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- GlutamineGlutamine is the most abundant single amino acid in the blood and in the intracellular free amino acid pool (most abundant amino acid in muscle tissue). It comprises 61% of the amino acid pool in skeletal muscle. Glutamine�s unique structure, containing two nitrogen side chains, consists of 19% nitrogen – making it the primary transporter of nitrogen into the muscle cell. In fact, glutamine alone is responsible for 35% of the nitrogen that gets into the muscle cell. Glutamine literally drives muscle building nitrogen into the muscle cell where it is synthesized for growth.Enough can’t be said about the importance of glutamine and muscle metabolism. Research is showing an important link between stress and your body’s need for glutamine. The greater the stress (weight training) the more your body needs glutamine. If you don’t receive enough glutamine from your diet your body will steal it from the largest glutamine reservoir in your body – skeletal muscle tissue.So if you don’t satisfy your body’s glutamine demand either through the food you eat or from supplementation, it will ravage it from muscle tissue causing a loss of lean muscle mass.
One other unique quality glutamine exerts is its ability to dramatically increase circulating growth hormone levels.
A dose of just 2 grams has been shown to increase GH levels by 400%
I highly recommend supplementing with L-Glutamine 5 to 10 grams immediately after training, 2 grams before bed and 2 grams upon rising.
- GABAGABA is a unique supplement that caught my eye quite a few years ago while doing some research on Growth Hormone. This was definitely an accidental find, but what a find it was.GABA is classified as a neurotransmitter (A neurotransmitter is a substance that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse. A synapse is a region where nerve impulses are transmitted across axon terminals.)GABA�s high concentration in the hypothalamus suggests this amino acid plays a significant role in hypothalamic-pituitary function. The hypothalamus is a region of the posterior section of the brain and is the regulating center for visceral (instinctive) functions such as sleep cycles, body temperature, and the activity of the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland effecting all hormonal functions of the body. One primary hormone of concern to the athlete is growth hormone (GH) and its various hormonal constituents.
Studies show GABA has a prominent effect on growth hormone secretion.
A 5 gram dose of GABA has been shown to increase Growth Hormone levels by 550%
A 5 1/2 fold increase in GH is significant and can play noticeable role in lean tissue synthesis.
GABA also has a distinct calming effect and can help one sleep more soundly.
I recommend taking GABA at night only. 5 grams mixed in a small amount of orange juice before bed.
