If you’ve noticed more brain fog than usual or are of an age where you’re memory isn’t what it used to be and you want to be proactive against cognitive decline, glutamine is an amino-acid that you may want to consider.
Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive health. Amino acids are known as the “building blocks” of proteins that are needed for everything from helping to provide fuel for your muscles, to providing the raw materials for your brain, including your neurotransmitters. (Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that facilitate communication between your nerves.)
Considering its ability to facilitate communication in the brain, glutamine is one of the most important nutrients for preventing mental illness and improving cognitive function.
Throughout this blog, we will discuss what glutamine is, how it works in the brain and what to look for when shopping for a glutamine supplement so that you can determine if it’s a good supplement for you.
First, What is Glutamine?
Glutamine is an amino acid that can be found in food such as meat, fish and eggs. It is the main fuel for your muscles, especially after exercise. When you work out, your body breaks down muscle tissue to meet its energy needs. This process is called catabolism and requires energy that comes from the breakdown of proteins in your muscles. Glutamine helps prevent this protein breakdown by helping to repair damaged cells and build new ones during times of stress like intense exercise or injury recovery.
Since glutamine is the main fuel for cells lining the gut, it is often recommended by natural health practitioners to help support optimal gut health (and help heal “leaky gut”).
Glutamine is well known for its ability to support the body when exercising but is less well known for its ability to support brain health.
Glutamine is also known as a nootropic supplement, which means it can be used to increase cognitive function and memory. Nootropics are a class of substances that enhance learning and memory, help protect the brain, and can improve conscious (and even subconscious) behaviours without impairing motor functions or producing any side effects. But, how does glutamine work in the brain?
How Glutamine Works in the Brain
The brain has the highest concentration of glutamine in the body. Being the most abundant free amino acid in the brain, it plays a critical role in many of the body’s functions and is especially important for maintaining neurons and supporting brain function and concentration. Glutamine is also used as an energy source by immune cells, which are involved in fighting infections that can contribute to cognitive decline.
In fact, studies have shown that glutamine can help balance mood by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, balancing glutamine levels can promote an overall feeling of well-being, and also lessen cravings (including alcohol).
Included in these impressive benefits are more brain health benefits, like:
• Glutamine promotes optimal concentration, focus, memory and mood by supporting neurotransmitters including glutamate, aspartate and GABA. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerves and cells. Both glutamate and aspartate are “excitatory” neurotransmitters, meaning they are needed to support your brain’s function and memory when at work. GABA is another neurotransmitter that helps you feel relaxed by blocking certain nerve impulses.
• Glutamine helps to reduce inflammation in the brain by helping it detoxify harmful ammonia.
• Glutamine could help prevent aging in the brain. Studies have demonstrated that both glutamine and glutamate levels go down as we age, and supplementing could help to combat the effects of aging in the brain.
• Glutamine could help support a healthy mood and mental outlook. A glutamine deficiency has been linked with low mood.
Which Glutamine Supplement is Best?
The recommended dose of glutamine is 2 to 5 grams per day, although health care practitioners may recommend a higher dose.
Glutamine is generally considered safe. However, some people have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, or increased sweating. It should not be used in cases of cirrhosis of the liver, or if you are allergic to monosodium glutamate.
Glutamine is an essential amino acid that your body needs to make neurotransmitters, build muscle mass and repair tissue. In addition to providing these benefits, glutamine has also been found to play a role in helping to support optimal concentration, focus, memory and mood, as well as a reduced risk of aging and inflammation in the brain.
When shopping for a glutamine supplement, you should choose a trusted brand that has a quality reputation. North Coast Naturals Fermented L-Glutamine Powder is a top-rated glutamine supplement that’s also ideal for vegans. It’s a pure glutamine formula from Ajinomoto, the only glutamine manufacturer in the world with a master drug file number for L-glutamine.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
