Shelli Thompson's blog is dedicated to assisting others find their way to a healthy life style.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Amino Acids, How They Can Benefit You.

So What's the big deal about Amino Acids?  They are an excellent way of getting the body you want.  Not only that they can give you aditional energy during your work out, spare your muscles from being used as fuel and fight mental sluggishness.

You will realize faster improvements in muscle tone because BCAA's (branched chain amino acids) will encourage faster recovery times after weight lifting and heavy work outs. 

Let's look a little closer.

There are about 20 to 22 amino acids in all and they are involved in various processes in the body.  BCAA's refer to Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine collectively.  These are three of the eight essential amino acids that can be found in the human body.

During Exercise all three of these amino acids get depleted and that is what makes you tired during your work our and ready to "bag it early".  Where do you find the energy to keep going, because that is what you need.  Because our bodies will not be denied it will seek other sources of fuel, namely the muscle because it is readily available.  The only problem is that most people are trying to build muscle tissue, for a more toned and "buff" look.

So what's a person to do?

BCAA's that's what.  having some about 30 minutes prior to work out and just after will go a long ways in keeping your body from devouring the muscle you are trying to build.

Unlike other amino acids that you ingest these three amino acids are directly metabolized in your muscle.  This is great because it doesn't pass through the liver and is redily available as fuel for your work out.

These are some of the ways that BCAA's can help you.

If you are trying to build muscle tissue or just tone, they will help you get there quicker.
You will notice increased endurance
You will burn more fat and raise your metabolism
It will help to reduce cravings and stave off hunger
Noticable improvement in strength
BCAA's protect your muscle from being broken down and used as fuel during work out.

So now you want to know how much you should be taking.

This is the key.  You should have three doses a day.  One in the morning to get your body kick started and give it immediate fuel for the day about 3 to 5 grams as stated by experts.  Then again about 30 minutes before a work out and then again within 30 minutes after.  The thing to remember is that if you are working out regularly with weights and aerobic exercises it is not possible to over dose on BCAA's because they will be used in your body as fuel and to deliver the benefits listed above.

The great thing about BCAA's is that have come a long way and are now easier to ingest.  No longer do you have to choke down "horse pills" and tons of water.  Today you can even get it in gel and powder form

here are all eight Essential Amino Acids and what they do for you

Isoleucine:  Hemoglobin formation, muscle recovery, sugar level regulation, blood clot formation
Leucine:      Muscle recovery, regulation of blood sugar & hormones
Lysine:       helps triglycerides, antiviral, hormone production, bone growth, collagen formation.
Methionine:  assists in breaking down fats, antioxidant, aids production of creatine.
Phenylalanine:  Aids in depression (along with B-6), suppress appetite, gives a feeling of fullness
Valine:            Maintains nitrogen balance, muscle recovery
Tryptophan:  aids serotonin production
Threonine:  helps stabilize blood sugar, helps collagen production.

WARNINGS:
Although BCAA's are quite safe there are a few simple rules to follow if considering using them.
First of there is little known about BCAA's  effect during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, best to avoid their use during that time.  If you are facing surgery stop taking BCAA's 2 weeks prior to help with blood sugar regulation during that time.  If you are a chronic alcohol user or dring alcohol, avoid mixing with BCAA's.  If you are on medication for Diabetes check with your physician first also if you are taking Thyroid medication or being treated with corticosteroids for inflamation you should not take BCAA's.

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