Amino Acids That Every Bodybuilder Should Know About And Be Taking
If you’re looking to bulk up and build good quality muscle mass this season, you’ll obviously need to be taking your training extremely seriously indeed.
You need to be in the gym several times per week, you need to be training each body part at least once a week, and you need to ensure that your diet and nutrition are both right on the money.
Once you get all of those factors in check, you can then think about supplementation.
As far as bodybuilding supplements go, it has to be said that amino acids are hugely, hugely beneficial for a number of different reasons. Here’s a look at a few that every bodybuilder should seriously consider taking.
Glutamine
Glutamine is actually an amino acid that is produced naturally within the human body. It’s also the most common form of amino acid that is located within the muscles.
The reason that glutamine is so beneficial for bodybuilders is the fact that it can help to build muscle and aid in recovery because it can help with protein synthesis.
Protein synthesis is basically when the body creates new muscle proteins to replace damaged ones following a workout.
It’s also great for providing the muscle cells with slightly more energy than usual, allowing them to work that little bit harder in the gym, which can make all of the difference. It’s also very beneficial for the brain and other major organs and systems too.
Arginine
Arginine is another amino acid that offers numerous health benefits, making it a firm favourite amongst bodybuilders and people looking to stay fit and healthy.
Arginine is found in a number of high protein foods, including red meat, fish, and poultry. It helps the body to recover quicker following injury or an intense workout, which already makes it an instant hit.
It helps to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly, allowing them to filter waste from the body, and it is also beneficial for the heart as well.
BCAA’s
BCAA’s or Branched Chain Amino Acids are arguably the most common form of amino acid used by bodybuilders and they are basically made up of a combination of different amino acids in one.
The difference between BCAA’s and other amino acids is the fact that they are “essential amino acids” which basically means that our bodies cannot produce them naturally, so we have to get them from food, or supplement form instead.
They’re the building blocks of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of muscle tissue. BCAA’s help provide the muscles with energy, and help aid in recovery following a workout.
Carnitine
Carnitine is an amino acid that is naturally produced within the body, so it is described as “non-essential”. The main benefit associated with Carnitine is the fact that it helps the body to naturally produce more energy, which in itself is very beneficial as the more energy you have, the more productive your workouts will be.
It can also help to treat and prevent muscle disorders, as well as heart and circulatory conditions.
Cysteine
Cysteine is an amino acid that is hugely beneficial for the body, with some experts believing it could even help to prevent cancer.
It is an extremely healthy and beneficial amino acid due to the fact that it has been proven to help with liver function, kidney function, the immune system, the respiratory system, and much more on top of that.
Lysine
Lysine is another amino acid that cannot be naturally produced within the body, making it an “essential amino-acid” as a result.
One of the unique things about lysine is the fact that it is needed by the body to help produce carnitine. Lysine is great for bone health, strength and density as it helps the body to naturally absorb higher levels of the mineral, calcium, which is hugely beneficial for the bones.
Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB)
HMB is actually a chemical that is produced naturally within the body, when the body breaks down the amino acid Leucine.
HMB is used in a number of medicines, particularly those involving muscular disorders and it has been found to help reduce the amount of muscle breakdown in people suffering from the aids virus. It is thought to help strengthen and to help promote muscle repair and growth, and to slow the effects of muscle wastage and breakdown.
It is also beneficial for the heart and circulatory systems too.
Methionine
This amino acid is commonly found in meat and seafood and plays a very important role in a number of cellular functions within the body.
It can help to improve natural endorphins to increase mood so can help to boost happiness and self-confidence levels, making it great for treating depression.
The main benefit however, is that it can help to prevent damage to the liver and can help to boost the way that the body naturally heals itself following injury or intense and physically demanding workouts.