You may have heard the phrase, "You are what you eat." But it's more accurate to say, "You are what you digest."
Without proper digestion, your body can't use nutrients in the food you eat. That in, turn, can interfere with your efforts to enjoy peak health.
What's more, relieving symptoms of digestive discomfort, such as gas and bloating, without addressing underlying issues is not enough.
The best approach is to help support the digestive system's delicate lining, and evidence suggests that the amino acid glutamine may play a significant role in such support.*
Glutamine and the Digestive System
The membrane that lines the intestinal tract (known as the intestinal mucosa) serves as a traffic cop, letting nutrients into the bloodstream while keeping everything else out.
That process can be disrupted; when that happens, substances such as bacteria and partially digested proteins can enter the blood.
Glutamine (also called L-glutamine), one of the protein building blocks known as amino acids, appears to promote digestive health in several ways.
It is the preferred fuel source of the cells that line the small intestine, where most nutrient absorption takes place. It is used to synthesize glutathione, a key antioxidant, and to help clear ammonia, a toxin that can throw off the body's acid-base balance.
Other Nutrients That Work with Glutamine
As important as glutamine is to intestinal health, it works best in combination with other nutrients.
These include calcium, which helps buffer acidity, and antioxidants such as selenium and vitamins C and E, which fight free radicals. Whole-food concentrates along with live enzymes also help support digestive well-being.*
What's more, beneficial microbes that normally inhabit the intestinal tract, known as probiotics, help turn dietary fat into fatty acids needed for a healthy mucosa; they are aided by a special class of fibers known as prebiotics.
Remember, good health starts with proper digestion. A glutamine-based supplement may help.*
The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.
The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
