Glutamine or L-glutamine is an amino acid, which means it’s a building block used for creating proteins. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the blood and other biological fluids and is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid in the body. Glutamine has many roles, but it’s especially needed when the body is under some form of stress (trauma, toxins, or thoughts) and in need of healing, strengthening, and producing energy.
While it’s naturally produced in the body, requirements can exceed production when the body is under severe stress, as occurs with significant injuries, severe burns, or surgeries. In those cases, the body may begin breaking down proteins in the muscle to release more glutamine into the bloodstream.
That’s where supplementation may help. Some of the researched benefits of glutamine supplements are the following:
- Supporting immune health
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting the intestinal lining
- Enhancing exercise endurance
- Maintaining acid-base balance
- Speeding up wound healing
Glutamine is most famous for its role in gastrointestinal health. It plays a vital role in the integrity of the mucosal lining, reduces inflammation, and promotes intestinal cell growth. It’s the preferred fuel source of the intestinal cells and lymphocytes in the immune system.
It can also favorably alter the gut bacteria balance by lowering inflammation and encouraging the proliferation of beneficial strains. For example, it’s been shown to reduce the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes to closer to balance.
Finding a good, quality supplement that delivers what it promises on the label isn’t easy. To find our favorite recommendation, visit The Wellness Way store. 
Remember, the Swiss watch of the body’s systems is a delicate balance! For more information, to test your systemic functions, and to discover possible triggers, contact a Wellness Way clinic. We can help you understand how your body is functioning and the best ways to support it!
