Amino Acid Supplements: Let Your Body Get the Needed Amount of Protein

Getting your body in the best shape cannot be achieved without exercising, that’s for sure. However, you really shouldn’t forget about eating healthy and supplementing, especially with amino acid supplements.

Generally speaking, amino acids are building blocks of proteins that are of vital importance for the body, especially for building proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters. Even though the human body can obtain amino acids through food, this dose is insufficient if you want to improve your athletic performance and build muscle mass. In such occasions, people usually tend to rely on the use of amino acid supplements.

Benefits

Generally speaking, quality amino acid supplements contain one or several of the nine essential amino acids (lysine, leucine, tryptophan, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine) that the body cannot produce on its own. That’s because the body can make the non-essential ones on its own, but cannot make the essential ones, hence the need for these supplements.

Improved Sports Performance

As already mentioned, these essential protein blocks are very much needed for enhancing one’s sports performance and improving one’s recovery. When it comes to muscle growth, these essential aminos should be taken before or after exercise. Some types of these acids are also good for muscle recovery, which is great not only for reducing muscle soreness but also for reducing the feeling of exhaustion after a workout.

But most importantly, these beneficial amino acid supplements are helpful with preventing muscle damage. Even though some believe that protein from food is what you need to help your body and muscles recover, professional athletes and sports enthusiasts who are consistent in their exercises cannot get the most out of food. That’s why they rely on the use of supplements, which makes everything faster and more effective.

Improved Muscle Function

Did you know that some types of these essential aminos can improve muscle function, creating the perfect balance?! Using the right and needed amount of such supplements can certainly increase the nitrogen supply to your body, which can also maintain the amount of amino acids stored in muscles.

Improved Blood Glucose Levels

While a lot of people think that these supplements are only good to be consumed when working out, the truth is that some of them are also beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels. It’s said that with some people with type 2 diabetes amino acids help to lower their blood sugar without impacting their insulin levels. However, one cannot experiment with this health condition, so it is of vital importance for people to consult with their healthcare providers in order to be sure whether they can use such supplements, how they can use them and for how long.

Reduced Mood Swings

Did you know that there’s a certain type of amino supplement that can help the brain produce more serotonin, which is known as the happy hormone?! Yeah, that’s right, and this hormone in particular is essential for regulating the mood, sleep and those different behaviours. Since ever, low serotonin is linked to sleep disturbance and depression, and practice shows that by taking supplements with glycine in particular, one can experience significant improvement in mood and reduced symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Amino Acids?

If your body is low on these acids, you might experience fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbance, weight gain, muscle pain and weakness. While these are some of the most basic things that you can experience when low on them, it isn’t strange to also experience hair loss, nail breakage and depression. When low on them, your body can also be more prone to infections.

What Are the Most Popular Types of Amino Acids?

BCAAs

Branched-Chain Amino Acids are a group of essential aminos (isoleucine, leucine and valine) which are considered essential since the body cannot produce them on its own. This amino combo seems perfect for muscle protein synthesis, muscle recovery and reducing muscle soreness. Nowadays, these aminos come from a large selection of aminos, however, you should be mindful when choosing the right one, as not all of them offer the cleanest versions.

Beta Alanine

Even though this is a non-essential amino acid, it seems that it plays a huge role in muscle performance, and since this is your goal, you should certainly consider taking it. This amino forms carnosine, which is a compound that buffers against lactic acid buildup, which is a byproduct of intense exercise and can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue. This amino is also excellent in improving performance in both short and high-intensity activities, so taking it could be the best solution for you.

Carnitine

This is a type of amino that plays a huge role in reducing free radicals formed in the body. It’s also an amino that supports energy production and is a perfect post-workout amino as it can help your muscles and body recover faster. Said in simple words, it can help the body process fat and produce energy faster.