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subject: What Are The Effects Of Stress On Glutamine In The Body? [print this page]


In the normal day to day situation the body can sufficiently cater for its own glutamine requirements. In doing so the body maintains a good balance between the tissues responsible for the formation of the glutamine and the tissues that require this amino acid. There is a reason why lots of body tissues require glutamine. This is simply because of the many roles that are accomplished by this amino acid. One of the key roles has to do with the regulation of ammonium in the tissues.

The ammonium can be toxic to the tissues if it is present in excess. This ammonium is used in the production of glutamine which is then supplied to the various tissues more so those that work in the immune system department. The glutamine is used as a source of fuel in this scenario. Another key role of glutamine in the body has to do with the management of protein synthesis. Do not forget that glutamine is also a powerful stimulus for the acceleration of anabolism. These are some of the various roles that have made glutamine one of the most important and versatile of amino acids used in the body.

There are various instances where bodily stresses undo the perfect balance that the body maintains in as far as glutamine is concerned. One of the main forms of these stresses is experienced when a bodybuilder has used heavy resistances in intense training. In this case the body elevates its requirements for glutamine and the supply that is maintained in the blood plasma fails to be sufficient. This triggers a reaction that causes the muscles to start releasing glutamine from their stocks and into the blood.

The very intense exercises are also responsible for a rise in the amount of toxic products including lactic acid. The body needs to get rid of these fast. For the body to be able to do this it triggers a reaction that will see the production of further amounts of glutamine from both the ammonia and glutamate. This reaction is so rapid that within a spell of five minutes of heavy workout the glutamine levels in the blood plasma are elevated.

The tissues that require glutamine are then enriched with this amino acid in sufficient amounts. The only drawback in this case is that as this happens, the muscles are losing their precious glutamine stocks.

Another effect of stress induced from intense workouts is the fact that there is an increased excretion of catabolic-effect hormones in the body. Such catabolic agents include the corticosteroids. These substances come with bad news for the muscles since the loss or depletion of glutamine is increased. The depletion of glutamine from the muscles in this scenario does not stop when the workout is halted. The effects are quite prolonged and will go on when even when the body stops demanding for increased glutamine supply. The net effect is that the muscles will be severely famished of glutamine and it is upon the athlete to replenish these sources.

by: Dane Fletcher




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