabolic state.
When a person trains intensely they will start depleting their muscle glutamine stores before they have fully recovered from their previous workout. The result is that each day the amount of muscle glutamine gets a little lower. The more a person trains, the more glutamine they use and the greater the catabolic response. People suffering from overtraining are also more susceptible to disease and infection as a result of lowered immunity. This may be due to the role of glutamine as a primary source of fuel for the immune system.
Don’t forget the Glutamine
It makes sense to take a glutamine supplement that provides the free form of this amino prior to exercise. After exercise, a high quality protein supplement should be taken within 30 minutes to aid in recovery. As the aminos are transported into the cells, they will promote water uptake to keep the muscles hydrated. This hydrated state will prevent a catabolic state and promote anabolic growth. Therefore, keep in mind that glutamine is one of the most important aminos in the body and may be the most important amino acid supplement for the bodybuilder.
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