Amino Acids

What are Amino Acids?

When you eat, the body breaks the food down into individual Amino Acids which are then rearranged into a combination that is usable by the body.

There are two types of Amino Acids - nonessential and essential. The essential ones can only be obtained from foods and the nonessential ones are manufactured by the body.

The list of essential Amino Acids includes:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

The nonessential ones are:

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic acid
• Cysteine
• Glutamic acid
• Glutamine
• Glycine
• Proline
• Serine
• Taurine
• Tyrosine

Why is it needed?

They do lots of things! They repair and maintain tendons, skin, ligaments, organs, glands, nails and hair. They also assist in the production of certain hormones, including insulin.

Amino Acids also have an affect upon body fluids, neurotransmitters and other enzymes which in turn trigger other bodily functions.

Where is it found?

In many foods.

What happens if you are deficient?

Deficiency would usually occur if you have a poor diet, especially if the diet is low in proteins.

There are emotional states that can affect amino acid balance, such as trauma and stress. Infections, medicines and chemical imbalances in the body also all have an effect.

Deficiencies show up in blood tests and supplements can be taken to adjust low levels.

What conditions has it been used to treat?

Primary:

• Treatment of heart disease, metabolism of fat.
• Lysine in the body produces something called carnitine which may help lower high levels of triglycerides. Carnitine also strengthens the heart and helps those who have recently suffered a heart attack.
• The nonessential amino acid, arginine, widens the blood vessels and thus lowers high blood pressure, easing the pains of angina and reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Taurine balances the body's sodium/potassium ratio thus lowering high blood pressure. Lysine is a most effective treatment for mouth ulcers, shingles and cold sores.

Secondary:

• The nonessential amino acid, glutamine, soothes the irritated digestive tract in those who have IBS or diverticulitis and it also helps to heal ulcers.
• Taurine may be of benefit to those who suffer with epilepsy as it boosts certain brain chemicals. It also helps those with diabetes as it assists with insulin absorption.
• Carnitine helps muscles burn fat for energy

Dosage 

Take Amino Acids first thing in the morning and last thing at night as they tend to work better on an empty stomach.

As you will need to take varying amounts for the various conditions these supplements treat, you will need to consult with a nutritionally qualified practitioner for the correct dosage.

Side Effects?